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LUCKY ENERGY DRINK LAUNCHES 'ATHLETES' AD

Lucky Energy drink launches its new ad campaign, 'Athletes,' which takes aim at society's unrelatable, hyper depiction of athletic success and the pressures faced to achieve excellence. In 'Athletes,' the brand champions everyday amateur sports aficionados—the fans who do it simply for the love of the game—reminding them that Lucky Energy is there to fuel their athletic prowess. Developed by Lucky Energy's in-house creative team, 'Athletes' will live on Connected TV, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The campaign can be viewed Lucky Energy 'Athlete' Campaign Video "With 'Athletes,' we recognize the person who belly-flops into the pool while diving, misses the uncontested dunk, and falls off the balance beam. Everyday athletes are rarely celebrated, especially in the energy/sports drinks category, so we felt it necessary to spotlight them. While we admire and revere professional athletes [with reason], we can't forget about the billions of other sports enthusiasts whose names we don't know, who aren't splashed on posters on our walls, who do it for the love of the game - like the talent in our ad, Jonathan L Clark IV. You may not expect it, but he's a triple threat - he's a high school teacher, coach, and world-class dunker. Clark, along with athletes around the globe, stumbles, falls and needs the energy to get back up and keep going. It's a relatable sentiment that we feel hits with real people who may not always be the best, but they go hard," says Hamid Saify, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucky Energy. "We are a cleaner, inclusive energy drink company determined to power everyone's athletic efforts." Richard Laver founded Lucky Energy after experiencing tragic lows and dizzying heights; he launched the company to inspire people to persevere and keep going as he learned to do. He's the youngest survivor of the 191 flight that killed his father and 136 others. After surviving the crash at just 12 years old, he suffered from depression and was homeless by 27. He eventually found the love of his life, Michelle, but during the premature birth of their first child, Kate, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and would need a feeding tube for nourishment. Through a medley of medical complications, he founded Kate Farms (now the #1 recommended plant-based tube-feeding formula) to save her life. In thinking about his next chapter, Laver landed on creating a cleaner alternative to the energy drinks on the market. To learn more about 'Athletes', visit www.luckybevco.com and follow @luckyfckenergy on social media. For press inquiries, please get in touch with Richard Laver. The brand creates high-quality products to motivate people to keep going. The product line features five flavors—with 5 super ingredients, including maca and beta-alanine, 0 sugar, 0 aftertaste, and only 5 calories. Products are available on Amazon. For more information, visit

business,lifestyle

LUCKY ENERGY DRINK LAUNCHES 'ATHLETES' AD. Lucky Energy drink launches its new ad campaign, 'Athletes,' which takes aim at society's unrelatable, hyper depiction of athletic success and the pressures faced to achieve excellence. In 'Athletes,' the brand champions everyday amateur sports aficionados—the fans who do it simply for the love of the game—reminding them that Lucky Energy is there to fuel their athletic prowess. Developed by Lucky Energy's in-house creative team, 'Athletes' will live on Connected TV, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The campaign can be viewed Lucky Energy 'Athlete' Campaign Video "With 'Athletes,' we recognize the person who belly-flops into the pool while diving, misses the uncontested dunk, and falls off the balance beam. Everyday athletes are rarely celebrated, especially in the energy/sports drinks category, so we felt it necessary to spotlight them. While we admire and revere professional athletes [with reason], we can't forget about the billions of other sports enthusiasts whose names we don't know, who aren't splashed on posters on our walls, who do it for the love of the game - like the talent in our ad, Jonathan L Clark IV. You may not expect it, but he's a triple threat - he's a high school teacher, coach, and world-class dunker. Clark, along with athletes around the globe, stumbles, falls and needs the energy to get back up and keep going. It's a relatable sentiment that we feel hits with real people who may not always be the best, but they go hard," says Hamid Saify, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucky Energy. "We are a cleaner, inclusive energy drink company determined to power everyone's athletic efforts." Richard Laver founded Lucky Energy after experiencing tragic lows and dizzying heights; he launched the company to inspire people to persevere and keep going as he learned to do. He's the youngest survivor of the 191 flight that killed his father and 136 others. After surviving the crash at just 12 years old, he suffered from depression and was homeless by 27. He eventually found the love of his life, Michelle, but during the premature birth of their first child, Kate, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and would need a feeding tube for nourishment. Through a medley of medical complications, he founded Kate Farms (now the #1 recommended plant-based tube-feeding formula) to save her life. In thinking about his next chapter, Laver landed on creating a cleaner alternative to the energy drinks on the market. To learn more about 'Athletes', visit www.luckybevco.com and follow @luckyfckenergy on social media. For press inquiries, please get in touch with Richard Laver. The brand creates high-quality products to motivate people to keep going. The product line features five flavors—with 5 super ingredients, including maca and beta-alanine, 0 sugar, 0 aftertaste, and only 5 calories. Products are available on Amazon. For more information, visit

Boeing Might Need To Pay Up To $235 Million For Taking Zunum Electric Aircraft Tech

Zunum Aero won a lawsuit against Boeing for the latter stealing technology, being awarded around $72 million, with the sum potentially increasing to $235 million. The startup alleged that Boeing had stolen its technology that it obtained from confidential documents it had shared with the plane maker, which invested in the startup. However, Zunum Aero ran out of cash in November 2018, laying off virtually all of its employees. Zunum Aero, a Seattle, United States-based startup that had laid off all of its staff in November 2018 due to cash shortages, has won a lawsuit against Boeing, with the jury ruling on the case that the aircraft manufacturer stole the startup's technology, potentially forcing Boeing to pay the now-dormant startup company. Driving out of business According to a report by Reuters, the jury, ruling in the case filed with the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, concluded that Boeing had stolen Zunum Aero's trade secrets, awarding the company around $72 million. A report by The Seattle Times added that the District's Judge, James Robart, could increase the sum to $235 million, a decision that Robart holds solely in his hands. Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock The lawsuit dates back to November 2020, when Zunum Aero alleged that Boeing and other defendants, including France-based Safran and the two companies' subsidiaries, stole aircraft technology from the startup while giving out false promises that they would invest in the now-bankrupt company. The factual background provided by the lawsuit's text read that Zunum Aero, which was founded in 2013, operated in "stealth mode" for four years to protect its advantage against competitors as it was developing the first hybrid-electric and all-electric regional aircraft for commercial service. IATA's Willie Walsh Explains Why There Is No Stopping Airline Industry Growth Walsh says outside of Europe, the airline industry is set to continue growing. Seeking outside funding Following the four years of operations in "stealth mode," the company began seeking outside funding, cautiously approaching major aerospace companies to explore potential partnerships, which included Boeing. The lawsuit alleged Boeing's quick interest in the company, followed by an extensive due diligence process to, "[…] evaluate Zunum's concepts, technologies, and business plans […] granted access to extensive details of Zunum's business plans; go-to-market strategy; patent pending aircraft and propulsion technologies; and development, production, and certification plans." The latter included confidential documents, such as technical reports, business plans, and provisional patent applications. Eventually, Boeing invested $5 million into the startup, granting the company the right to appoint members onto Zunum Aero's board of directors and advisory board. Photo: testing | Shutterstock Shortly after this development, the lawsuit alleged that Safran became interested in partnering with the startup. However, in November 2017, Zunum Aero learned that Boeing had been developing its own hybrid-electric aircraft that mimicked the former company's aircraft and that the plane maker was also working with Safran to develop the propulsion system for Boeing's aircraft. Zunum Aero alleged that Boeing and Safran filed patents for hybrid-electric propulsion technology that was "directly inspired" by the information found in the confidential documents that Boeing had access to. As a result, the "investorship" raised issues for Zunum Aero and its operations. In a statement to Simple Flying, Boeing said that, "Boeing respectfully disagrees with the jury's verdict, which is not supported by the law or the facts. Boeing will pursue all available challenges to the judgment." Forbes reported that as of November 2018, Zunum Aero had run out of cash, forcing its two co-founders, Ashish Kumar, the then-chief executive officer (CEO), and Matt Knapp, also the then-chief technology officer (CTO), to lay off its employees and suspend operations. Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying This included Boeing and JetBlue, another high-profile name that had invested in the startup, refusing to fund the company further. In October 2018, Safran and Zunum Aero announced their partnership, which materialized in the former providing the latter with its Ardiden 3Z engine, which would have been used as a hybrid power source for the then-developed Zunum Aero aircraft.

aerospace

Boeing Might Need To Pay Up To $235 Million For Taking Zunum Electric Aircraft Tech. Zunum Aero won a lawsuit against Boeing for the latter stealing technology, being awarded around $72 million, with the sum potentially increasing to $235 million. The startup alleged that Boeing had stolen its technology that it obtained from confidential documents it had shared with the plane maker, which invested in the startup. However, Zunum Aero ran out of cash in November 2018, laying off virtually all of its employees. Zunum Aero, a Seattle, United States-based startup that had laid off all of its staff in November 2018 due to cash shortages, has won a lawsuit against Boeing, with the jury ruling on the case that the aircraft manufacturer stole the startup's technology, potentially forcing Boeing to pay the now-dormant startup company. Driving out of business According to a report by Reuters, the jury, ruling in the case filed with the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, concluded that Boeing had stolen Zunum Aero's trade secrets, awarding the company around $72 million. A report by The Seattle Times added that the District's Judge, James Robart, could increase the sum to $235 million, a decision that Robart holds solely in his hands. Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock The lawsuit dates back to November 2020, when Zunum Aero alleged that Boeing and other defendants, including France-based Safran and the two companies' subsidiaries, stole aircraft technology from the startup while giving out false promises that they would invest in the now-bankrupt company. The factual background provided by the lawsuit's text read that Zunum Aero, which was founded in 2013, operated in "stealth mode" for four years to protect its advantage against competitors as it was developing the first hybrid-electric and all-electric regional aircraft for commercial service. IATA's Willie Walsh Explains Why There Is No Stopping Airline Industry Growth Walsh says outside of Europe, the airline industry is set to continue growing. Seeking outside funding Following the four years of operations in "stealth mode," the company began seeking outside funding, cautiously approaching major aerospace companies to explore potential partnerships, which included Boeing. The lawsuit alleged Boeing's quick interest in the company, followed by an extensive due diligence process to, "[…] evaluate Zunum's concepts, technologies, and business plans […] granted access to extensive details of Zunum's business plans; go-to-market strategy; patent pending aircraft and propulsion technologies; and development, production, and certification plans." The latter included confidential documents, such as technical reports, business plans, and provisional patent applications. Eventually, Boeing invested $5 million into the startup, granting the company the right to appoint members onto Zunum Aero's board of directors and advisory board. Photo: testing | Shutterstock Shortly after this development, the lawsuit alleged that Safran became interested in partnering with the startup. However, in November 2017, Zunum Aero learned that Boeing had been developing its own hybrid-electric aircraft that mimicked the former company's aircraft and that the plane maker was also working with Safran to develop the propulsion system for Boeing's aircraft. Zunum Aero alleged that Boeing and Safran filed patents for hybrid-electric propulsion technology that was "directly inspired" by the information found in the confidential documents that Boeing had access to. As a result, the "investorship" raised issues for Zunum Aero and its operations. In a statement to Simple Flying, Boeing said that, "Boeing respectfully disagrees with the jury's verdict, which is not supported by the law or the facts. Boeing will pursue all available challenges to the judgment." Forbes reported that as of November 2018, Zunum Aero had run out of cash, forcing its two co-founders, Ashish Kumar, the then-chief executive officer (CEO), and Matt Knapp, also the then-chief technology officer (CTO), to lay off its employees and suspend operations. Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying This included Boeing and JetBlue, another high-profile name that had invested in the startup, refusing to fund the company further. In October 2018, Safran and Zunum Aero announced their partnership, which materialized in the former providing the latter with its Ardiden 3Z engine, which would have been used as a hybrid power source for the then-developed Zunum Aero aircraft.

To remain relevant to young Muslims, mosques must become more inclusive spaces for women

I was widowed at a fairly young age, and as a Muslim woman and single mother it was my responsibility to take my children — a son and a daughter — to the mosque on Fridays, to find solace and to pray. However, each time I was forced to be separated from my son. He would go to the larger men’s prayer hall, while my daughter and I went to the separate women’s section. He was a child, and I had no way of knowing how or where he was until the prayer was over. In the throngs of men exiting the prayer hall I would search for him. The stress and anxiety of being separated from him ultimately led me to stop going with them to the mosque for a period of time. I’ve spent over half of my life studying the place and space of women in mosque architecture. My book, Beyond the Divide A Century of Canadian Mosque Design , documents 90 mosques across Canada and the spaces for women within them. Women in mosques The mosques I grew up using in Canada were very different from the historical ones, and the Grand Mosque in Mecca, that I visited as a young scholar. In the few Canadian mosques of my youth, the space for women was always a surprise and in constant flux: a side room, a basement, a backroom — always with a low ceiling, always with substandard finishes. Yet, in the historical mosques I visited in Cairo, Istanbul, Tunis, Córdoba and elsewhere, I stepped into vast and full spaces where I could see it all, including the mihrab , the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca. If spaces were designated for women in these historical mosques, it was usually with makeshift and new materials: clearly more modern additions to centuries-old buildings that originally welcomed both genders without bifurcated spaces. In Mecca, during my pilgrimage, I prayed and performed the rituals as Muslims have for over 1,400 years, without gender divisions. That disconnect between the historical and modern was real and confusing. In the modern spaces where I should have found community, I found that I was architecturally subjugated. When reading the Qur'an, men and women are called to bow before God in spaces of prostration . Not once does the Qur'an prescribe an architecturally separated space for women. In secondary sources, the Hadith , scholars over the centuries interpreted the actions of the Prophet Muhammed: there are examples of the Prophet asking men to lower their gaze , to arrange mixed gender groups in a certain way or to even shorten prayers to alleviate the discomfort of mothers tending to children . The idea suggesting it is better for women to pray at home only came along late in the 13th century, as a cultural interpretation by Muslim jurist Ibn Jawzi — not a religious order. For the first millennium of the Islamic faith, mosques were constructed without gender separation. Ample historical texts document the presence of women scholars learning and teaching in mosque spaces. In fact, the popularization of specifically designed separate women’s spaces in mosques only began in the Ottoman era. In the 15th century, with the conquering of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the 1,000-year-old Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Hagia Sophia , like many other Byzantine churches had distinctive separate spaces for women to pray in — including the balcony, or gynaeceum ; an element that was not carried over in subsequent eras of church design. Ottoman mosques post-Hagia Sophia were constructed using many Byzantine elements, including the dome most associated with mosques today. Among these elements, was also the separate balcony space of some proportion or size reserved for women. Mosques in Canada Over the course of my research, I’ve travelled to and examined 90 mosques in 53 cities across Canada — from Victoria to St. John’s to Inuvik and Iqaluit. I interviewed mosque patrons, board members and designers. I photographed each mosque space (exterior and interior), created architectural drawings (with my research assistants) that noted gender demarcation and learned the history of each space. In most mosques I was welcomed wholeheartedly. In others, I was met with trepidation or doubt. Overall, my academic credentials neutralized my gender and “allowed” me access to male spaces. Meanwhile my gender allowed me entry and use of women’s spaces that are almost never discussed or analyzed in architecture texts. Women’s spaces in Canadian mosques range from having a full view of the main prayer hall, to some view to none. In the mosques I studied , only around 15 per cent afforded women a full view of the main space, just under 40 per cent some view and the remaining 46 per cent afforded women no view at all. Women in Canada ( and many other parts of the world ) frequently enter mosques unsure of what kind of space awaits them. Will there be reasonable room to pray? Will the space be well-lit and maintained? These questions limit inclusion and pose a serious social and architectural problem. Architects and designers may hesitate to question a mosque design brief given to them from fear of being insensitive, but accepting a brief to design spaces that treat members of the community unequally is a problem and requires professional critique. If an architect was asked to design a gym or library where women could only access a quarter of the space with poorer quality furnishings, would the architect not question this? Building codes regulate the baseline of expectations for spaces, however none exist regarding the gendering of sacred spaces — thus the extreme range is possible: from minuscule and poor allocation to unbarred equal space. Architects and communities, in dialogue, must understand what the impact of architectural decisions are. Mosques with walls, barriers and separated entrances all send a clear message to Muslim women: these spaces are not designed to include us. For mosques to remain spaces that are relevant and important to younger generations, they must adapt and learn from the historical non-gendered norms. Attendance and participation cannot be sustained under such conditions — especially by younger people who find themselves equal everywhere else but the mosque. Mosques without gender separation have more engagement from all members of the community. These mosques function like community hubs and are active throughout the week for a wide range of community activities. In early 2023, I was asked to join as an architecture of Islam design consultant on a large mosque and school project in Edmonton. The school and mosque will accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 people. The community has been positively engaged in the design process, with students, teachers, parents and others who will use the mosque sharing their input on the project: one designed without gender division and with consideration for a range of issues relevant to the community and area. Instead of searching for our children on the other side of an impenetrable wall, we can start creating the kinds of mosques where all are welcome and wish to return. Tammy Gaber received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

canada,lifestyle

To remain relevant to young Muslims, mosques must become more inclusive spaces for women. I was widowed at a fairly young age, and as a Muslim woman and single mother it was my responsibility to take my children — a son and a daughter — to the mosque on Fridays, to find solace and to pray. However, each time I was forced to be separated from my son. He would go to the larger men’s prayer hall, while my daughter and I went to the separate women’s section. He was a child, and I had no way of knowing how or where he was until the prayer was over. In the throngs of men exiting the prayer hall I would search for him. The stress and anxiety of being separated from him ultimately led me to stop going with them to the mosque for a period of time. I’ve spent over half of my life studying the place and space of women in mosque architecture. My book, Beyond the Divide A Century of Canadian Mosque Design , documents 90 mosques across Canada and the spaces for women within them. Women in mosques The mosques I grew up using in Canada were very different from the historical ones, and the Grand Mosque in Mecca, that I visited as a young scholar. In the few Canadian mosques of my youth, the space for women was always a surprise and in constant flux: a side room, a basement, a backroom — always with a low ceiling, always with substandard finishes. Yet, in the historical mosques I visited in Cairo, Istanbul, Tunis, Córdoba and elsewhere, I stepped into vast and full spaces where I could see it all, including the mihrab , the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca. If spaces were designated for women in these historical mosques, it was usually with makeshift and new materials: clearly more modern additions to centuries-old buildings that originally welcomed both genders without bifurcated spaces. In Mecca, during my pilgrimage, I prayed and performed the rituals as Muslims have for over 1,400 years, without gender divisions. That disconnect between the historical and modern was real and confusing. In the modern spaces where I should have found community, I found that I was architecturally subjugated. When reading the Qur'an, men and women are called to bow before God in spaces of prostration . Not once does the Qur'an prescribe an architecturally separated space for women. In secondary sources, the Hadith , scholars over the centuries interpreted the actions of the Prophet Muhammed: there are examples of the Prophet asking men to lower their gaze , to arrange mixed gender groups in a certain way or to even shorten prayers to alleviate the discomfort of mothers tending to children . The idea suggesting it is better for women to pray at home only came along late in the 13th century, as a cultural interpretation by Muslim jurist Ibn Jawzi — not a religious order. For the first millennium of the Islamic faith, mosques were constructed without gender separation. Ample historical texts document the presence of women scholars learning and teaching in mosque spaces. In fact, the popularization of specifically designed separate women’s spaces in mosques only began in the Ottoman era. In the 15th century, with the conquering of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the 1,000-year-old Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Hagia Sophia , like many other Byzantine churches had distinctive separate spaces for women to pray in — including the balcony, or gynaeceum ; an element that was not carried over in subsequent eras of church design. Ottoman mosques post-Hagia Sophia were constructed using many Byzantine elements, including the dome most associated with mosques today. Among these elements, was also the separate balcony space of some proportion or size reserved for women. Mosques in Canada Over the course of my research, I’ve travelled to and examined 90 mosques in 53 cities across Canada — from Victoria to St. John’s to Inuvik and Iqaluit. I interviewed mosque patrons, board members and designers. I photographed each mosque space (exterior and interior), created architectural drawings (with my research assistants) that noted gender demarcation and learned the history of each space. In most mosques I was welcomed wholeheartedly. In others, I was met with trepidation or doubt. Overall, my academic credentials neutralized my gender and “allowed” me access to male spaces. Meanwhile my gender allowed me entry and use of women’s spaces that are almost never discussed or analyzed in architecture texts. Women’s spaces in Canadian mosques range from having a full view of the main prayer hall, to some view to none. In the mosques I studied , only around 15 per cent afforded women a full view of the main space, just under 40 per cent some view and the remaining 46 per cent afforded women no view at all. Women in Canada ( and many other parts of the world ) frequently enter mosques unsure of what kind of space awaits them. Will there be reasonable room to pray? Will the space be well-lit and maintained? These questions limit inclusion and pose a serious social and architectural problem. Architects and designers may hesitate to question a mosque design brief given to them from fear of being insensitive, but accepting a brief to design spaces that treat members of the community unequally is a problem and requires professional critique. If an architect was asked to design a gym or library where women could only access a quarter of the space with poorer quality furnishings, would the architect not question this? Building codes regulate the baseline of expectations for spaces, however none exist regarding the gendering of sacred spaces — thus the extreme range is possible: from minuscule and poor allocation to unbarred equal space. Architects and communities, in dialogue, must understand what the impact of architectural decisions are. Mosques with walls, barriers and separated entrances all send a clear message to Muslim women: these spaces are not designed to include us. For mosques to remain spaces that are relevant and important to younger generations, they must adapt and learn from the historical non-gendered norms. Attendance and participation cannot be sustained under such conditions — especially by younger people who find themselves equal everywhere else but the mosque. Mosques without gender separation have more engagement from all members of the community. These mosques function like community hubs and are active throughout the week for a wide range of community activities. In early 2023, I was asked to join as an architecture of Islam design consultant on a large mosque and school project in Edmonton. The school and mosque will accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 people. The community has been positively engaged in the design process, with students, teachers, parents and others who will use the mosque sharing their input on the project: one designed without gender division and with consideration for a range of issues relevant to the community and area. Instead of searching for our children on the other side of an impenetrable wall, we can start creating the kinds of mosques where all are welcome and wish to return. Tammy Gaber received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Iran's rare runoff presidential election sees historically low voter turnout

Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander sits down with Fox News Digital to discuss terrorism, Niger, Russia, China, and Iran in Africa U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley Commander, U.S. Africa Command is in Botswana for the African Chiefs of Defense Conference co-hosted by the Botswana Defence Force and AFRICOM. Iran is facing a runoff election with historically low voter turnout of 39.9% amid economic hardship and social unrest. More than 1 million ballots have been rejected across the Middle Eastern country. The runoff features Saeed Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator, and Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist heart surgeon. Over 20 years ago, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stood before a crowd at Friday prayers to denounce the United States for its disenchanted electorate. "It is disgraceful for a nation to have a 35% or 40% voter turnout, as happens in some of the nations that you see having presidential elections," Khamenei said in 2001. "It is obvious that their people do not trust their political system, that they do not care about it and that they have no hope." Iran now faces what the ayatollah described. IRAN INCREASES URANIUM ENRICHED TO NEAR WEAPONS-GRADE LEVELS, SEEKS TO HAVE SANCTIONS LIFTED: WATCHDOG Iran will hold a runoff presidential election Friday, only its second since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, after only 39.9% of its voting public cast a ballot the previous week. Of over 24.5 million votes, more than 1 million ballots were later rejected — typically a sign of people feeling obligated to head to the polls but wanting to reject all the candidates. Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator, speaks to a group of athlete supporters during a campaign stop at a sports hall in Tehran, Iran, on June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Meanwhile, public rage simmers after years of Iran's economy cratering to new lows, along with bloody crackdowns on dissent, including over the mass protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini after her detention by the country's morality police allegedly over not wearing her headscarf to their liking. Tensions with the West remain high as Iran enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. Now, hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili faces the reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon who likely needs a widespread turnout to win the presidency. Pezeshkian's supporters warn of dark days ahead under Jalili. Meanwhile, many people are unconvinced that their vote even matters. "I did not vote and I will not, since nobody apologized because of Mahsa and later miseries that young people face, neither the reformists nor the hard-liners," said Leila Seyyedi, a 23-year-old university student studying graphic design. 'BUTCHER OF TEHRAN' DEAD BUT RAISI'S LEGACY CONTINUES AS IRAN APPOINTS ACTING PRESIDENT Iranian election law requires a candidate to get over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. In results released Saturday, Pezeshkian got 10.4 million votes while Jalili received 9.4 million. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf came in third with 3.3 million, while Shiite cleric Mostafa Pourmohammadi had over 206,000. Most voters for Qalibaf, a former general in Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and national police chief known for his crackdowns against students and for corruption allegations, likely will break for Jalili after Qalibaf endorsed him, analysts say. That has put Jalili, a 58-year-old known as the "Living Martyr" for losing a leg in the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, in the lead position for the runoff. But his recalcitrant reputation among Western diplomats during negotiations over Iran's nuclear program is paired with concern at home over his views. One politician who has aligned himself with the moderates, former Iranian Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, put the choice between Jalili and Pezeshkian more starkly. "We will not let Iran fall into the hands of the Taliban," he wrote on social platform X. Iranian presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian and his supporters flash the victory sign during a campaign stop in Tehran, Iran, on June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) But even such dark warnings seemingly failed to have an effect. On the streets of Tehran after the June 28 vote, many told The Associated Press they didn't care about the election. "I did not vote, as former presidents failed to realize their promises," said Ahmad Taheri, a 27-year-old psychology student. "I will not vote this coming Friday either." Mohammad Ali Robati, a 43-year-old electronic engineer and a father of two, said Iranian officials' apparent indifference to people's economic pressures caused him not to vote. "After years of economic difficulties, I have no interest in politics," Robati said, though he held out the possibility of voting Friday. In this photo made available by Iranian state-run TV, IRIB, Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili, left, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator, and reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian greet one another at the conclusion of a debate at the TV studio in Tehran, Iran, on June 1, 2024. (Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB via AP) At the time of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the exchange rate for Iran's currency was 32,000 rials to $1. Today, it's 617,000 rials to $1 — and many have found the value of their bank accounts, retirement funds and other holdings gouged by years of depreciation. It's nearing its record low of 700,000 rials, briefly reached after Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April. Meanwhile, anger over Amini's death in September 2022 persists. Her death, in which United Nations investigators said Iran's government was responsible for the "physical violence" that led to it, sparked months of protests and a security crackdown that killed more than 500 people and saw over 22,000 detained. Less than two years later, hard-liners within Iran's theocracy have pressed forward with a renewed hijab crackdown. "The voter participation levels and blank ballots represented a repudiation of regime policies, particularly its crackdown on critics and women who refuse to comply with laws requiring full head covering," the New York-based Soufan Center think tank said in an analysis Monday. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Pezeshkian has written on X that his government would resist the police enforcement of the hijab along with restrictions on the internet. However, Tahereh Namazi, a 31-year-old mathematics teacher, said she didn't vote because neither candidate made a clear pledge on those issues. Those who didn't vote and spoke to the AP described their decision as their own, not part of an organized boycott. Whether voters heed Pezeshkian on Friday remains in question. In recent days, he has repeatedly cited the story of the "selfless farmer," a tale told to nearly every Iranian child at school about a farmer in 1961 who stripped off his own shirt and set it ablaze to warn a train about boulders blocking the tracks.

world

Iran's rare runoff presidential election sees historically low voter turnout. Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander sits down with Fox News Digital to discuss terrorism, Niger, Russia, China, and Iran in Africa U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley Commander, U.S. Africa Command is in Botswana for the African Chiefs of Defense Conference co-hosted by the Botswana Defence Force and AFRICOM. Iran is facing a runoff election with historically low voter turnout of 39.9% amid economic hardship and social unrest. More than 1 million ballots have been rejected across the Middle Eastern country. The runoff features Saeed Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator, and Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist heart surgeon. Over 20 years ago, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stood before a crowd at Friday prayers to denounce the United States for its disenchanted electorate. "It is disgraceful for a nation to have a 35% or 40% voter turnout, as happens in some of the nations that you see having presidential elections," Khamenei said in 2001. "It is obvious that their people do not trust their political system, that they do not care about it and that they have no hope." Iran now faces what the ayatollah described. IRAN INCREASES URANIUM ENRICHED TO NEAR WEAPONS-GRADE LEVELS, SEEKS TO HAVE SANCTIONS LIFTED: WATCHDOG Iran will hold a runoff presidential election Friday, only its second since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, after only 39.9% of its voting public cast a ballot the previous week. Of over 24.5 million votes, more than 1 million ballots were later rejected — typically a sign of people feeling obligated to head to the polls but wanting to reject all the candidates. Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator, speaks to a group of athlete supporters during a campaign stop at a sports hall in Tehran, Iran, on June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Meanwhile, public rage simmers after years of Iran's economy cratering to new lows, along with bloody crackdowns on dissent, including over the mass protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini after her detention by the country's morality police allegedly over not wearing her headscarf to their liking. Tensions with the West remain high as Iran enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. Now, hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili faces the reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon who likely needs a widespread turnout to win the presidency. Pezeshkian's supporters warn of dark days ahead under Jalili. Meanwhile, many people are unconvinced that their vote even matters. "I did not vote and I will not, since nobody apologized because of Mahsa and later miseries that young people face, neither the reformists nor the hard-liners," said Leila Seyyedi, a 23-year-old university student studying graphic design. 'BUTCHER OF TEHRAN' DEAD BUT RAISI'S LEGACY CONTINUES AS IRAN APPOINTS ACTING PRESIDENT Iranian election law requires a candidate to get over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. In results released Saturday, Pezeshkian got 10.4 million votes while Jalili received 9.4 million. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf came in third with 3.3 million, while Shiite cleric Mostafa Pourmohammadi had over 206,000. Most voters for Qalibaf, a former general in Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and national police chief known for his crackdowns against students and for corruption allegations, likely will break for Jalili after Qalibaf endorsed him, analysts say. That has put Jalili, a 58-year-old known as the "Living Martyr" for losing a leg in the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, in the lead position for the runoff. But his recalcitrant reputation among Western diplomats during negotiations over Iran's nuclear program is paired with concern at home over his views. One politician who has aligned himself with the moderates, former Iranian Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, put the choice between Jalili and Pezeshkian more starkly. "We will not let Iran fall into the hands of the Taliban," he wrote on social platform X. Iranian presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian and his supporters flash the victory sign during a campaign stop in Tehran, Iran, on June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) But even such dark warnings seemingly failed to have an effect. On the streets of Tehran after the June 28 vote, many told The Associated Press they didn't care about the election. "I did not vote, as former presidents failed to realize their promises," said Ahmad Taheri, a 27-year-old psychology student. "I will not vote this coming Friday either." Mohammad Ali Robati, a 43-year-old electronic engineer and a father of two, said Iranian officials' apparent indifference to people's economic pressures caused him not to vote. "After years of economic difficulties, I have no interest in politics," Robati said, though he held out the possibility of voting Friday. In this photo made available by Iranian state-run TV, IRIB, Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili, left, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator, and reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian greet one another at the conclusion of a debate at the TV studio in Tehran, Iran, on June 1, 2024. (Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB via AP) At the time of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the exchange rate for Iran's currency was 32,000 rials to $1. Today, it's 617,000 rials to $1 — and many have found the value of their bank accounts, retirement funds and other holdings gouged by years of depreciation. It's nearing its record low of 700,000 rials, briefly reached after Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April. Meanwhile, anger over Amini's death in September 2022 persists. Her death, in which United Nations investigators said Iran's government was responsible for the "physical violence" that led to it, sparked months of protests and a security crackdown that killed more than 500 people and saw over 22,000 detained. Less than two years later, hard-liners within Iran's theocracy have pressed forward with a renewed hijab crackdown. "The voter participation levels and blank ballots represented a repudiation of regime policies, particularly its crackdown on critics and women who refuse to comply with laws requiring full head covering," the New York-based Soufan Center think tank said in an analysis Monday. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Pezeshkian has written on X that his government would resist the police enforcement of the hijab along with restrictions on the internet. However, Tahereh Namazi, a 31-year-old mathematics teacher, said she didn't vote because neither candidate made a clear pledge on those issues. Those who didn't vote and spoke to the AP described their decision as their own, not part of an organized boycott. Whether voters heed Pezeshkian on Friday remains in question. In recent days, he has repeatedly cited the story of the "selfless farmer," a tale told to nearly every Iranian child at school about a farmer in 1961 who stripped off his own shirt and set it ablaze to warn a train about boulders blocking the tracks.

Russia poses as peacemaker, stepping up attacks on Ukraine’s east

Russia has sought to paint itself as a peacemaker in the war it started in Ukraine, calling NATO and Ukraine warmongers and storming out of the Organization for Security and Co-pperation in Europe (OSCE). Russia formally withdrew the country's delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on Wednesday, after citing "discriminatory approaches, double standards and total Russophobia". Keep reading At least 12 killed during spate of Russian attacks on Ukraine end of list The last straw, it said, was Romania's refusal to grant the Russian delegation visas to attend the OSCE's annual session in Bucharest this week. The diplomatic posture appeared designed to push back against Ukraine's peace conference in Switzerland last month, part of a global diplomatic process in which Ukraine has tried to win countries over to its view of how the war should end. Respecting Ukraine's "territorial integrity" is key to that view, and was part of a statement at the end of the conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy followed up on the Swiss conference last Friday when he said his government was working on finalising aspects of a comprehensive peace (Al Jazeera) "We are currently working on three detailed plans in energy, food security and [prisoner] exchanges," Zelenskyy said during a live broadcast of a Ukrainian telethon, naming the three themes on which the Switzerland summit reached the greatest consensus. On Wednesday, Ukraine said it would submit a draft resolution on nuclear safety to the United Nations General Assembly in the coming days. Ukraine and its allies have called on Russian troops to withdraw from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, saying their presence there risks turning it into a military target. Russia seized upon Hungarian premier Viktor Orban's unannounced visit to Kyiv on Tuesday to portray Zelenskyy as anything but a seeker of peace. A drone view shows destroyed buildings in the front-line town of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this screengrab obtained from social media video released on July 4, 2024 [Special Purpose Battalion 'Donbas' of the 18th Slavic Brigade of the NGU/via Reuters] Zelenskyy did not accept that formula but seized on the chance to improve relations with Hungary, which has stood out in the European Union for its opposition to more assistance for Ukraine. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova held up Zelenskyy's rejection as proof that Ukraine is not serious about peace. "All that peace rhetoric is just a smokescreen, smoke and mirrors, cliches or memes. Abstract words that must be learned by heart and voiced, while there is only one goal, which was declared by the collective West, namely to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," she said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to play on Hungary's Euroscepticism, saying, "we don't expect anything" from Orban's visit to Kyiv," adding that Orban would be obliged to serve "Brussels' interests rather than Hungary's national interests". Zelenskyy explained his opposition to a ceasefire in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. "A ceasefire is the best option for the Russians so they can prepare for taking even more," he said. His view of NATO was exactly the opposite of Zacharova's. (Al Jazeera) Throughout this war, Zelenskyy has asked for more than allies were willing to consider giving Ukraine, and in the case of tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, medium-range missiles and fighter planes, he eventually got it. But he has not managed to get the United States to sign off on the use of long-range weapons anywhere in Russia, only in territories facing an imminent new invasion. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko expressed some of Ukraine's frustration with NATO's self-restraint, saying the alliance should establish a no-fly zone over western Ukraine. "I do not understand [why] NATO cannot deploy air defence systems along the Polish border," Goncharenko told the AFP news agency. "This will make it possible to defend the border of Poland and Moldova and to establish a reliable no-fly zone in western and southern parts of Ukraine." NATO has said it does not wish to become directly part of the war in Ukraine, so as not to provoke a wider war with Russia. Russia stalled on the ground Russia's diplomatic posturing as peacemaker has taken place against continued hostilities but a disappointing Russian military performance in the past week, as Ukrainian troops managed to defend their turf against any significant advances. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces were making particular efforts to capture territory in Toretsk, in the Donetsk region. Toretsk lies between Chasiv Yar to the north and Avdiivka to the south, both areas Moscow has prioritised this year. "The Russian military command may intend to leverage the ongoing Toretsk push to create operational opportunities for advances in either the Chasiv Yar or Avdiivka areas," said the ISW. (Al Jazeera) Russian opposition news outlet Meduza analysed Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) mortality data to estimate that Russian war-related deaths in Ukraine doubled last year, relative to 2022. After factoring in social trends and COVID-related deaths, it said at least 40,500 young Russian men died last year above trend levels, versus 24,000 in 2022. The biggest increase over two years was in the 25-29 age group, the analysis found, whereas the highest excess mortality rate was in the 35-39 age group. This would appear to confirm the suspicion expressed in Western think tank analyses that Russian casualties increased sharply in the second year of the war as experienced soldiers were replaced by young and inexperienced recruits. Meduza collaborated with Mediazona and Tubingen University statistician Dmitry Kobak to obtain the results. A report from the US intelligence community last December estimated Ukraine had destroyed nine-tenths of the force that invaded it in February last year, costing Russia 315,000 dead and injured troops from an original force of 360,000. Ukraine now estimates Russian dead and wounded at more than half a million. Standard military estimates put deaths at one-third of casualties, suggesting the Meduza-Mediazona figure is, if anything, an underestimation. Allies help Ukraine Ukraine's allies have been signing longterm bilateral military agreements with the embattled country to bolster its defence. The most recent came on June 27, when Lithuania and Estonia committed to spending 0.25 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on Ukraine's defence. Ukraine also signed a four-year military aid agreement with the European Union. The agreement provides support in weapons, training, defence industry investments, facing cyber-threats, de-mining, and energy security and the energy transition, among other things. Last March, the EU established the Ukraine Assistance Fund, pledging 5bn euros ($5.4bn) in military assistance this year, and the same or more each year until 2027. This is separate from bilateral military agreements between Ukraine and other EU NATO members. It is also separate from the 50bn euros ($54bn) Ukraine Facility created in February, which offers non-military financial assistance over four years. Ukraine's allies were also working to provide eight Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine. The Financial Times and Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed sources saying Ukraine was in negotiations to receive the systems from Israel, via the United States. Zelenskyy asked for at least seven Patriot systems last April, after devastating Russian air strikes destroyed power stations in Kharkiv, Kyiv and elsewhere. Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya said at a news conference that a transfer of Israeli Patriot systems to Ukraine "could … have certain political consequences". Ukraine also continued its policy of deep strikes against Russia using its own weapons. Russian media outlet Baza reported that seven Ukrainian drones struck the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant in the Lipetsk region on June 30, damaging it. The Lipetsk governor said another nine drones were downed. The plant claims to be Russia's leading producer of steel. The ISW said this was Ukraine's fifth attack on the facility.

world

Russia poses as peacemaker, stepping up attacks on Ukraine’s east. Russia has sought to paint itself as a peacemaker in the war it started in Ukraine, calling NATO and Ukraine warmongers and storming out of the Organization for Security and Co-pperation in Europe (OSCE). Russia formally withdrew the country's delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on Wednesday, after citing "discriminatory approaches, double standards and total Russophobia". Keep reading At least 12 killed during spate of Russian attacks on Ukraine end of list The last straw, it said, was Romania's refusal to grant the Russian delegation visas to attend the OSCE's annual session in Bucharest this week. The diplomatic posture appeared designed to push back against Ukraine's peace conference in Switzerland last month, part of a global diplomatic process in which Ukraine has tried to win countries over to its view of how the war should end. Respecting Ukraine's "territorial integrity" is key to that view, and was part of a statement at the end of the conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy followed up on the Swiss conference last Friday when he said his government was working on finalising aspects of a comprehensive peace (Al Jazeera) "We are currently working on three detailed plans in energy, food security and [prisoner] exchanges," Zelenskyy said during a live broadcast of a Ukrainian telethon, naming the three themes on which the Switzerland summit reached the greatest consensus. On Wednesday, Ukraine said it would submit a draft resolution on nuclear safety to the United Nations General Assembly in the coming days. Ukraine and its allies have called on Russian troops to withdraw from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, saying their presence there risks turning it into a military target. Russia seized upon Hungarian premier Viktor Orban's unannounced visit to Kyiv on Tuesday to portray Zelenskyy as anything but a seeker of peace. A drone view shows destroyed buildings in the front-line town of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this screengrab obtained from social media video released on July 4, 2024 [Special Purpose Battalion 'Donbas' of the 18th Slavic Brigade of the NGU/via Reuters] Zelenskyy did not accept that formula but seized on the chance to improve relations with Hungary, which has stood out in the European Union for its opposition to more assistance for Ukraine. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova held up Zelenskyy's rejection as proof that Ukraine is not serious about peace. "All that peace rhetoric is just a smokescreen, smoke and mirrors, cliches or memes. Abstract words that must be learned by heart and voiced, while there is only one goal, which was declared by the collective West, namely to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," she said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to play on Hungary's Euroscepticism, saying, "we don't expect anything" from Orban's visit to Kyiv," adding that Orban would be obliged to serve "Brussels' interests rather than Hungary's national interests". Zelenskyy explained his opposition to a ceasefire in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. "A ceasefire is the best option for the Russians so they can prepare for taking even more," he said. His view of NATO was exactly the opposite of Zacharova's. (Al Jazeera) Throughout this war, Zelenskyy has asked for more than allies were willing to consider giving Ukraine, and in the case of tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, medium-range missiles and fighter planes, he eventually got it. But he has not managed to get the United States to sign off on the use of long-range weapons anywhere in Russia, only in territories facing an imminent new invasion. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko expressed some of Ukraine's frustration with NATO's self-restraint, saying the alliance should establish a no-fly zone over western Ukraine. "I do not understand [why] NATO cannot deploy air defence systems along the Polish border," Goncharenko told the AFP news agency. "This will make it possible to defend the border of Poland and Moldova and to establish a reliable no-fly zone in western and southern parts of Ukraine." NATO has said it does not wish to become directly part of the war in Ukraine, so as not to provoke a wider war with Russia. Russia stalled on the ground Russia's diplomatic posturing as peacemaker has taken place against continued hostilities but a disappointing Russian military performance in the past week, as Ukrainian troops managed to defend their turf against any significant advances. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces were making particular efforts to capture territory in Toretsk, in the Donetsk region. Toretsk lies between Chasiv Yar to the north and Avdiivka to the south, both areas Moscow has prioritised this year. "The Russian military command may intend to leverage the ongoing Toretsk push to create operational opportunities for advances in either the Chasiv Yar or Avdiivka areas," said the ISW. (Al Jazeera) Russian opposition news outlet Meduza analysed Russian Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) mortality data to estimate that Russian war-related deaths in Ukraine doubled last year, relative to 2022. After factoring in social trends and COVID-related deaths, it said at least 40,500 young Russian men died last year above trend levels, versus 24,000 in 2022. The biggest increase over two years was in the 25-29 age group, the analysis found, whereas the highest excess mortality rate was in the 35-39 age group. This would appear to confirm the suspicion expressed in Western think tank analyses that Russian casualties increased sharply in the second year of the war as experienced soldiers were replaced by young and inexperienced recruits. Meduza collaborated with Mediazona and Tubingen University statistician Dmitry Kobak to obtain the results. A report from the US intelligence community last December estimated Ukraine had destroyed nine-tenths of the force that invaded it in February last year, costing Russia 315,000 dead and injured troops from an original force of 360,000. Ukraine now estimates Russian dead and wounded at more than half a million. Standard military estimates put deaths at one-third of casualties, suggesting the Meduza-Mediazona figure is, if anything, an underestimation. Allies help Ukraine Ukraine's allies have been signing longterm bilateral military agreements with the embattled country to bolster its defence. The most recent came on June 27, when Lithuania and Estonia committed to spending 0.25 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on Ukraine's defence. Ukraine also signed a four-year military aid agreement with the European Union. The agreement provides support in weapons, training, defence industry investments, facing cyber-threats, de-mining, and energy security and the energy transition, among other things. Last March, the EU established the Ukraine Assistance Fund, pledging 5bn euros ($5.4bn) in military assistance this year, and the same or more each year until 2027. This is separate from bilateral military agreements between Ukraine and other EU NATO members. It is also separate from the 50bn euros ($54bn) Ukraine Facility created in February, which offers non-military financial assistance over four years. Ukraine's allies were also working to provide eight Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine. The Financial Times and Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed sources saying Ukraine was in negotiations to receive the systems from Israel, via the United States. Zelenskyy asked for at least seven Patriot systems last April, after devastating Russian air strikes destroyed power stations in Kharkiv, Kyiv and elsewhere. Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya said at a news conference that a transfer of Israeli Patriot systems to Ukraine "could … have certain political consequences". Ukraine also continued its policy of deep strikes against Russia using its own weapons. Russian media outlet Baza reported that seven Ukrainian drones struck the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant in the Lipetsk region on June 30, damaging it. The Lipetsk governor said another nine drones were downed. The plant claims to be Russia's leading producer of steel. The ISW said this was Ukraine's fifth attack on the facility.

Spencer Cox wins Republican nomination for governor in Utah primary election

Spencer Cox wins Republican nomination for governor in Utah primary election

politics

Spencer Cox wins Republican nomination for governor in Utah primary election. Spencer Cox wins Republican nomination for governor in Utah primary election

Atari buys ‘Totally Reliable Delivery Service’ from Seattle-area publisher tinyBuild

Totally Reliable Delivery Service. (tinyBuild Image) Bellevue, Wash.-based game publisher tinyBuild has sold the rights to Totally Reliable Delivery Service to the French corporation Atari, which intends to use the acquisition to revive a legacy brand. The game, which tinyBuild published for PC, console, and mobile in 2020, was developed by We’re Five Games in Minneapolis. It’s a deliberately chaotic party game for up to four players. tinyBuild subsequently acquired We’re Five Games in February 2021 . Now, in an unusual deal, tinyBuild has sold the trademark and rights for TRDS , but not We’re Five Games, to Atari. Neither Atari or tinyBuild have disclosed the financial terms of the acquisition. Atari plans to use TRDS as the first game published under its new Infogrames imprint. The original Infogrames, founded in 1983, was famous in the early days of PC gaming as the publisher behind several cult-classic games, such as the original Alone in the Dark, 1999’s Outcast , and 2003’s Master of Orion III . “For decades, Infogrames built a reputation as a publisher and developer of amazing and eclectic games, and we are excited to bring it back,” Atari CEO Wade Rosen said in a press release. The current plan for the Infogrames label is to continue to build its portfolio via acquisitions, with the potential to eventually include some of the games that Infogrames published in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s worth noting that in a ship-of-Theseus sense, Infogrames wasn’t actually gone. The company that currently calls itself Atari is the descendant of the original Infogrames, following over 20 years of acquisitions, reorganizations, and mergers. Following a series of financial setbacks, Infogrames officially rebranded itself to Atari, Inc., in May 2003. In 2024, Atari is arguably best-known for its crowdfunded Atari VCS video game console, which uses a Linux-based OS to run a lineup of classic, reimagined, and reinvented Atari games. Its most recent release, Lunar Lander: Beyond , is a current-generation sequel to the 1979 arcade game, which launched on all modern platforms on Tuesday. Atari previously acquired Vancouver, Wash.-based developer Nightdive Studios in May. The new Infogrames label is intended to publish games that “fall outside the core portfolio of IP associated with the Atari brand,” including a focus on game preservation measures .

tech,entertainment

Atari buys ‘Totally Reliable Delivery Service’ from Seattle-area publisher tinyBuild. Totally Reliable Delivery Service. (tinyBuild Image) Bellevue, Wash.-based game publisher tinyBuild has sold the rights to Totally Reliable Delivery Service to the French corporation Atari, which intends to use the acquisition to revive a legacy brand. The game, which tinyBuild published for PC, console, and mobile in 2020, was developed by We’re Five Games in Minneapolis. It’s a deliberately chaotic party game for up to four players. tinyBuild subsequently acquired We’re Five Games in February 2021 . Now, in an unusual deal, tinyBuild has sold the trademark and rights for TRDS , but not We’re Five Games, to Atari. Neither Atari or tinyBuild have disclosed the financial terms of the acquisition. Atari plans to use TRDS as the first game published under its new Infogrames imprint. The original Infogrames, founded in 1983, was famous in the early days of PC gaming as the publisher behind several cult-classic games, such as the original Alone in the Dark, 1999’s Outcast , and 2003’s Master of Orion III . “For decades, Infogrames built a reputation as a publisher and developer of amazing and eclectic games, and we are excited to bring it back,” Atari CEO Wade Rosen said in a press release. The current plan for the Infogrames label is to continue to build its portfolio via acquisitions, with the potential to eventually include some of the games that Infogrames published in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s worth noting that in a ship-of-Theseus sense, Infogrames wasn’t actually gone. The company that currently calls itself Atari is the descendant of the original Infogrames, following over 20 years of acquisitions, reorganizations, and mergers. Following a series of financial setbacks, Infogrames officially rebranded itself to Atari, Inc., in May 2003. In 2024, Atari is arguably best-known for its crowdfunded Atari VCS video game console, which uses a Linux-based OS to run a lineup of classic, reimagined, and reinvented Atari games. Its most recent release, Lunar Lander: Beyond , is a current-generation sequel to the 1979 arcade game, which launched on all modern platforms on Tuesday. Atari previously acquired Vancouver, Wash.-based developer Nightdive Studios in May. The new Infogrames label is intended to publish games that “fall outside the core portfolio of IP associated with the Atari brand,” including a focus on game preservation measures .

Goodbye, Anthropocene? Scientists vote against new epoch

Goodbye, Anthropocene? Scientists vote against new epoch For the past two decades, geologists have wrestled with whether humans have changed the planet enough to kick off a completely new epoch in geological time called the Anthropocene. Now, a subcommittee of Earth scientists has reportedly made a decision: No, we haven't. Proposed that start of new epoch was 1950, when human impact accelerated Posted: Mar 05, 2024 4:56 PM EST | Last Updated: 9 minutes ago The mushroom cloud of the first test of a hydrogen bomb in 1952. Scientists have reportedly voted against a proposal that a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, began in 1950, marked in rocks and sediments by the nuclear fallout from nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s. (Reuters) Social Sharing For the past two decades, geologists have wrestled with whether humans have changed the planet enough to kick off a completely new epoch in geological time called the Anthropocene. Now, a subcommittee of Earth scientists has reportedly made a decision: No, we haven't. The results mean we're still living in the Holocene, an epoch that started with the end of the last ice age 11,700 years ago. The Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (SQS) voted on the proposed Anthropocene epoch over the past month, and the results were released to subcommittee members on Tuesday, the New York Times reported. The newspaper saw the internal document listing the votes: 12 against, four in favour and two abstentions. The SQS is a constituent body of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), which decides what divisions are included on the official geologic time scale, and when they begin and end. A brief history of the Anthropocene The proposal for the Anthropocene epoch was first popularized by the Dutch Nobel-prize-winning chemist, Paul Crutzen, in the early 2000s. In 2009, the ICS convened a group of geologists, paleontologists and other scientists called the Anthropocene Working Group. "We were asked to determine whether or not there was evidence in the geologic record of that shift in the Earth system that this atmospheric chemist threw out there," said Francine McCarthy, a professor of Earth sciences at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., who was a group member. "And our answer was a resounding yes." Canada's Crawford Lake chosen as 'golden spike' to mark proposed new epoch The scientists in the working group found evidence that the epoch started in 1950. That's when they say human impact on the planet accelerated, as seen in plastics, elemental aluminum (which is found only as ores in nature), black carbon from fossil fuel combustion and plutonium from hydrogen bomb tests, chosen as the "primary" marker for the start of the Anthropocene. Some of the best preserved evidence was found in layers of sediment at the bottom of Crawford Lake in Milton, Ont., which was named last year as the proposed "golden spike" marking the start of the new proposed epoch. WATCH | This Ontario lake could help scientists define our next geological era: This Ontario lake could help scientists define our next geological era Duration 2:08 A group of scientists is pushing to have a new geological epoch declared, something that only happens every few million years, or longer. Named the 'Anthropocene,' they say it is driven by human activity. 'Validity of the vote' questioned A statement from the Anthropocene Working Group emailed to CBC News on Tuesday said "there remain several issues that need to be resolved about the validity of the vote" and that until they're resolved, "it would be inappropriate to talk directly on this matter at present." McCarthy said the group hasn't received any feedback on the evidence that was voted on — not even in the New York Times article. "At least I would have liked to have read in the article that they found this unconvincing," she said. Instead, subcommittee members pointed out that human impacts began well before 1950, with events such as the onset of agriculture or the Industrial Revolution. What others scientists think Some Canadian scientists who study the geological record in sediments and rocks aren't surprised by the results of the vote. Joe Desloges, a professor in the geography and Earth sciences departments at the University of Toronto, said scientists have been debating the Anthropocene for well over a decade. "Which means it's not a slam dunk." He said he hadn't anticipated the big majority of "no" votes. But he added that the geological time scale is typically set based on records in solid rocks, not sediments like those in Crawford Lake. "I think people are kind of skeptical about the permanency of it." Crawford Lake is shown in Milton, Ont., in July 2023. The lake has been chosen as the 'golden spike' to mark the start of a proposed new epoch, the Anthropocene. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press) Boundaries between epochs also tend to represent truly massive geological change. "Our last boundary, between the Holocene and the Pleistocene, was almost one-third of this planet being covered by ice," Desloges said. "The sheer magnitude and scale of that tends to be what people are looking for when they define these boundaries." John-Paul Zonneveld, a professor of Earth sciences who studies the boundary between the Permian and Triassic epochs at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, said he thinks the subcommittee made the right decision. Why the 'Great Acceleration' is giving the Anthropocene an identity crisis The events that kick off a new epoch typically take place over millions of years, he said. That was the case for the Permian-Triassic boundary, which involved a mass extinction in two events — one that happened before and one that happened after the official line between the two epochs. The 11,700 years between the Holocene and the proposed Anthropocene would be a "flip of an eyelash" — so short as to be impossible to see on that time scale, Zonneveld said. Humans' huge impact on the planet remains clear All three scientists interviewed for this article emphasized that regardless of the vote, humans have changed this planet in huge ways. Zonneveld said he understands why there is so much debate about the Anthropocene. "It does bring attention to global change, global warming. These are important issues, absolutely. But from a stratigraphic standpoint, does it help in any way? No." Brock University's McCarthy said when she first started working at Crawford Lake, she wasn't convinced it would be a great record of humanity's impact, but over time, seeing the evidence pile up, "I became a convert." She said seeing a new line on the geological time scale isn't what she wants the most. "My major goal is to have as many humans pay attention to the data as humanly possible." Francine McCarthy of Brock University points at the layer of sediment in a Crawford Lake mud core that shows the global plutonium spike from nuclear weapons testing that marks the beginning of the proposed Anthropocene epoch. Crawford Lake is one of nine sites around the world vying to become the official boundary layer that best represents the global transition from the Holocene epoch to the Anthropocene. (Mercury Films Inc./Nick de Pencier) What does this mean for the Anthropocene? The debate over the Anthropocene isn't over yet. As of Tuesday, the results of the vote hadn't been officially announced. And the subcommittee hadn't dealt with the second part of the Anthropocene Working Group's proposal — that the first subdivision, or age of the Anthropocene, be called the Crawfordian, after Crawford Lake. Could the ICS still consider a new age called the Crawfordian, even if it's not part of a new epoch? McCarthy said she doesn't know. "I hope that they do," she said. Desloges said he thinks the debate over the Anthropocene will continue, and he noted that the Earth has 4.5 billion years of history behind it. "If anyone is in a rush to identify a new epoch, we've got a bit of time."

tech

Goodbye, Anthropocene? Scientists vote against new epoch. Goodbye, Anthropocene? Scientists vote against new epoch For the past two decades, geologists have wrestled with whether humans have changed the planet enough to kick off a completely new epoch in geological time called the Anthropocene. Now, a subcommittee of Earth scientists has reportedly made a decision: No, we haven't. Proposed that start of new epoch was 1950, when human impact accelerated Posted: Mar 05, 2024 4:56 PM EST | Last Updated: 9 minutes ago The mushroom cloud of the first test of a hydrogen bomb in 1952. Scientists have reportedly voted against a proposal that a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, began in 1950, marked in rocks and sediments by the nuclear fallout from nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s. (Reuters) Social Sharing For the past two decades, geologists have wrestled with whether humans have changed the planet enough to kick off a completely new epoch in geological time called the Anthropocene. Now, a subcommittee of Earth scientists has reportedly made a decision: No, we haven't. The results mean we're still living in the Holocene, an epoch that started with the end of the last ice age 11,700 years ago. The Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (SQS) voted on the proposed Anthropocene epoch over the past month, and the results were released to subcommittee members on Tuesday, the New York Times reported. The newspaper saw the internal document listing the votes: 12 against, four in favour and two abstentions. The SQS is a constituent body of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), which decides what divisions are included on the official geologic time scale, and when they begin and end. A brief history of the Anthropocene The proposal for the Anthropocene epoch was first popularized by the Dutch Nobel-prize-winning chemist, Paul Crutzen, in the early 2000s. In 2009, the ICS convened a group of geologists, paleontologists and other scientists called the Anthropocene Working Group. "We were asked to determine whether or not there was evidence in the geologic record of that shift in the Earth system that this atmospheric chemist threw out there," said Francine McCarthy, a professor of Earth sciences at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., who was a group member. "And our answer was a resounding yes." Canada's Crawford Lake chosen as 'golden spike' to mark proposed new epoch The scientists in the working group found evidence that the epoch started in 1950. That's when they say human impact on the planet accelerated, as seen in plastics, elemental aluminum (which is found only as ores in nature), black carbon from fossil fuel combustion and plutonium from hydrogen bomb tests, chosen as the "primary" marker for the start of the Anthropocene. Some of the best preserved evidence was found in layers of sediment at the bottom of Crawford Lake in Milton, Ont., which was named last year as the proposed "golden spike" marking the start of the new proposed epoch. WATCH | This Ontario lake could help scientists define our next geological era: This Ontario lake could help scientists define our next geological era Duration 2:08 A group of scientists is pushing to have a new geological epoch declared, something that only happens every few million years, or longer. Named the 'Anthropocene,' they say it is driven by human activity. 'Validity of the vote' questioned A statement from the Anthropocene Working Group emailed to CBC News on Tuesday said "there remain several issues that need to be resolved about the validity of the vote" and that until they're resolved, "it would be inappropriate to talk directly on this matter at present." McCarthy said the group hasn't received any feedback on the evidence that was voted on — not even in the New York Times article. "At least I would have liked to have read in the article that they found this unconvincing," she said. Instead, subcommittee members pointed out that human impacts began well before 1950, with events such as the onset of agriculture or the Industrial Revolution. What others scientists think Some Canadian scientists who study the geological record in sediments and rocks aren't surprised by the results of the vote. Joe Desloges, a professor in the geography and Earth sciences departments at the University of Toronto, said scientists have been debating the Anthropocene for well over a decade. "Which means it's not a slam dunk." He said he hadn't anticipated the big majority of "no" votes. But he added that the geological time scale is typically set based on records in solid rocks, not sediments like those in Crawford Lake. "I think people are kind of skeptical about the permanency of it." Crawford Lake is shown in Milton, Ont., in July 2023. The lake has been chosen as the 'golden spike' to mark the start of a proposed new epoch, the Anthropocene. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press) Boundaries between epochs also tend to represent truly massive geological change. "Our last boundary, between the Holocene and the Pleistocene, was almost one-third of this planet being covered by ice," Desloges said. "The sheer magnitude and scale of that tends to be what people are looking for when they define these boundaries." John-Paul Zonneveld, a professor of Earth sciences who studies the boundary between the Permian and Triassic epochs at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, said he thinks the subcommittee made the right decision. Why the 'Great Acceleration' is giving the Anthropocene an identity crisis The events that kick off a new epoch typically take place over millions of years, he said. That was the case for the Permian-Triassic boundary, which involved a mass extinction in two events — one that happened before and one that happened after the official line between the two epochs. The 11,700 years between the Holocene and the proposed Anthropocene would be a "flip of an eyelash" — so short as to be impossible to see on that time scale, Zonneveld said. Humans' huge impact on the planet remains clear All three scientists interviewed for this article emphasized that regardless of the vote, humans have changed this planet in huge ways. Zonneveld said he understands why there is so much debate about the Anthropocene. "It does bring attention to global change, global warming. These are important issues, absolutely. But from a stratigraphic standpoint, does it help in any way? No." Brock University's McCarthy said when she first started working at Crawford Lake, she wasn't convinced it would be a great record of humanity's impact, but over time, seeing the evidence pile up, "I became a convert." She said seeing a new line on the geological time scale isn't what she wants the most. "My major goal is to have as many humans pay attention to the data as humanly possible." Francine McCarthy of Brock University points at the layer of sediment in a Crawford Lake mud core that shows the global plutonium spike from nuclear weapons testing that marks the beginning of the proposed Anthropocene epoch. Crawford Lake is one of nine sites around the world vying to become the official boundary layer that best represents the global transition from the Holocene epoch to the Anthropocene. (Mercury Films Inc./Nick de Pencier) What does this mean for the Anthropocene? The debate over the Anthropocene isn't over yet. As of Tuesday, the results of the vote hadn't been officially announced. And the subcommittee hadn't dealt with the second part of the Anthropocene Working Group's proposal — that the first subdivision, or age of the Anthropocene, be called the Crawfordian, after Crawford Lake. Could the ICS still consider a new age called the Crawfordian, even if it's not part of a new epoch? McCarthy said she doesn't know. "I hope that they do," she said. Desloges said he thinks the debate over the Anthropocene will continue, and he noted that the Earth has 4.5 billion years of history behind it. "If anyone is in a rush to identify a new epoch, we've got a bit of time."

Man who stabbed South Korea's opposition leader sentenced to 15 years in prison

FILE - Then South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung leaves a hospital in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 10, 2024. A man who stabbed Lee in the neck earlier this year was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, July 5, 2024, court officials said. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File) SEOUL, South Korea -- A man who stabbed South Korea's opposition leader in the neck earlier this year was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, court officials said. The knife-wielding man attacked Lee Jae-myung, head of the liberal Democratic Party, South Korea's biggest political party, in January after approaching him asking for his autograph at an event in the southeastern city of Busan. After being detained by police, he told investigators that he wanted to kill Lee to prevent him from becoming South Korea's president. The Busan District Court said the man was handed the prison term after being found guilty for an attempted murder and a violation of an election law. The court said that both the man and prosecutors have one week to appeal. The attack happened ahead of the country's crucial parliamentary elections in April, which ended with Lee's Democratic Party and other opposition parties winning a massive victory against President Yoon Suk Yeol's conservative governing party. A court verdict called the attack "a grave challenge" to the country's election systems and an act that "significantly destroys social consensus and confidence on the basic liberal democratic principles," according to Yonhap news agency. It cited the verdict as saying the attacker had long loathed Lee because of differences of political opinions, practiced stabbing his neck in advance and followed him on five public events. The court's public affairs office couldn't immediately confirm details of Friday's verdict. The court didn't disclose the man's identity. Police earlier said he's about 67. The attack left Lee bleeding and slumped on the ground. He was hospitalized for eight days receiving surgery and other treatments. While leaving a Seoul hospital later in January, Lee expressed hopes for an end to "politics of hatred" in South Korea. During police questioning, the attacker said he was unhappy with what he thought was a lack of progress in authorities' investigations of Lee over various corruption allegations. He told investigators that he tried to kill Lee to hurt his party's prospects for a victory in the parliamentary elections and to eventually eliminate chances of Lee becoming South Korea's next president, according to police. Democratic Party officials earlier confirmed the attacker became a member last year. The ruling People Power Party said he is currently not their member but media reports said the man, only identified as his surname Kim, was previously affiliated with the party's predecessor. Lee, a sharp-tongued former provincial governor, lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, a former top prosecutor, by the narrowest margin recorded in a South Korean presidential election. Their closely fought race and post-election political bickering have intensified South Korea's already-toxic conservative-liberal divide. Surveys have showed that Lee is one of the early favorites for the 2027 presidential election. Yoon is by law barred from seeking reelection.

world

Man who stabbed South Korea's opposition leader sentenced to 15 years in prison. FILE - Then South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung leaves a hospital in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 10, 2024. A man who stabbed Lee in the neck earlier this year was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, July 5, 2024, court officials said. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File) SEOUL, South Korea -- A man who stabbed South Korea's opposition leader in the neck earlier this year was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, court officials said. The knife-wielding man attacked Lee Jae-myung, head of the liberal Democratic Party, South Korea's biggest political party, in January after approaching him asking for his autograph at an event in the southeastern city of Busan. After being detained by police, he told investigators that he wanted to kill Lee to prevent him from becoming South Korea's president. The Busan District Court said the man was handed the prison term after being found guilty for an attempted murder and a violation of an election law. The court said that both the man and prosecutors have one week to appeal. The attack happened ahead of the country's crucial parliamentary elections in April, which ended with Lee's Democratic Party and other opposition parties winning a massive victory against President Yoon Suk Yeol's conservative governing party. A court verdict called the attack "a grave challenge" to the country's election systems and an act that "significantly destroys social consensus and confidence on the basic liberal democratic principles," according to Yonhap news agency. It cited the verdict as saying the attacker had long loathed Lee because of differences of political opinions, practiced stabbing his neck in advance and followed him on five public events. The court's public affairs office couldn't immediately confirm details of Friday's verdict. The court didn't disclose the man's identity. Police earlier said he's about 67. The attack left Lee bleeding and slumped on the ground. He was hospitalized for eight days receiving surgery and other treatments. While leaving a Seoul hospital later in January, Lee expressed hopes for an end to "politics of hatred" in South Korea. During police questioning, the attacker said he was unhappy with what he thought was a lack of progress in authorities' investigations of Lee over various corruption allegations. He told investigators that he tried to kill Lee to hurt his party's prospects for a victory in the parliamentary elections and to eventually eliminate chances of Lee becoming South Korea's next president, according to police. Democratic Party officials earlier confirmed the attacker became a member last year. The ruling People Power Party said he is currently not their member but media reports said the man, only identified as his surname Kim, was previously affiliated with the party's predecessor. Lee, a sharp-tongued former provincial governor, lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, a former top prosecutor, by the narrowest margin recorded in a South Korean presidential election. Their closely fought race and post-election political bickering have intensified South Korea's already-toxic conservative-liberal divide. Surveys have showed that Lee is one of the early favorites for the 2027 presidential election. Yoon is by law barred from seeking reelection.

'A way to go' to achieve LGBTQ+ equality in Wales as Pride Cymru celebrates 25 years

There is still a "way to go" to achieving LGBTQ+ equality in Wales, according to one of the organisers of the country's largest Pride event. Pride Cymru, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, gets under way this weekend at Cardiff Castle. The event will feature performances from the Vengaboys and Heather Small, as well as Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters. Lisa Cordery-Bruce is one of Pride Cymru's trustees. She told Sky News that "a lot of positives have happened" since the event began but there was "still a way to go". "It would look like a reduction in hate crime, equal provision for healthcare, a better acceptance of trans and non-binary communities in Wales, a complete ban of conversion practices, continuing with the inclusive education in schools. "On a really simplistic level, it would be for everyone to be able to just walk down the street holding hands with the person they love, regardless of who that person is, safely and without judgement." The most recent census found that 77,000 people who usually live in Wales - or 3% of the Welsh population over the age of 16 - identify as LGBTQ+. This is a smaller proportion than in England where it was 3.2% of the country's population. A Welsh government spokesperson said its LGBTQ+ action plan shows its "ambition". "We are committed to championing and supporting inclusivity - within our cultural life, in our communities and throughout our country," they added. "Everyone has the right to lead lives free from discrimination. We want Wales to be a nation where everyone feels safe to be themselves." Read more from Sky News: "People deserve to love who they want without fear of discrimination," they added. A spokesperson for Plaid Cymru said it believes "all people and communities in Wales should be equal". "A crucial step would be to end so-called conversion therapy for sexuality and gender identity, alongside improved access and provision of gender identity services and support in Wales," they added. A Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson said the party stood "hand in hand with LGBTQ+ people amid recent attempts by some sections of society to roll back on the hard-won freedoms". "We will always champion a society where people are free to be who they are, free of prejudice and fear," they added. Pride Cymru itself has "got a lot bigger" in recent years, Mrs Cordery-Bruce added. "It is still, however, almost exclusively run by volunteers. Just members of the community, and allies, from across Wales, who give up so much time. They're such dedicated people," she said. When it was first launched in 1999, it was called the Cardiff Mardi Gras. But a quarter of a century later, there are still new additions to the event.

uk

'A way to go' to achieve LGBTQ+ equality in Wales as Pride Cymru celebrates 25 years. There is still a "way to go" to achieving LGBTQ+ equality in Wales, according to one of the organisers of the country's largest Pride event. Pride Cymru, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, gets under way this weekend at Cardiff Castle. The event will feature performances from the Vengaboys and Heather Small, as well as Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters. Lisa Cordery-Bruce is one of Pride Cymru's trustees. She told Sky News that "a lot of positives have happened" since the event began but there was "still a way to go". "It would look like a reduction in hate crime, equal provision for healthcare, a better acceptance of trans and non-binary communities in Wales, a complete ban of conversion practices, continuing with the inclusive education in schools. "On a really simplistic level, it would be for everyone to be able to just walk down the street holding hands with the person they love, regardless of who that person is, safely and without judgement." The most recent census found that 77,000 people who usually live in Wales - or 3% of the Welsh population over the age of 16 - identify as LGBTQ+. This is a smaller proportion than in England where it was 3.2% of the country's population. A Welsh government spokesperson said its LGBTQ+ action plan shows its "ambition". "We are committed to championing and supporting inclusivity - within our cultural life, in our communities and throughout our country," they added. "Everyone has the right to lead lives free from discrimination. We want Wales to be a nation where everyone feels safe to be themselves." Read more from Sky News: "People deserve to love who they want without fear of discrimination," they added. A spokesperson for Plaid Cymru said it believes "all people and communities in Wales should be equal". "A crucial step would be to end so-called conversion therapy for sexuality and gender identity, alongside improved access and provision of gender identity services and support in Wales," they added. A Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson said the party stood "hand in hand with LGBTQ+ people amid recent attempts by some sections of society to roll back on the hard-won freedoms". "We will always champion a society where people are free to be who they are, free of prejudice and fear," they added. Pride Cymru itself has "got a lot bigger" in recent years, Mrs Cordery-Bruce added. "It is still, however, almost exclusively run by volunteers. Just members of the community, and allies, from across Wales, who give up so much time. They're such dedicated people," she said. When it was first launched in 1999, it was called the Cardiff Mardi Gras. But a quarter of a century later, there are still new additions to the event.

INTERNATIONAL BATTERY METALS LTD. COMPLETES STRATEGIC PRIVATE PLACEMENT

June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - International Battery Metals Ltd. (the " Company "), is pleased to announce that it has completed a subsequent closing of its previously announced ( April 26, 2024, and May 31, 2024 ) strategic private placement (the " Private Placement "). Pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company issued 11,478,246 units (each a " Unit "), with each Unit being issued at a deemed price of CAD$0.76632, for aggregate proceeds of USD$6,430,772 (approximately Each Unit consists of one common share (" Common Share ") of the Company, and one Common Share purchase warrant (a " Warrant "), each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance for an exercise price of CAD$0.9579 per Common Share. The Private Placement was completed with EV Metals VI LLC, a private company controlled by Jacob Warnock, a director of the Company (" EV Metals "), and funds and accounts managed by Encompass Capital Advisors LLC (" Encompass "). Encompass is participating in the Private Placement pursuant to certain pre-emptive rights granted under the terms of an Investment Agreement dated effective April 21, 2023. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company will pay a structuring fee to EV Metals (or as directed by EV Metals) in the amount of USD$237,500 (CAD$324,852), payable through the issuance of 423,912 Common Shares (the " Structuring Fee "). The proceeds of the Private Placement will used by the Company for expenditures to increase the production capacity of its modular direct lithium extraction plant (the " DLE Plant ") contracted for operations in the western United States as previously announced on January 11, 2024 and May 6, 2024, and for general working capital purposes. The expanded production capacity will be achieved by adding an additional modular set of extraction columns into the existing framework. In order to manage the increase production, the Company will also increase the size of the filtration and reverse osmosis units. The securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the date of issuance under Canadian Securities laws and will be restricted securities under the United States Securities Act of 1933. MI 61-101 Disclosure In connection with the Private Placement, EV Metals acquired 8,478,246 Units for gross proceeds of USD$4.75 million (approximately CAD$6,497,050 ), 423,912 Common Shares pursuant to the Structuring Fee, and Encompass acquired 3,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of USD$1,680,772 (approximately CAD$2,298,960 ). The participation of EV Metals and Encompass in the Private Placement and the payment to EV Metals of the Structuring Fee and the Reimbursement Issuance, respectively, each constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "). The Company is relying upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively - Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Per Cent of Market Capitalization, on the basis that at the time the Private Placement was agreed to, neither the fair market value of the Units to be distributed pursuant to the Private Placement to EV Metals and Encompass, and the Common Shares issued pursuant to the Structuring Fee, nor the consideration to be received for those Units and Common Shares, exceeds 25 per cent of the Company's market capitalization. The terms of the Private Placement were negotiated with a special committee of directors of the Company, all of whom are independent for the purposes of MI 61-101. The Board ‎of Directors of the Company has unanimously approved the Private Placement (with Jacob Warnock abstaining) and no materially ‎contrary view or ‎abstention ‎was expressed or made by any director ‎in relation to the ‎Private Placement‎.‎ The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the participation of EV Metals or Encompass in the Private Placement at least 21 days before closing of the Offering as the participation of ‎EV Metals and Encompass was not determined at that time.‎ About the Company The Company is an advanced technology company focused on the development of environmentally responsible methods of extracting lithium compounds from brine. The Company has developed the DLE Plant which allows for rapid deployment to a resource holders production site. The Company is working with resource holders of oilfield brines, brine aquifers, and industrial customers with brine by-products. The Company believes the modular design of its DLE Plant provides significant initial costs savings to customers and the proprietary DLE technology lowers operating costs by selectively extracting lithium from the brine while efficiently removing contaminants. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD William Webster, Chair of the Board +1 (832) 683-8839 Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward ‐ looking and cautionary statements This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This release may contain statements within the meaning of safe harbour provisions as defined under securities laws and regulations.

business,environment

INTERNATIONAL BATTERY METALS LTD. COMPLETES STRATEGIC PRIVATE PLACEMENT. June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - International Battery Metals Ltd. (the " Company "), is pleased to announce that it has completed a subsequent closing of its previously announced ( April 26, 2024, and May 31, 2024 ) strategic private placement (the " Private Placement "). Pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company issued 11,478,246 units (each a " Unit "), with each Unit being issued at a deemed price of CAD$0.76632, for aggregate proceeds of USD$6,430,772 (approximately Each Unit consists of one common share (" Common Share ") of the Company, and one Common Share purchase warrant (a " Warrant "), each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance for an exercise price of CAD$0.9579 per Common Share. The Private Placement was completed with EV Metals VI LLC, a private company controlled by Jacob Warnock, a director of the Company (" EV Metals "), and funds and accounts managed by Encompass Capital Advisors LLC (" Encompass "). Encompass is participating in the Private Placement pursuant to certain pre-emptive rights granted under the terms of an Investment Agreement dated effective April 21, 2023. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company will pay a structuring fee to EV Metals (or as directed by EV Metals) in the amount of USD$237,500 (CAD$324,852), payable through the issuance of 423,912 Common Shares (the " Structuring Fee "). The proceeds of the Private Placement will used by the Company for expenditures to increase the production capacity of its modular direct lithium extraction plant (the " DLE Plant ") contracted for operations in the western United States as previously announced on January 11, 2024 and May 6, 2024, and for general working capital purposes. The expanded production capacity will be achieved by adding an additional modular set of extraction columns into the existing framework. In order to manage the increase production, the Company will also increase the size of the filtration and reverse osmosis units. The securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the date of issuance under Canadian Securities laws and will be restricted securities under the United States Securities Act of 1933. MI 61-101 Disclosure In connection with the Private Placement, EV Metals acquired 8,478,246 Units for gross proceeds of USD$4.75 million (approximately CAD$6,497,050 ), 423,912 Common Shares pursuant to the Structuring Fee, and Encompass acquired 3,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of USD$1,680,772 (approximately CAD$2,298,960 ). The participation of EV Metals and Encompass in the Private Placement and the payment to EV Metals of the Structuring Fee and the Reimbursement Issuance, respectively, each constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "). The Company is relying upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively - Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Per Cent of Market Capitalization, on the basis that at the time the Private Placement was agreed to, neither the fair market value of the Units to be distributed pursuant to the Private Placement to EV Metals and Encompass, and the Common Shares issued pursuant to the Structuring Fee, nor the consideration to be received for those Units and Common Shares, exceeds 25 per cent of the Company's market capitalization. The terms of the Private Placement were negotiated with a special committee of directors of the Company, all of whom are independent for the purposes of MI 61-101. The Board ‎of Directors of the Company has unanimously approved the Private Placement (with Jacob Warnock abstaining) and no materially ‎contrary view or ‎abstention ‎was expressed or made by any director ‎in relation to the ‎Private Placement‎.‎ The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the participation of EV Metals or Encompass in the Private Placement at least 21 days before closing of the Offering as the participation of ‎EV Metals and Encompass was not determined at that time.‎ About the Company The Company is an advanced technology company focused on the development of environmentally responsible methods of extracting lithium compounds from brine. The Company has developed the DLE Plant which allows for rapid deployment to a resource holders production site. The Company is working with resource holders of oilfield brines, brine aquifers, and industrial customers with brine by-products. The Company believes the modular design of its DLE Plant provides significant initial costs savings to customers and the proprietary DLE technology lowers operating costs by selectively extracting lithium from the brine while efficiently removing contaminants. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD William Webster, Chair of the Board +1 (832) 683-8839 Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward ‐ looking and cautionary statements This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This release may contain statements within the meaning of safe harbour provisions as defined under securities laws and regulations.

Charlotte's Web Debuts at Walmart with New CBD Topical Collection

Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. (" Charlotte's Web" or the "Company"), the leader in hemp-derived CBD wellness products, is pleased to announce that its products are now available at Walmart. Starting this month, consumers will find Charlotte's Web CBD topical products in 827 Walmart stores across five states including Charlotte's Web Debuts at Walmart with New CBD Topical Collection (CNW Group/Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.) The new retail distribution at Walmart expands Charlotte's Web CBD wellness presence at an affordable price point, unlocking both value and accessibility for the Walmart customer. " We are proud to introduce CBD topicals at Walmart, reflecting Charlotte's Web's dedication to setting new standards of excellence in the CBD industry, ensuring every Walmart shopper can experience the transformative benefits of our meticulously crafted products. We are not only broadening our retail footprint but also reinforcing our mission to innovate and elevate the consumers' wellness journeys through science-backed CBD solutions," says Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web. The new line of competitively priced CBD topicals is formulated with CBD isolate. The collection includes a balm stick, a cream, and a cooling gel, each containing 1,000 mg of concentrated CBD isolate. These are blended with soothing and cooling ingredients including menthol, camphor, and aloe vera. All products are non-GMO, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and formulated without major allergens. About Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc., a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, is the market leader in innovative hemp extract wellness products that includes Charlotte's Web whole-plant full-spectrum CBD extracts as well as broad-spectrum CBD certified NSF for Sport®. Charlotte's Web is the official CBD of Major League Baseball©, Angel City Football Club and the Premier Lacrosse League. Charlotte's Web branded premium quality products start with proprietary hemp genetics that are North American farm-grown using organic and regenerative cultivation practices. The Company's hemp extracts have naturally occurring botanical compounds including cannabidiol ("CBD"), CBN, CBC, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds. Charlotte's Web product categories include CBD oil tinctures (liquid products) CBD gummies (sleep, calming, exercise recovery, immunity), CBN gummies, CBD capsules, CBD topical creams and lotions, as well as CBD pet products for dogs. Through its substantially vertically integrated business model, Charlotte's Web maintains stringent control over product quality and consistency with analytic testing from soil to shelf for quality assurance. Charlotte's Web products are distributed to retailers and health care practitioners throughout the U.S.A, and online through the Company's website at www.charlottesweb.com. © Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com. Forward-Looking Information Certain information provided herein constitutes forward-looking statements or information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "intend", "target", "believe" and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This press release includes forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, levels of activity, and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain assumptions and analysis by management of the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future development and other factors that it believes are appropriate and reasonable. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements herein include material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements including, among others, general economic and market risks, cyber-security risks and those risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2023, and other risk factors contained in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available on www.sec.gov and filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available on www.sedarplus.ca. The impact of any one risk, uncertainty, or factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as these are interdependent, and the Company's future course of action depends on management's assessment of all information available at the relevant time. Any forward-looking statement in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

business

Charlotte's Web Debuts at Walmart with New CBD Topical Collection. Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. (" Charlotte's Web" or the "Company"), the leader in hemp-derived CBD wellness products, is pleased to announce that its products are now available at Walmart. Starting this month, consumers will find Charlotte's Web CBD topical products in 827 Walmart stores across five states including Charlotte's Web Debuts at Walmart with New CBD Topical Collection (CNW Group/Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.) The new retail distribution at Walmart expands Charlotte's Web CBD wellness presence at an affordable price point, unlocking both value and accessibility for the Walmart customer. " We are proud to introduce CBD topicals at Walmart, reflecting Charlotte's Web's dedication to setting new standards of excellence in the CBD industry, ensuring every Walmart shopper can experience the transformative benefits of our meticulously crafted products. We are not only broadening our retail footprint but also reinforcing our mission to innovate and elevate the consumers' wellness journeys through science-backed CBD solutions," says Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web. The new line of competitively priced CBD topicals is formulated with CBD isolate. The collection includes a balm stick, a cream, and a cooling gel, each containing 1,000 mg of concentrated CBD isolate. These are blended with soothing and cooling ingredients including menthol, camphor, and aloe vera. All products are non-GMO, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and formulated without major allergens. About Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc., a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, is the market leader in innovative hemp extract wellness products that includes Charlotte's Web whole-plant full-spectrum CBD extracts as well as broad-spectrum CBD certified NSF for Sport®. Charlotte's Web is the official CBD of Major League Baseball©, Angel City Football Club and the Premier Lacrosse League. Charlotte's Web branded premium quality products start with proprietary hemp genetics that are North American farm-grown using organic and regenerative cultivation practices. The Company's hemp extracts have naturally occurring botanical compounds including cannabidiol ("CBD"), CBN, CBC, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds. Charlotte's Web product categories include CBD oil tinctures (liquid products) CBD gummies (sleep, calming, exercise recovery, immunity), CBN gummies, CBD capsules, CBD topical creams and lotions, as well as CBD pet products for dogs. Through its substantially vertically integrated business model, Charlotte's Web maintains stringent control over product quality and consistency with analytic testing from soil to shelf for quality assurance. Charlotte's Web products are distributed to retailers and health care practitioners throughout the U.S.A, and online through the Company's website at www.charlottesweb.com. © Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com. Forward-Looking Information Certain information provided herein constitutes forward-looking statements or information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "intend", "target", "believe" and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This press release includes forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, levels of activity, and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain assumptions and analysis by management of the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future development and other factors that it believes are appropriate and reasonable. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements herein include material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements including, among others, general economic and market risks, cyber-security risks and those risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2023, and other risk factors contained in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available on www.sec.gov and filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available on www.sedarplus.ca. The impact of any one risk, uncertainty, or factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as these are interdependent, and the Company's future course of action depends on management's assessment of all information available at the relevant time. Any forward-looking statement in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

Military horse runs into a car in London after three break loose again – video

Three riderless military horses were seen bolting through central London on Monday after breaking loose during a routine exercise. Dashcam footage from a taxi showed one of the animals colliding with the car's bonnet at a junction in Pimlico. It is the second incident in three months involving army animals breaking loose in the capital. The Ministry of Defence said all horses were collected and returned to Hyde Park Barracks. Military horses bolt through London again after three break loose Continue reading...

uk

Military horse runs into a car in London after three break loose again – video. Three riderless military horses were seen bolting through central London on Monday after breaking loose during a routine exercise. Dashcam footage from a taxi showed one of the animals colliding with the car's bonnet at a junction in Pimlico. It is the second incident in three months involving army animals breaking loose in the capital. The Ministry of Defence said all horses were collected and returned to Hyde Park Barracks. Military horses bolt through London again after three break loose Continue reading...

More than £232m paid in compensation for HS2 line that will never be built

More than £232m has been paid out in compensation to people affected by the now-scrapped northern leg of HS2, Sky News can reveal. Responses to our Freedom of Information requests show just shy of £550m has been spent so far on a range of government compensation schemes for both residents and businesses impacted by the planned route between London and Manchester. But more than 40% of the pot went to land and property owners in phase two of the project - starting at Birmingham and heading north - which was cancelled by the Conservatives at their 2023 party conference and will never be built. A total of 2,446 successful applications for pay outs have been made across five schemes, but 53 are still yet to be settled - 10 years after compensation was first made available. And with a current average payment of £242,555 per application, the next government could be looking at a further bill of almost £13m to meet the commitments. A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said the "vast majority" of the remaining transactions for phase two had now been "placed on hold" following the cancellation of the leg, adding: "In most cases we are now only continuing with purchases that started before October - if the owner wishes to proceed. "In line with government policy, we're now in the process of closing down the phase two programme in an orderly fashion, while being mindful of the needs of local communities and the taxpayer." Sky News has contacted the Conservative Party for a response. HS2 was first proposed under a Labour government in 2009 and adopted by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010, with an expected price tag of £37.5bn. But beset with delays and costs soaring north of £100bn, original plans began to be scaled back, and last year, the Conservative government announced it would be scrapping the line between Birmingham and Manchester entirely. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The decision was condemned by politicians on all sides - including the mayors of Birmingham and Manchester, who said they were treating people in the North and Midlands as "second class citizens". But ministers insisted the project no longer represented "value for money", and the funding could be better spent on more localised transport plans. What are the schemes - and how much has been paid? There have been five compensation schemes in total for HS2. The Express Purchase Scheme covers people whose whole house or 25% of their land falls into "safeguarded areas" - land HS2 plans or planned to build on - allowing them to sell their property to the government. A total of 144 applications were accepted under this scheme, the majority of which - 136 - fell into phase two of the project. But while the government has spent just over £900,000 settling four of the eight applications along the route for phase one, it has spent more than £34m on just 39 of the 136 settlements for phase two. HS2 said 25 applications remained "active" or still to be paid out. The Rural Support Zone Scheme sees those whose properties fall outside of the safeguarded area, but within 120m of the line, able to apply for either a cash offer or a voluntary purchase scheme from the government - with applications staying open until one year after the relevant phase of the railway is first open for public use. The government has paid out almost £32m for 116 successful claims in phase one and close to £50m for 589 claims in phase two, but there are another 15 still to be settled. There was a further scheme for those whose property or 25% of their land fell within 300m of the line called the Homeowner Payment Scheme. It gave one off payments to those in the zone, ranging from £7,000 for those at the furthest edge up to £24,000 for those closest to the 120m mark. Close to £11.4m was given out across 834 claims covering phase one, while almost £1.7m was given out for 108 claims on phase two. Install the Sky News app for free The Need to Sell Scheme was established for those who had a "compelling reason" to sell, such as losing their job and needing to relocate because of the line, while not falling within 300m of it. A total of 199 applications were accepted for phase one and 189 for phase two, but while 332 of the applications have been paid out - costing over £181m for phase one and more than £85m for phase two - 13 are yet to complete. The final compensation scheme was introduced in the earlier planning days of HS2 under the coalition government - the Exceptional Hardship Scheme. This allowed homeowners and small businesses who could prove they had an urgent need to sell because their property value could be affected by the initial preferred route of HS2 to make a claim.

politics

More than £232m paid in compensation for HS2 line that will never be built. More than £232m has been paid out in compensation to people affected by the now-scrapped northern leg of HS2, Sky News can reveal. Responses to our Freedom of Information requests show just shy of £550m has been spent so far on a range of government compensation schemes for both residents and businesses impacted by the planned route between London and Manchester. But more than 40% of the pot went to land and property owners in phase two of the project - starting at Birmingham and heading north - which was cancelled by the Conservatives at their 2023 party conference and will never be built. A total of 2,446 successful applications for pay outs have been made across five schemes, but 53 are still yet to be settled - 10 years after compensation was first made available. And with a current average payment of £242,555 per application, the next government could be looking at a further bill of almost £13m to meet the commitments. A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said the "vast majority" of the remaining transactions for phase two had now been "placed on hold" following the cancellation of the leg, adding: "In most cases we are now only continuing with purchases that started before October - if the owner wishes to proceed. "In line with government policy, we're now in the process of closing down the phase two programme in an orderly fashion, while being mindful of the needs of local communities and the taxpayer." Sky News has contacted the Conservative Party for a response. HS2 was first proposed under a Labour government in 2009 and adopted by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010, with an expected price tag of £37.5bn. But beset with delays and costs soaring north of £100bn, original plans began to be scaled back, and last year, the Conservative government announced it would be scrapping the line between Birmingham and Manchester entirely. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The decision was condemned by politicians on all sides - including the mayors of Birmingham and Manchester, who said they were treating people in the North and Midlands as "second class citizens". But ministers insisted the project no longer represented "value for money", and the funding could be better spent on more localised transport plans. What are the schemes - and how much has been paid? There have been five compensation schemes in total for HS2. The Express Purchase Scheme covers people whose whole house or 25% of their land falls into "safeguarded areas" - land HS2 plans or planned to build on - allowing them to sell their property to the government. A total of 144 applications were accepted under this scheme, the majority of which - 136 - fell into phase two of the project. But while the government has spent just over £900,000 settling four of the eight applications along the route for phase one, it has spent more than £34m on just 39 of the 136 settlements for phase two. HS2 said 25 applications remained "active" or still to be paid out. The Rural Support Zone Scheme sees those whose properties fall outside of the safeguarded area, but within 120m of the line, able to apply for either a cash offer or a voluntary purchase scheme from the government - with applications staying open until one year after the relevant phase of the railway is first open for public use. The government has paid out almost £32m for 116 successful claims in phase one and close to £50m for 589 claims in phase two, but there are another 15 still to be settled. There was a further scheme for those whose property or 25% of their land fell within 300m of the line called the Homeowner Payment Scheme. It gave one off payments to those in the zone, ranging from £7,000 for those at the furthest edge up to £24,000 for those closest to the 120m mark. Close to £11.4m was given out across 834 claims covering phase one, while almost £1.7m was given out for 108 claims on phase two. Install the Sky News app for free The Need to Sell Scheme was established for those who had a "compelling reason" to sell, such as losing their job and needing to relocate because of the line, while not falling within 300m of it. A total of 199 applications were accepted for phase one and 189 for phase two, but while 332 of the applications have been paid out - costing over £181m for phase one and more than £85m for phase two - 13 are yet to complete. The final compensation scheme was introduced in the earlier planning days of HS2 under the coalition government - the Exceptional Hardship Scheme. This allowed homeowners and small businesses who could prove they had an urgent need to sell because their property value could be affected by the initial preferred route of HS2 to make a claim.

Tesla, rivals get low marks for automated-driving technology

Tesla's TSLA.O Autopilot and Full Self Driving technology and nine other assisted-driving systems marketed by major automakers received "poor" ratings from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in a new study released on Tuesday. The IIHS, a safety research arm of the insurance industry, also said there is no evidence that Autopilot or other assisted-driving systems have real-world safety benefits, based on crash data. "We are able to look at insurance claims data. We have been able to look at vehicles with and without these (systems) and determine there is no reduction in claims as a result of these more advanced systems," IIHS President David Harkey told Reuters. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories By comparison, there is evidence that automatic emergency braking systems cut rear-end collisions by 50 per cent and cut incidents of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian by 30 per cent, he said. Tesla and its chief executive, Elon Musk, have said that a Tesla operating with Autopilot engaged is about 10 times safer than the U.S. average and five times safer than a Tesla without the technology enabled. Federal regulators are investigating nearly 1,000 accidents in which Tesla's Autopilot was in use. A civil case scheduled to go to trial next week in California will be the latest test of Tesla's strategy of blaming crashes on drivers who fail to heed the EV maker's warnings to pay attention to the road when Autopilot or Full Self Driving technology are engaged. Tesla did not reply to an email seeking comment. The IIHS study rated 14 assisted-driving systems from nine automakers against standards it developed. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has no formal standards governing advanced-driver assistance systems, or ADAS in industry terminology. "There are no federal regulations, nor is there good consistent guidance," Harkey said. "That was our reason for putting these safeguards together." Of the systems IIHS tested, only one earned an acceptable rating: The Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, offered last year on a small number of Toyota Motor's 7203.T luxury Lexus LS hybrid sedans. "Toyota continuously aims to increase vehicle safety," Toyota said in a statement. "As a part of that effort, Toyota, among other things, considers performance in third-party testing programs like NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program and IIHS's Top Safety Pick program." GM's Super Cruise and Nissan's 7201.T "ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link" offered on the 2023-2024 Ariya electric vehicle received "marginal" overall ratings. "We are evaluating the results from the first-ever Partial Automation Safeguards test and will continue to work with IIHS in all matters related to customer safety," Nissan said. Top science and technology headlines, all in one place GM said in a statement that Super Cruise "is meant to serve as an enhancement to the driving experience," not as a safety feature. Different assisted-driving systems from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DE, BMW BMWG.DE, Nissan, Ford F.N, GM, Hyundai's 005380.KS Genesis brand and Geely's GEELY.UL Volvo Cars brand received "poor" overall ratings, although all achieved "good" scores on certain elements of the IIHS tests, the group said. "This new IIHS testing methodology does not assess the performance of the driver assistance systems, instead it focuses on safeguards to prevent misuse," Mercedes said in a statement. "We take the findings of the IIHS partial driving automation safeguard ratings very seriously." Automakers could boost safety ratings by adopting existing technology for functions such as driver-monitoring or attention warnings that achieved "good" scores, Harkey said. Top automotive headlines, all in one place Tesla and other automakers are improving the capabilities of their systems, the IIHS said. Tesla revised its Autopilot software following a federal recall agreement, and IIHS will test the updated system, Harkey said. "We are certainly going to take in the results of these tests as our cars and these systems continue to evolve," BMW spokesman Jay Hanson said on Monday. BMW now offers in certain U.S. models a more sophisticated driving-assistance system than the one tested by the IIHS. The Genesis GV80 SUV that launches in the U.S. this spring will the first model in the Hyundai luxury brand with an in-cabin camera to monitor the driver's face and eyes while assisted driving is engaged. "This enhancement will also be rolling out to future Genesis products in the coming months and years," the company said. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry bows to pressure, announces plan to resign 'Housing, housing, housing' on agenda with B.C. premier, Freeland says Magnotta transfer to medium-security prison prompts MPs to call corrections head, warden to testify Most teens report feeling happy or peaceful when they go without smartphones, survey finds The survey comes as policymakers and children's advocates are growing increasingly concerned with teens' relationships with their phones and social media. Some employees are struggling with the return to office. Now, the workplace etiquette industry is booming 2 dogs die during 1,000-mile Iditarod, prompting call from PETA to end the race across Alaska

tech

Tesla, rivals get low marks for automated-driving technology. Tesla's TSLA.O Autopilot and Full Self Driving technology and nine other assisted-driving systems marketed by major automakers received "poor" ratings from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in a new study released on Tuesday. The IIHS, a safety research arm of the insurance industry, also said there is no evidence that Autopilot or other assisted-driving systems have real-world safety benefits, based on crash data. "We are able to look at insurance claims data. We have been able to look at vehicles with and without these (systems) and determine there is no reduction in claims as a result of these more advanced systems," IIHS President David Harkey told Reuters. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories By comparison, there is evidence that automatic emergency braking systems cut rear-end collisions by 50 per cent and cut incidents of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian by 30 per cent, he said. Tesla and its chief executive, Elon Musk, have said that a Tesla operating with Autopilot engaged is about 10 times safer than the U.S. average and five times safer than a Tesla without the technology enabled. Federal regulators are investigating nearly 1,000 accidents in which Tesla's Autopilot was in use. A civil case scheduled to go to trial next week in California will be the latest test of Tesla's strategy of blaming crashes on drivers who fail to heed the EV maker's warnings to pay attention to the road when Autopilot or Full Self Driving technology are engaged. Tesla did not reply to an email seeking comment. The IIHS study rated 14 assisted-driving systems from nine automakers against standards it developed. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has no formal standards governing advanced-driver assistance systems, or ADAS in industry terminology. "There are no federal regulations, nor is there good consistent guidance," Harkey said. "That was our reason for putting these safeguards together." Of the systems IIHS tested, only one earned an acceptable rating: The Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, offered last year on a small number of Toyota Motor's 7203.T luxury Lexus LS hybrid sedans. "Toyota continuously aims to increase vehicle safety," Toyota said in a statement. "As a part of that effort, Toyota, among other things, considers performance in third-party testing programs like NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program and IIHS's Top Safety Pick program." GM's Super Cruise and Nissan's 7201.T "ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link" offered on the 2023-2024 Ariya electric vehicle received "marginal" overall ratings. "We are evaluating the results from the first-ever Partial Automation Safeguards test and will continue to work with IIHS in all matters related to customer safety," Nissan said. Top science and technology headlines, all in one place GM said in a statement that Super Cruise "is meant to serve as an enhancement to the driving experience," not as a safety feature. Different assisted-driving systems from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DE, BMW BMWG.DE, Nissan, Ford F.N, GM, Hyundai's 005380.KS Genesis brand and Geely's GEELY.UL Volvo Cars brand received "poor" overall ratings, although all achieved "good" scores on certain elements of the IIHS tests, the group said. "This new IIHS testing methodology does not assess the performance of the driver assistance systems, instead it focuses on safeguards to prevent misuse," Mercedes said in a statement. "We take the findings of the IIHS partial driving automation safeguard ratings very seriously." Automakers could boost safety ratings by adopting existing technology for functions such as driver-monitoring or attention warnings that achieved "good" scores, Harkey said. Top automotive headlines, all in one place Tesla and other automakers are improving the capabilities of their systems, the IIHS said. Tesla revised its Autopilot software following a federal recall agreement, and IIHS will test the updated system, Harkey said. "We are certainly going to take in the results of these tests as our cars and these systems continue to evolve," BMW spokesman Jay Hanson said on Monday. BMW now offers in certain U.S. models a more sophisticated driving-assistance system than the one tested by the IIHS. The Genesis GV80 SUV that launches in the U.S. this spring will the first model in the Hyundai luxury brand with an in-cabin camera to monitor the driver's face and eyes while assisted driving is engaged. "This enhancement will also be rolling out to future Genesis products in the coming months and years," the company said. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry bows to pressure, announces plan to resign 'Housing, housing, housing' on agenda with B.C. premier, Freeland says Magnotta transfer to medium-security prison prompts MPs to call corrections head, warden to testify Most teens report feeling happy or peaceful when they go without smartphones, survey finds The survey comes as policymakers and children's advocates are growing increasingly concerned with teens' relationships with their phones and social media. Some employees are struggling with the return to office. Now, the workplace etiquette industry is booming 2 dogs die during 1,000-mile Iditarod, prompting call from PETA to end the race across Alaska

Do not write off 'gladiatorial' Peaty - Furniss

Bill Furniss: Swimming head coach excited by what's to come from Team GB in Paris Nottinghamshire-based Furniss, who has been working in elite swimming for the past 40 years and took charge of the Team GB squad after London 2012, said Peaty's feats in the pool over the past decade have been "amazing" and "unbelievable". He has an Olympic 4x100m mixed medley gold medal to go with his two in the 100m breaststroke, an event that he has claimed nine world, European and Commonwealth Games titles in since 2014. He was the first and remains the only man to swim 100m breaststroke in under 57 seconds. "He has taken the event, in world terms, to another level. His world record, no-one ever thought people could swim that fast," Furniss said. "There is a lot of pressure on him and he has had a tough time, he will be the first to admit that. But he has done a great job to get back, and he's certainly not a quitter - he is a fighter." During his mental health struggles in recent years, Peaty spoke about "a gold medal is the coldest thing you wear" and that the multitude of accolades he has amassed - which includes eight World Championship gold medals, 17 European titles and four golds at the Commonwealth Games - were no way to solve his problems. But what gold in Paris would mean to Peaty, said Furniss, would go beyond having another precious metal draped around his neck. "Adam Peaty wouldn't be swimming if he didn't think he could win another gold medal," Furniss said. "A medal will not motivate him. He is the ultimate competitor and will give it the best shot he has got.

world,uk

Do not write off 'gladiatorial' Peaty - Furniss. Bill Furniss: Swimming head coach excited by what's to come from Team GB in Paris Nottinghamshire-based Furniss, who has been working in elite swimming for the past 40 years and took charge of the Team GB squad after London 2012, said Peaty's feats in the pool over the past decade have been "amazing" and "unbelievable". He has an Olympic 4x100m mixed medley gold medal to go with his two in the 100m breaststroke, an event that he has claimed nine world, European and Commonwealth Games titles in since 2014. He was the first and remains the only man to swim 100m breaststroke in under 57 seconds. "He has taken the event, in world terms, to another level. His world record, no-one ever thought people could swim that fast," Furniss said. "There is a lot of pressure on him and he has had a tough time, he will be the first to admit that. But he has done a great job to get back, and he's certainly not a quitter - he is a fighter." During his mental health struggles in recent years, Peaty spoke about "a gold medal is the coldest thing you wear" and that the multitude of accolades he has amassed - which includes eight World Championship gold medals, 17 European titles and four golds at the Commonwealth Games - were no way to solve his problems. But what gold in Paris would mean to Peaty, said Furniss, would go beyond having another precious metal draped around his neck. "Adam Peaty wouldn't be swimming if he didn't think he could win another gold medal," Furniss said. "A medal will not motivate him. He is the ultimate competitor and will give it the best shot he has got.

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Notifies Shareholders of an Investigation Concerning Possible Breaches of Fiduciary Duty by Certain Officers and Directors of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH)

NEW YORK, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces that it has commenced an investigation of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. To obtain additional information, go to:...

motors

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Notifies Shareholders of an Investigation Concerning Possible Breaches of Fiduciary Duty by Certain Officers and Directors of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH). NEW YORK, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces that it has commenced an investigation of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. To obtain additional information, go to:...

Swiss CEO Outlines Long-Term Fleet Development.

aerospace

Swiss CEO Outlines Long-Term Fleet Development..

Windows flaw lets hackers sneak into your PC over Wi-Fi

Use your personal hot spot rather than public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy A hot spot allows you to share your iPhone's cellular data with other devices, such as your laptop or tablet. A new security issue was found in the Windows Wi-Fi driver that let hackers break into your PC through wireless networks. This flaw, which is now fixed, allowed attackers to run malicious programs on affected computers. It impacted all modern versions of Windows and Windows Server, and the hackers didn't need to have any previous access to the target computer. Fortunately, Microsoft has released a security update that addresses this Wi-Fi driver vulnerability. However, it's crucial to keep your software up to date and follow best practices to minimize the risk of such attacks. We'll provide tips below on what you should do to protect yourself if a similar issue arises in the future. GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS - SIGN UP FOR KURT'S NEWSLETTER - THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE Windows laptop computers Microsoft labeled the vulnerability CVE-2024-30078 with a maximum severity of "Important." It is described as a "Windows Wi-Fi Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." If we break down these terms, you'd understand that the flaw allows an attacker within Wi-Fi range of your computer to send a specially crafted network packet to the target and exploit your PC. This vulnerability is dangerous because it can bypass all security checks, doesn't need special permissions and requires no action from the user. For example, imagine you're at a cafe using its public Wi-Fi. You'd expect some security measures to protect your device. But with this vulnerability, an attacker could easily sneak malware onto your laptop without you knowing. You wouldn't have to click anything or give permission — just being connected to the Wi-Fi is enough. This could happen at any public hot spot, like at hotels, airports or cafes, putting many people at risk. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Microsoft admitted there weren't any known active attacks utilizing this security hole. However, it described the vulnerability itself as fairly easy to exploit. While Microsoft downplays the immediate risk, these announcements can sometimes attract malicious hackers. The vulnerability affects every supported version of Windows, including unpatched versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. It also affects all Windows Server versions from 2008 onward. A woman working (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson) DON'T LET SNOOPS NEARBY LISTEN TO YOUR VOICEMAIL WITH THIS QUICK TIP Microsoft's response to its security vulnerability On June 11, Microsoft released a patch that eliminates the security vulnerability. This patch also addresses 49 CVEs across Windows and its components, Office and its components, Azure Dynamic Business Central and Visual Studio. This is applicable if you are using a version of Windows that still receives security updates. If you are using an end-of-life version of Windows without an extended service contract, it is recommended to update to a supported version as soon as possible. Update your Windows software now In light of the recently discovered and patched Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, it is crucial for all Windows users to promptly update their software to ensure maximum protection against potential cyber threats. Keeping your operating system and other software up to date is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your devices from known vulnerabilities and security flaws. To update your Windows software and benefit from the latest security patches, follow these simple steps: For Windows 10 and Windows 11 Click on the Start menu and select "Settings" (or press the Windows key + I shortcut). In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security." Under the "Windows Update" section, click on "Check for updates." If updates are available, including the patch for the Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, Windows will download and install them automatically. Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to apply the updates. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE For Windows 8.1 and earlier versions Open the Control Panel and navigate to "System and Security." Under the "Windows Update" section, click on "Check for updates." If updates are available, including the patch for the Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, select them and click "Install updates." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Restart your computer if prompted to apply the updates. By keeping your Windows software up to date, you not only protect yourself from the recently discovered Wi-Fi driver vulnerability but also ensure that your system is fortified against other known security threats. Regular software updates are essential for maintaining a secure and reliable computing environment. Remember, cybercriminals are constantly seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so it's crucial to stay vigilant and promptly install updates as they become available. Windows laptop (Microsoft) Six ways to protect yourself from Wi-Fi cyberattacks There are many ways a Wi-Fi network can be exploited by bad actors. However, you can protect yourself by following these steps. 1. Enable encryption: WPA2 and WPA3 (Wi-Fi-protected access) are the standard encryptions now. If your network is using WEP (wired equivalent privacy) security, this is outdated. New routers should automatically come with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, but you may have to enable it to be sure your router is secure. Your wireless network manual will show you how to enable this on your particular network, but be sure to do so so your Wi-Fi requires a password. 2. Update your Wi-Fi password often: When you first set up a new router, it will come with a pre-set Wi-Fi router name and password. Be sure to change this as soon as you set it up and use a strong password. Always make sure your network requires a password to log in. It's also important to change this information regularly. This makes it harder for anyone to hack into your network. Use these Best Password Managers for 2024 to help create and store your passwords. 3. Update firmware and software: As with computers and phones, it's essential to keep your software up to date to help protect against security threats. Always run the latest software. Some routers will call this firmware, so make sure to keep that updated. 4. Install a strong antivirus program: Hackers often gain access to devices by sending infected emails or documents or tricking users into clicking a link that downloads malware. You can avoid all of this by installing antivirus software that will detect any potential threat before it can take over your device or router. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices. 5. Pick a secure router: If you're in the market for a new router, check out my list of top routers. These routers are recommended not only for their security features but also for their compatibility with VPN service providers. 6. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security, especially when accessing your network remotely. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices Remember, while no system can be completely invulnerable, these steps can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks on your Wi-Fi network. Kurt's key takeaway The Wi-Fi driver flaw on Windows is particularly concerning because it gives bad actors an open invitation to exploit your computer. Since Microsoft has now made the vulnerability public, cybercriminals may try to exploit it even though the Redmond-based company says it has patched it. As a rule of thumb, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks you don't trust. If necessary, connect to a VPN, turn off file sharing, and disable auto-connect. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Do you often use public Wi-Fi networks? If yes, do you take any measures to protect your digital privacy and safety? Let us know by writing us at

tech

Windows flaw lets hackers sneak into your PC over Wi-Fi. Use your personal hot spot rather than public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy A hot spot allows you to share your iPhone's cellular data with other devices, such as your laptop or tablet. A new security issue was found in the Windows Wi-Fi driver that let hackers break into your PC through wireless networks. This flaw, which is now fixed, allowed attackers to run malicious programs on affected computers. It impacted all modern versions of Windows and Windows Server, and the hackers didn't need to have any previous access to the target computer. Fortunately, Microsoft has released a security update that addresses this Wi-Fi driver vulnerability. However, it's crucial to keep your software up to date and follow best practices to minimize the risk of such attacks. We'll provide tips below on what you should do to protect yourself if a similar issue arises in the future. GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS - SIGN UP FOR KURT'S NEWSLETTER - THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE Windows laptop computers Microsoft labeled the vulnerability CVE-2024-30078 with a maximum severity of "Important." It is described as a "Windows Wi-Fi Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." If we break down these terms, you'd understand that the flaw allows an attacker within Wi-Fi range of your computer to send a specially crafted network packet to the target and exploit your PC. This vulnerability is dangerous because it can bypass all security checks, doesn't need special permissions and requires no action from the user. For example, imagine you're at a cafe using its public Wi-Fi. You'd expect some security measures to protect your device. But with this vulnerability, an attacker could easily sneak malware onto your laptop without you knowing. You wouldn't have to click anything or give permission — just being connected to the Wi-Fi is enough. This could happen at any public hot spot, like at hotels, airports or cafes, putting many people at risk. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Microsoft admitted there weren't any known active attacks utilizing this security hole. However, it described the vulnerability itself as fairly easy to exploit. While Microsoft downplays the immediate risk, these announcements can sometimes attract malicious hackers. The vulnerability affects every supported version of Windows, including unpatched versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. It also affects all Windows Server versions from 2008 onward. A woman working (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson) DON'T LET SNOOPS NEARBY LISTEN TO YOUR VOICEMAIL WITH THIS QUICK TIP Microsoft's response to its security vulnerability On June 11, Microsoft released a patch that eliminates the security vulnerability. This patch also addresses 49 CVEs across Windows and its components, Office and its components, Azure Dynamic Business Central and Visual Studio. This is applicable if you are using a version of Windows that still receives security updates. If you are using an end-of-life version of Windows without an extended service contract, it is recommended to update to a supported version as soon as possible. Update your Windows software now In light of the recently discovered and patched Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, it is crucial for all Windows users to promptly update their software to ensure maximum protection against potential cyber threats. Keeping your operating system and other software up to date is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your devices from known vulnerabilities and security flaws. To update your Windows software and benefit from the latest security patches, follow these simple steps: For Windows 10 and Windows 11 Click on the Start menu and select "Settings" (or press the Windows key + I shortcut). In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security." Under the "Windows Update" section, click on "Check for updates." If updates are available, including the patch for the Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, Windows will download and install them automatically. Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to apply the updates. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE For Windows 8.1 and earlier versions Open the Control Panel and navigate to "System and Security." Under the "Windows Update" section, click on "Check for updates." If updates are available, including the patch for the Wi-Fi driver vulnerability, select them and click "Install updates." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Restart your computer if prompted to apply the updates. By keeping your Windows software up to date, you not only protect yourself from the recently discovered Wi-Fi driver vulnerability but also ensure that your system is fortified against other known security threats. Regular software updates are essential for maintaining a secure and reliable computing environment. Remember, cybercriminals are constantly seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so it's crucial to stay vigilant and promptly install updates as they become available. Windows laptop (Microsoft) Six ways to protect yourself from Wi-Fi cyberattacks There are many ways a Wi-Fi network can be exploited by bad actors. However, you can protect yourself by following these steps. 1. Enable encryption: WPA2 and WPA3 (Wi-Fi-protected access) are the standard encryptions now. If your network is using WEP (wired equivalent privacy) security, this is outdated. New routers should automatically come with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, but you may have to enable it to be sure your router is secure. Your wireless network manual will show you how to enable this on your particular network, but be sure to do so so your Wi-Fi requires a password. 2. Update your Wi-Fi password often: When you first set up a new router, it will come with a pre-set Wi-Fi router name and password. Be sure to change this as soon as you set it up and use a strong password. Always make sure your network requires a password to log in. It's also important to change this information regularly. This makes it harder for anyone to hack into your network. Use these Best Password Managers for 2024 to help create and store your passwords. 3. Update firmware and software: As with computers and phones, it's essential to keep your software up to date to help protect against security threats. Always run the latest software. Some routers will call this firmware, so make sure to keep that updated. 4. Install a strong antivirus program: Hackers often gain access to devices by sending infected emails or documents or tricking users into clicking a link that downloads malware. You can avoid all of this by installing antivirus software that will detect any potential threat before it can take over your device or router. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices. 5. Pick a secure router: If you're in the market for a new router, check out my list of top routers. These routers are recommended not only for their security features but also for their compatibility with VPN service providers. 6. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security, especially when accessing your network remotely. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices Remember, while no system can be completely invulnerable, these steps can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks on your Wi-Fi network. Kurt's key takeaway The Wi-Fi driver flaw on Windows is particularly concerning because it gives bad actors an open invitation to exploit your computer. Since Microsoft has now made the vulnerability public, cybercriminals may try to exploit it even though the Redmond-based company says it has patched it. As a rule of thumb, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks you don't trust. If necessary, connect to a VPN, turn off file sharing, and disable auto-connect. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Do you often use public Wi-Fi networks? If yes, do you take any measures to protect your digital privacy and safety? Let us know by writing us at

Sandbox unveils The Sandbox DAO to make the virtual world fully community-driven

DAO will allow the game's users holding its native token, SAND, and the LAND nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to vote on various network improvements to the project. These improvements, dubbed Sandbox Improvement Proposals (SIPs), are formal documents that outline proposed changes or enhancements within The Sandbox ecosystem. Specifically, holders of five SAND or one LAND will be able to vote on the three foundational proposals to initiate the DAO's operations. While the Sandbox developers will still retain control over some operations, the majority of the control will be delegated to the community. "From determining how we allocate critical funds to the next Game Jam theme, community members will have a say in how this platform evolves and where the business focuses its time," the Sandbox team said in a statement. The DAO will be launched in three phases, with the first phase set to begin on May 28. According to the Sandbox team, the three-phase rollout will help ensure necessary testing is done and any issues encountered post-launch are fixed. The team further stressed that the goal here is "long-term success." "We're taking a deliberate and measured approach to ensure we're prepared for sustainable growth," the team added. In its second phase, referred to as the "exploration" phase, the project will look to separate itself from the parent company, Animoca Brands. The final phase will see the project become fully independent and community-driven. You might also like: Circle partners with Overdare to bring programmable USDC wallets to metaverse Besides the community-driven approach, the DAO will also be guided by a council and advisers. Introduced alongside the DAO, the council members will include Sebastien Borget, co-founder and chief operating officer of The Sandbox. Other members include Yat Siu, chairman of Animoca Brands; Shannon Snow, chief operating officer of World of Women; and Jean-Michel Pailhon, founder of Grail Capital. Council members will review all SIPs and provide feedback. "They meet bi-monthly to review SIPs and can veto proposals based on legality, misalignment with the DAO's vision, or redundancy," the team added. The Sandbox has been a popular destination for those looking to explore the metaverse. The project has seen big names like Forbes

crypto

Sandbox unveils The Sandbox DAO to make the virtual world fully community-driven. DAO will allow the game's users holding its native token, SAND, and the LAND nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to vote on various network improvements to the project. These improvements, dubbed Sandbox Improvement Proposals (SIPs), are formal documents that outline proposed changes or enhancements within The Sandbox ecosystem. Specifically, holders of five SAND or one LAND will be able to vote on the three foundational proposals to initiate the DAO's operations. While the Sandbox developers will still retain control over some operations, the majority of the control will be delegated to the community. "From determining how we allocate critical funds to the next Game Jam theme, community members will have a say in how this platform evolves and where the business focuses its time," the Sandbox team said in a statement. The DAO will be launched in three phases, with the first phase set to begin on May 28. According to the Sandbox team, the three-phase rollout will help ensure necessary testing is done and any issues encountered post-launch are fixed. The team further stressed that the goal here is "long-term success." "We're taking a deliberate and measured approach to ensure we're prepared for sustainable growth," the team added. In its second phase, referred to as the "exploration" phase, the project will look to separate itself from the parent company, Animoca Brands. The final phase will see the project become fully independent and community-driven. You might also like: Circle partners with Overdare to bring programmable USDC wallets to metaverse Besides the community-driven approach, the DAO will also be guided by a council and advisers. Introduced alongside the DAO, the council members will include Sebastien Borget, co-founder and chief operating officer of The Sandbox. Other members include Yat Siu, chairman of Animoca Brands; Shannon Snow, chief operating officer of World of Women; and Jean-Michel Pailhon, founder of Grail Capital. Council members will review all SIPs and provide feedback. "They meet bi-monthly to review SIPs and can veto proposals based on legality, misalignment with the DAO's vision, or redundancy," the team added. The Sandbox has been a popular destination for those looking to explore the metaverse. The project has seen big names like Forbes

Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) survey finds that FDA's final laboratory developed tests rule will impede the fight against the U.S.'s drug epidemic

June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) released the results of a survey that ADLM conducted to determine how the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) final laboratory developed tests rule will impact patient access to essential tests. The survey found that, in spite of certain tests being exempt from the rule, it will still force many laboratories, particularly those in hospitals, to discontinue critical tests, including those needed to identify prescription and illegal drug use. View the full survey results here: April 29, the FDA published a final rule on laboratory developed test regulation that will place these tests under FDA oversight, in addition to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight that they are already under. ADLM has long contended that labs do not have the resources to meet the FDA's regulatory requirements on top of CMS', and that this duplicative regulation will push many labs to stop performing these essential tests. The FDA, on the other hand, has emphasized that the final rule exempts certain categories of laboratory developed tests from the agency's full review process, though exempt tests will still be subject to other regulatory requirements. These exempt tests include so-called grandfathered tests that were offered prior to the publication of the rule, as well as tests that fill an unmet need that no FDA authorized test addresses. After the rule is phased in, which will happen over the course of 4 years, the FDA claims that these exemptions will ensure that patients have the same access to testing that they do in the present. ADLM conducted a survey to learn directly from labs whether the FDA rule's exemptions will help or hurt their testing capabilities. The survey went out to clinical laboratories across the U.S. and received responses from 128 of them. In spite of the rule's exemptions, the majority of respondents said that they do not have the staff or resources to fulfill the FDA requirements that exempt laboratory developed tests will still have to meet. And more than half of the labs that won't be able to comply with these requirements anticipate discontinuing some of their exempt tests. The tests that labs could end up discontinuing include essential toxicology tests for fentanyl, methamphetamine, barbiturates, and cocaine. These laboratory developed drug tests are crucial because, unlike their FDA approved counterparts, they are able to detect these drugs at their lowest concentrations. Labs can also modify their laboratory developed tests quickly, enabling them to detect designer drugs as soon as they emerge. This makes these tests indispensable in the fight to curb substance abuse and overdose deaths, which surpassed 100,000 for the third straight year in 2023. "We appreciate that the FDA has tried to include provisions in its final rule with the aim of preserving patient access to laboratory developed tests," said ADLM President Dr. Octavia Peck Palmer. "But the fact still remains that clinical labs are not medical device manufacturers, nor are laboratory developed tests the mass manufactured devices that the FDA currently regulates. This means that the FDA's regulatory framework is simply not appropriate for laboratory developed tests, and the results of ADLM's survey demonstrate that placing these tests under FDA oversight will only hinder patient care and critical public health initiatives." About laboratory developed tests A laboratory developed test is a new or significantly modified test that is developed, validated, and used within a single clinical laboratory in response to a specific patient care need. Most laboratory developed tests are created because there is not already a Food and Drug Administration-approved test available, and they are often used to diagnose rare conditions, such as inherited genetic disorders. These tests are typically not advertised or sold as kits to other testing facilities. The only labs that are allowed to perform laboratory developed tests are those that are considered high-complexity labs under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, which are administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These high-complexity labs are subject to rigorous oversight under CMS, and they are routinely inspected to ensure that they provide highly accurate testing. About the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, ADLM (formerly AACC) brings together more than 70,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, ADLM has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit

health

Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) survey finds that FDA's final laboratory developed tests rule will impede the fight against the U.S.'s drug epidemic. June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) released the results of a survey that ADLM conducted to determine how the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) final laboratory developed tests rule will impact patient access to essential tests. The survey found that, in spite of certain tests being exempt from the rule, it will still force many laboratories, particularly those in hospitals, to discontinue critical tests, including those needed to identify prescription and illegal drug use. View the full survey results here: April 29, the FDA published a final rule on laboratory developed test regulation that will place these tests under FDA oversight, in addition to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight that they are already under. ADLM has long contended that labs do not have the resources to meet the FDA's regulatory requirements on top of CMS', and that this duplicative regulation will push many labs to stop performing these essential tests. The FDA, on the other hand, has emphasized that the final rule exempts certain categories of laboratory developed tests from the agency's full review process, though exempt tests will still be subject to other regulatory requirements. These exempt tests include so-called grandfathered tests that were offered prior to the publication of the rule, as well as tests that fill an unmet need that no FDA authorized test addresses. After the rule is phased in, which will happen over the course of 4 years, the FDA claims that these exemptions will ensure that patients have the same access to testing that they do in the present. ADLM conducted a survey to learn directly from labs whether the FDA rule's exemptions will help or hurt their testing capabilities. The survey went out to clinical laboratories across the U.S. and received responses from 128 of them. In spite of the rule's exemptions, the majority of respondents said that they do not have the staff or resources to fulfill the FDA requirements that exempt laboratory developed tests will still have to meet. And more than half of the labs that won't be able to comply with these requirements anticipate discontinuing some of their exempt tests. The tests that labs could end up discontinuing include essential toxicology tests for fentanyl, methamphetamine, barbiturates, and cocaine. These laboratory developed drug tests are crucial because, unlike their FDA approved counterparts, they are able to detect these drugs at their lowest concentrations. Labs can also modify their laboratory developed tests quickly, enabling them to detect designer drugs as soon as they emerge. This makes these tests indispensable in the fight to curb substance abuse and overdose deaths, which surpassed 100,000 for the third straight year in 2023. "We appreciate that the FDA has tried to include provisions in its final rule with the aim of preserving patient access to laboratory developed tests," said ADLM President Dr. Octavia Peck Palmer. "But the fact still remains that clinical labs are not medical device manufacturers, nor are laboratory developed tests the mass manufactured devices that the FDA currently regulates. This means that the FDA's regulatory framework is simply not appropriate for laboratory developed tests, and the results of ADLM's survey demonstrate that placing these tests under FDA oversight will only hinder patient care and critical public health initiatives." About laboratory developed tests A laboratory developed test is a new or significantly modified test that is developed, validated, and used within a single clinical laboratory in response to a specific patient care need. Most laboratory developed tests are created because there is not already a Food and Drug Administration-approved test available, and they are often used to diagnose rare conditions, such as inherited genetic disorders. These tests are typically not advertised or sold as kits to other testing facilities. The only labs that are allowed to perform laboratory developed tests are those that are considered high-complexity labs under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, which are administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These high-complexity labs are subject to rigorous oversight under CMS, and they are routinely inspected to ensure that they provide highly accurate testing. About the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, ADLM (formerly AACC) brings together more than 70,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, ADLM has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit

A year after the Titan's tragic dive, deep-sea explorers vow to pursue ocean's mysteries

1:11 FILE-The Polar Prince arrives at the port in St. John's, Newfoundland in this June 24, 2023, file photo. Authorities from the U.S. and Canada began the process of investigating the cause of the fatal Titan submersible implosion even as they grappled with questions of who was responsible for determining how the tragedy unfolded. The deadly implosion of an experimental submersible en route to the deep-sea grave of the Titanic last June has not dulled the desire for deep-sea exploration. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, marks one year since the Titan vanished on its way to the historic wreckage site. (Adrian Wyld /The Canadian Press via AP, file) The Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine -- The deadly implosion of an experimental submersible en route to the deep-sea grave of the Titanic last June has not dulled the desire for further ocean exploration, despite lingering questions about the disaster. Tuesday marks one year since the Titan vanished on its way to the historic wreckage site in the North Atlantic Ocean. After a five-day search that captured attention around the world, authorities said the vessel had been destroyed and all five people on board had died. Concerns have been raised about whether the Titan was destined for disaster because of its unconventional design and its creator's refusal to submit to independent checks that are standard in the industry. The U.S. Coast Guard quickly convened a high-level investigation into what happened, but officials said the inquiry is taking longer than the initial 12-month time frame, and a planned public hearing to discuss their findings won't happen for at least another two months. Meanwhile, deep-sea exploration continues. The Georgia-based company that owns the salvage rights to the Titanic plans to visit the sunken ocean liner in July using remotely operated vehicles, and a real estate billionaire from Ohio has said he plans a voyage to the shipwreck in a two-person submersible in 2026. Numerous ocean explorers told The Associated Press they are confident undersea exploration can continue safely in a post-Titan world. "It's been a desire of the scientific community to get down into the ocean," said Greg Stone, a veteran ocean explorer and friend of Titan operator Stockton Rush, who died in the implosion. "I have not noticed any difference in the desire to go into the ocean, exploring." OceanGate, a company co-founded by Rush that owned the submersible, suspended operations in early July. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment. David Concannon, a former adviser to OceanGate, said he will mark the anniversary privately with a group of people who were involved with the company or the submersible's expeditions over the years, including scientists, volunteers and mission specialists. Many of them, including those who were on the Titan support ship Polar Prince, have not been interviewed by the Coast Guard, he said. "The fact is, they are isolated and in a liminal space," he said in an email last week. "Stockton Rush has been vilified and so has everyone associated with OceanGate. I wasn't even there and I have gotten death threats. We support each other and just wait to be interviewed. The world has moved on. but the families and those most affected are still living with this tragedy every day." The Titan had been chronicling the Titanic's decay and the underwater ecosystem around the sunken ocean liner in yearly voyages since 2021. The craft made its last dive on June 18, 2023, a Sunday morning, and lost contact with its support vessel about two hours later. When it was reported overdue that afternoon, rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to the area, about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John's, Newfoundland. The U.S. Navy notified the Coast Guard that day of an anomaly in its acoustic data that was "consistent with an implosion or explosion" at the time communications between the Polar Prince and the Titan were lost, a senior Navy official later told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive technology. Any sliver of hope that remained for finding the crew alive was wiped away on June 22, when the Coast Guard announced that debris had been found near the Titanic on the ocean floor. Authorities have since recovered the submersible's intact endcap, debris and presumed human remains from the site. In addition to Rush, the implosion killed two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood; British adventurer Hamish Harding; and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet. Harding and Nargeolet were members of The Explorers Club, a professional society dedicated to research, exploration and resource conservation. "Then, as now, it hit us on a personal level very deeply," the group's president, Richard Garriott, said in an interview last week. "We knew not only all the people involved, but even all the previous divers, support teams, people working on all these vessels — those were all either members of this club or well within our network." Garriott believes even if the Titan hadn't imploded, the correct rescue equipment didn't get to the site fast enough. The tragedy caught everyone from the Coast Guard to the ships on site off guard, underscoring the importance of developing detailed search and rescue plans ahead of any expedition, he said. His organization has since created a task force to help others do just that. "That's what we've been trying to really correct, to make sure that we know exactly who to call and exactly what materials need to be mustered," he said. Garriott believes the world is in a new golden age of exploration thanks to technological advances that have opened frontiers and provided new tools to more thoroughly study already visited places. The Titanic tragedy hasn't tarnished that, he said. Veteran deep-sea explorer Katy Croff Bell agrees. The Titan implosion reinforced the importance of following industry standards and performing rigorous testing, but in the industry as a whole, "the safety track record for this has been very good for several decades," said Bell, president of Ocean Discovery League, a nonprofit organization focused on making deep-sea investigation less expensive and more accessible. Garriott said there will be a remembrance celebration for the Titan victims this week in Portugal at the annual Global Exploration Summit. "Progress continues," he said. "I actually feel very comfortable and confident that we will now be able to proceed."

tech

A year after the Titan's tragic dive, deep-sea explorers vow to pursue ocean's mysteries. 1:11 FILE-The Polar Prince arrives at the port in St. John's, Newfoundland in this June 24, 2023, file photo. Authorities from the U.S. and Canada began the process of investigating the cause of the fatal Titan submersible implosion even as they grappled with questions of who was responsible for determining how the tragedy unfolded. The deadly implosion of an experimental submersible en route to the deep-sea grave of the Titanic last June has not dulled the desire for deep-sea exploration. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, marks one year since the Titan vanished on its way to the historic wreckage site. (Adrian Wyld /The Canadian Press via AP, file) The Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine -- The deadly implosion of an experimental submersible en route to the deep-sea grave of the Titanic last June has not dulled the desire for further ocean exploration, despite lingering questions about the disaster. Tuesday marks one year since the Titan vanished on its way to the historic wreckage site in the North Atlantic Ocean. After a five-day search that captured attention around the world, authorities said the vessel had been destroyed and all five people on board had died. Concerns have been raised about whether the Titan was destined for disaster because of its unconventional design and its creator's refusal to submit to independent checks that are standard in the industry. The U.S. Coast Guard quickly convened a high-level investigation into what happened, but officials said the inquiry is taking longer than the initial 12-month time frame, and a planned public hearing to discuss their findings won't happen for at least another two months. Meanwhile, deep-sea exploration continues. The Georgia-based company that owns the salvage rights to the Titanic plans to visit the sunken ocean liner in July using remotely operated vehicles, and a real estate billionaire from Ohio has said he plans a voyage to the shipwreck in a two-person submersible in 2026. Numerous ocean explorers told The Associated Press they are confident undersea exploration can continue safely in a post-Titan world. "It's been a desire of the scientific community to get down into the ocean," said Greg Stone, a veteran ocean explorer and friend of Titan operator Stockton Rush, who died in the implosion. "I have not noticed any difference in the desire to go into the ocean, exploring." OceanGate, a company co-founded by Rush that owned the submersible, suspended operations in early July. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment. David Concannon, a former adviser to OceanGate, said he will mark the anniversary privately with a group of people who were involved with the company or the submersible's expeditions over the years, including scientists, volunteers and mission specialists. Many of them, including those who were on the Titan support ship Polar Prince, have not been interviewed by the Coast Guard, he said. "The fact is, they are isolated and in a liminal space," he said in an email last week. "Stockton Rush has been vilified and so has everyone associated with OceanGate. I wasn't even there and I have gotten death threats. We support each other and just wait to be interviewed. The world has moved on. but the families and those most affected are still living with this tragedy every day." The Titan had been chronicling the Titanic's decay and the underwater ecosystem around the sunken ocean liner in yearly voyages since 2021. The craft made its last dive on June 18, 2023, a Sunday morning, and lost contact with its support vessel about two hours later. When it was reported overdue that afternoon, rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to the area, about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John's, Newfoundland. The U.S. Navy notified the Coast Guard that day of an anomaly in its acoustic data that was "consistent with an implosion or explosion" at the time communications between the Polar Prince and the Titan were lost, a senior Navy official later told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive technology. Any sliver of hope that remained for finding the crew alive was wiped away on June 22, when the Coast Guard announced that debris had been found near the Titanic on the ocean floor. Authorities have since recovered the submersible's intact endcap, debris and presumed human remains from the site. In addition to Rush, the implosion killed two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood; British adventurer Hamish Harding; and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet. Harding and Nargeolet were members of The Explorers Club, a professional society dedicated to research, exploration and resource conservation. "Then, as now, it hit us on a personal level very deeply," the group's president, Richard Garriott, said in an interview last week. "We knew not only all the people involved, but even all the previous divers, support teams, people working on all these vessels — those were all either members of this club or well within our network." Garriott believes even if the Titan hadn't imploded, the correct rescue equipment didn't get to the site fast enough. The tragedy caught everyone from the Coast Guard to the ships on site off guard, underscoring the importance of developing detailed search and rescue plans ahead of any expedition, he said. His organization has since created a task force to help others do just that. "That's what we've been trying to really correct, to make sure that we know exactly who to call and exactly what materials need to be mustered," he said. Garriott believes the world is in a new golden age of exploration thanks to technological advances that have opened frontiers and provided new tools to more thoroughly study already visited places. The Titanic tragedy hasn't tarnished that, he said. Veteran deep-sea explorer Katy Croff Bell agrees. The Titan implosion reinforced the importance of following industry standards and performing rigorous testing, but in the industry as a whole, "the safety track record for this has been very good for several decades," said Bell, president of Ocean Discovery League, a nonprofit organization focused on making deep-sea investigation less expensive and more accessible. Garriott said there will be a remembrance celebration for the Titan victims this week in Portugal at the annual Global Exploration Summit. "Progress continues," he said. "I actually feel very comfortable and confident that we will now be able to proceed."

Messari’s New Report Recognizes Nervos CKB as a Game-Changer for Bitcoin’s Scalability and Programmability

HANGZHOU, 中国, June 22nd, 2024, Chainwire In a groundbreaking analysis, leading cryptocurrency research firm Messari has published a comprehensive overview of the Nervos Network (CKB), spotlighting its pivotal role in enhancing Bitcoin’s technological framework. The report details how Nervos leverages its innovative Layer-1 blockchain and RGB++ protocol to address critical scalability and programmability challenges within the Bitcoin ecosystem. According to the report, Nervos Network not only expands on Bitcoin’s fundamental technologies but also introduces significant improvements with its Cell Model and CKB-VM. These advancements facilitate more complex applications and transactions on the blockchain without sacrificing the core principles of decentralization and security. Messari's research further highlights the RGB++ protocol, an evolution of the original RGB protocol that enables smart contracts and asset issuance directly on Bitcoin’s blockchain. Since its implementation, the RGB++ protocol has driven a notable increase in network activity, including an 181% month-over-month growth in new addresses this April, demonstrating the community's strong reception and the protocol's impact. The integration of payment channels with the Lightning Network is also underway, which promises to make the Nervos Network more scalable and versatile for various blockchain applications. This development is poised to further cement CKB’s position as an essential layer for Bitcoin’s operation and accessibility. "Messari's report reaffirms our belief in the Nervos CKB’s Bitcoin-native approach to solving long-standing issues in the Bitcoin space," said Baiyu, CKB Eco Fund Lead. "As we continue to innovate and expand our ecosystem, this recognition underscores the significant potential of CKB to support Bitcoin’s evolution into a more robust and versatile blockchain platform." The complete report by Messari not only sheds light on the technical merits of the Nervos Network but also positions it as a formidable contender in the blockchain space, capable of driving future innovations and increasing the overall utility of Bitcoin. For more information and to access the full report, users can visit https://messari.io/report/understanding-nervos-network . About Nervos CKB: CKB is the first fully BTC-isomorphic L2 (PoW+UTXO), offering a more decentralized, secure, and Bitcoin-compatible L2 solution. CKB scales Bitcoin's programmability and interoperability with RGB++ protocol, which maps Bitcoin UTXOs to CKB Cells, enabling the seamless transfer of Bitcoin L1 UTXO-based assets such as Ordinals, Atomicals, and Taproot, to CKB without any cross-chain bridge and vice versa. UTXO Stack, a Bitcoin L2 "OP Stack" secured by CKB and powered by RGB++, enables high-performance parallel chains, offering near-unlimited scalability without compromising security. CKB Lightning Network will connect with Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, facilitating a bi-directional, censorship-resistant, permissionless and trustless flow of assets between the two networks. CKB mainnet launched in Nov. 2019 and completed its first mining reward halving in Nov. 2023. ContactCKB Eco Fund MKTKelly JinCKB Eco Fundkelly@nervos.org Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.

crypto

Messari’s New Report Recognizes Nervos CKB as a Game-Changer for Bitcoin’s Scalability and Programmability. HANGZHOU, 中国, June 22nd, 2024, Chainwire In a groundbreaking analysis, leading cryptocurrency research firm Messari has published a comprehensive overview of the Nervos Network (CKB), spotlighting its pivotal role in enhancing Bitcoin’s technological framework. The report details how Nervos leverages its innovative Layer-1 blockchain and RGB++ protocol to address critical scalability and programmability challenges within the Bitcoin ecosystem. According to the report, Nervos Network not only expands on Bitcoin’s fundamental technologies but also introduces significant improvements with its Cell Model and CKB-VM. These advancements facilitate more complex applications and transactions on the blockchain without sacrificing the core principles of decentralization and security. Messari's research further highlights the RGB++ protocol, an evolution of the original RGB protocol that enables smart contracts and asset issuance directly on Bitcoin’s blockchain. Since its implementation, the RGB++ protocol has driven a notable increase in network activity, including an 181% month-over-month growth in new addresses this April, demonstrating the community's strong reception and the protocol's impact. The integration of payment channels with the Lightning Network is also underway, which promises to make the Nervos Network more scalable and versatile for various blockchain applications. This development is poised to further cement CKB’s position as an essential layer for Bitcoin’s operation and accessibility. "Messari's report reaffirms our belief in the Nervos CKB’s Bitcoin-native approach to solving long-standing issues in the Bitcoin space," said Baiyu, CKB Eco Fund Lead. "As we continue to innovate and expand our ecosystem, this recognition underscores the significant potential of CKB to support Bitcoin’s evolution into a more robust and versatile blockchain platform." The complete report by Messari not only sheds light on the technical merits of the Nervos Network but also positions it as a formidable contender in the blockchain space, capable of driving future innovations and increasing the overall utility of Bitcoin. For more information and to access the full report, users can visit https://messari.io/report/understanding-nervos-network . About Nervos CKB: CKB is the first fully BTC-isomorphic L2 (PoW+UTXO), offering a more decentralized, secure, and Bitcoin-compatible L2 solution. CKB scales Bitcoin's programmability and interoperability with RGB++ protocol, which maps Bitcoin UTXOs to CKB Cells, enabling the seamless transfer of Bitcoin L1 UTXO-based assets such as Ordinals, Atomicals, and Taproot, to CKB without any cross-chain bridge and vice versa. UTXO Stack, a Bitcoin L2 "OP Stack" secured by CKB and powered by RGB++, enables high-performance parallel chains, offering near-unlimited scalability without compromising security. CKB Lightning Network will connect with Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, facilitating a bi-directional, censorship-resistant, permissionless and trustless flow of assets between the two networks. CKB mainnet launched in Nov. 2019 and completed its first mining reward halving in Nov. 2023. ContactCKB Eco Fund MKTKelly JinCKB Eco Fundkelly@nervos.org Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.

‘A place that made sense’: Minecraft is 15 years old and still changing lives

A few days ago, I was tidying my home office – which more closely resembles a video game arcade recently hit by a tornado – when I found a long-lost piece of technology in the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet. It was an old Xbox 360, the Elite model – black, heavy, ungainly, impossibly retro. Out of curiosity, I hauled it out, found a controller and power cable and switched it on. I knew immediately what I wanted to look for, but I was also apprehensive: I didn't know how I'd feel if Minecraft was still there – or worse, if it wasn't. Minecraft, you see, is more than just a game for me. I thought about just putting the console back where I found it. But as this month sees the 15th anniversary of the game's original release, I felt I had to go on. In 2012, Microsoft held a big Xbox Games Showcase event at a cavernous venue in San Francisco. The company was showing all the biggest titles of the era – Forza, Gears of War, Halo – but in one quiet corner sat a couple of demo units showing off the as yet unreleased Xbox version of Minecraft. I already knew about the game, of course – designed by Swedish studio Mojang, it was an open-world creative adventure, allowing players to explore vast, procedurally generated worlds, collect resources and build whatever they wanted. It was already attracting millions of players on PC. But I had never really given it much time; so I sat down to have a quick go … and ended up staying for an hour. There was something in it that was holding me there, despite all the other games on offer. That something was Zac. 'It taught him new words and concepts' … Keith and Zac. Photograph: Morag Stuart/The Guardian It was earlier that year that my oldest son had been diagnosed on the autism spectrum – confirming something we had known for years. At seven years old, he had a very limited vocabulary, was terrified by change, and was withdrawn and isolated at school. The worst part was that he had no avenues to express himself. His verbal communication was stilted, he struggled at drawing or building with Lego. He was trapped within himself. But he loved technology and games, and I saw in Minecraft a possible means for him to escape. As soon as we loaded the game on to our Xbox 360 at home, he was hooked. He loved the game immediately – it was safe, it had constant rules and systems, the music was relaxing, and it let him build stuff with just a controller and a few button presses. In 2015 I wrote a Guardian article about the effect the game had on his life, the way it taught him new words, new concepts, the way it showed him, so patiently, so carefully, that he was a creative being too. Sadly, my feelings about the game's original creator have changed due to a lot of troubling things he has said online, but what I wrote about Minecraft itself remains true. An editor at Little, Brown Book Group named Ed Wood read the article and approached me about writing a novel based on our experiences. Boy Made of Blocks went on to sell 200,000 copies, and Ed and I have worked on novels together ever since. In so many ways, Minecraft changed my life. At first, it seemed I would not be able to find it again. When I booted up the old machine it wouldn't let me sign into my Xbox Live account, and the version of the game I had on the hard drive was a trial copy so I couldn't load saves. I was crestfallen. I was sure this was the version of the game I'd first played with Zac and his younger brother, Albie – the three of us together, building worlds. Did those worlds still exist, locked away on the hard drive? I was so tantalisingly close. Over the past 15 years, Minecraft has had a similar impact on many thousands of players – it has helped people combat loneliness, discover their gender identity, and to overcome their fear of change. The Hour of Code initiative, launched in 2015, has taught basic coding principles. Since its release, Minecraft has also found its way into schools around the world, with a special Education Edition designed to help teachers utilise the game in classroom projects, from imagining sustainable future landscapes to studying Macbeth. It has also been used by a variety of charities such as Block by Block, which encourages communities to reimagine their local environment, and the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about panda conservation. It has been used as a tool for political messaging. Reporters Without Borders have used the game to create the It is a much more complex game now than when we first played. Regular updates have brought in new animals, new resources, new non-player characters – the visuals have been updated with support for modern technologies such as HDR. But game director Agnes Larsson assures me the company keeps the core principles of the game intact. "We try to think about like the simple beauty of Minecraft," she says. "So each new thing can be seen as a toy that we add to the sandbox and it should preferably have a very clear purpose and simple rules, because that means that since everything in itself is simple, the players can do endlessly complex things." Like Fortnite, it has also become a self-contained multiverse – a place where people go to hang out, to socialise, to play together even when they can't be together. "Minecraft felt extra magical during Covid," says Larsson. "I mean, the whole world shut down and suddenly we were just in a very different and hard situation. And yes, we heard about so many players who were able to stay in contact with friends and family thanks to Minecraft. Now and then, we also hear stories about kids being in hospital and they can still have fun with their friends in the Minecraft world, even if they can't be in school." After a few hours of online searching, I figured out how to access my Xbox Live account using an app to bypass modern TFA security and therefore my old Xbox 360 profile sprag back into life. I found a boxed copy of the game in the attic. I loaded it up and that music started – a wilting piano tune composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, slow and calm and somehow sad. The memories flooded back. When Boy Made of Blocks was published, something odd happened. People started to share their experiences of the game with me. I have given many talks about Minecraft and my novel. I have spoken at NHS events, at EU meetings in Brussels, at Comic Cons and book festivals. Almost every time, when the talk finishes, there will be a family waiting behind to speak to me. It'll be a parent or parents, shepherding with them a shy child or young adult. They won't really have questions, they'll just say to me, "we wanted you to know that Minecraft changed our lives too" – and they'll tell me their story. Often, it's about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism or bullying, and how difficult things were and how lonely their child was. But those tales always culminate with the same words: "And then they started playing Minecraft". We will share experiences, there will be laughter, reminiscence, handshakes, sometimes tears. It is such a privilege to be trusted in this way. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google 'The worlds we create exist as something tangible' … Minecon 2015 in London. Photograph: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer The imagined worlds we create with friends or with our children, exist as something tangible. Even when we grow up, grow old or grow apart, we can retrace our steps. The world I shared with Zac and Albie is still there, on an old games console, now safely stored away again in my filing cabinet. The things we did, the houses we built – it all remains, as real as memories. I hope that many other families have these experiences in the future: fortunately, I don't think the game is going anywhere. "We see it is that Minecraft is bigger than us," says Larsson. "We're lucky that right now we take care of Minecraft and when we hand it over to the next generation of game developers, we hand over a Minecraft that's still about creativity, still enables players to express themselves. We definitely try to have a very long-term perspective; we never add something that is only fun the first time you play with it because the hope is that when we add something it will be loved in 10 or 15 or even 50 years from now." In my heart I will always carry with me the image of my son, my little boy, showing us the world he had crafted inside this game, I'll always remember how he finally found a place that made sense. Minecraft was a door opening, and 15 years later, that door remains accessible and unlocked. Anyone can come in.

tech

‘A place that made sense’: Minecraft is 15 years old and still changing lives. A few days ago, I was tidying my home office – which more closely resembles a video game arcade recently hit by a tornado – when I found a long-lost piece of technology in the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet. It was an old Xbox 360, the Elite model – black, heavy, ungainly, impossibly retro. Out of curiosity, I hauled it out, found a controller and power cable and switched it on. I knew immediately what I wanted to look for, but I was also apprehensive: I didn't know how I'd feel if Minecraft was still there – or worse, if it wasn't. Minecraft, you see, is more than just a game for me. I thought about just putting the console back where I found it. But as this month sees the 15th anniversary of the game's original release, I felt I had to go on. In 2012, Microsoft held a big Xbox Games Showcase event at a cavernous venue in San Francisco. The company was showing all the biggest titles of the era – Forza, Gears of War, Halo – but in one quiet corner sat a couple of demo units showing off the as yet unreleased Xbox version of Minecraft. I already knew about the game, of course – designed by Swedish studio Mojang, it was an open-world creative adventure, allowing players to explore vast, procedurally generated worlds, collect resources and build whatever they wanted. It was already attracting millions of players on PC. But I had never really given it much time; so I sat down to have a quick go … and ended up staying for an hour. There was something in it that was holding me there, despite all the other games on offer. That something was Zac. 'It taught him new words and concepts' … Keith and Zac. Photograph: Morag Stuart/The Guardian It was earlier that year that my oldest son had been diagnosed on the autism spectrum – confirming something we had known for years. At seven years old, he had a very limited vocabulary, was terrified by change, and was withdrawn and isolated at school. The worst part was that he had no avenues to express himself. His verbal communication was stilted, he struggled at drawing or building with Lego. He was trapped within himself. But he loved technology and games, and I saw in Minecraft a possible means for him to escape. As soon as we loaded the game on to our Xbox 360 at home, he was hooked. He loved the game immediately – it was safe, it had constant rules and systems, the music was relaxing, and it let him build stuff with just a controller and a few button presses. In 2015 I wrote a Guardian article about the effect the game had on his life, the way it taught him new words, new concepts, the way it showed him, so patiently, so carefully, that he was a creative being too. Sadly, my feelings about the game's original creator have changed due to a lot of troubling things he has said online, but what I wrote about Minecraft itself remains true. An editor at Little, Brown Book Group named Ed Wood read the article and approached me about writing a novel based on our experiences. Boy Made of Blocks went on to sell 200,000 copies, and Ed and I have worked on novels together ever since. In so many ways, Minecraft changed my life. At first, it seemed I would not be able to find it again. When I booted up the old machine it wouldn't let me sign into my Xbox Live account, and the version of the game I had on the hard drive was a trial copy so I couldn't load saves. I was crestfallen. I was sure this was the version of the game I'd first played with Zac and his younger brother, Albie – the three of us together, building worlds. Did those worlds still exist, locked away on the hard drive? I was so tantalisingly close. Over the past 15 years, Minecraft has had a similar impact on many thousands of players – it has helped people combat loneliness, discover their gender identity, and to overcome their fear of change. The Hour of Code initiative, launched in 2015, has taught basic coding principles. Since its release, Minecraft has also found its way into schools around the world, with a special Education Edition designed to help teachers utilise the game in classroom projects, from imagining sustainable future landscapes to studying Macbeth. It has also been used by a variety of charities such as Block by Block, which encourages communities to reimagine their local environment, and the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about panda conservation. It has been used as a tool for political messaging. Reporters Without Borders have used the game to create the It is a much more complex game now than when we first played. Regular updates have brought in new animals, new resources, new non-player characters – the visuals have been updated with support for modern technologies such as HDR. But game director Agnes Larsson assures me the company keeps the core principles of the game intact. "We try to think about like the simple beauty of Minecraft," she says. "So each new thing can be seen as a toy that we add to the sandbox and it should preferably have a very clear purpose and simple rules, because that means that since everything in itself is simple, the players can do endlessly complex things." Like Fortnite, it has also become a self-contained multiverse – a place where people go to hang out, to socialise, to play together even when they can't be together. "Minecraft felt extra magical during Covid," says Larsson. "I mean, the whole world shut down and suddenly we were just in a very different and hard situation. And yes, we heard about so many players who were able to stay in contact with friends and family thanks to Minecraft. Now and then, we also hear stories about kids being in hospital and they can still have fun with their friends in the Minecraft world, even if they can't be in school." After a few hours of online searching, I figured out how to access my Xbox Live account using an app to bypass modern TFA security and therefore my old Xbox 360 profile sprag back into life. I found a boxed copy of the game in the attic. I loaded it up and that music started – a wilting piano tune composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, slow and calm and somehow sad. The memories flooded back. When Boy Made of Blocks was published, something odd happened. People started to share their experiences of the game with me. I have given many talks about Minecraft and my novel. I have spoken at NHS events, at EU meetings in Brussels, at Comic Cons and book festivals. Almost every time, when the talk finishes, there will be a family waiting behind to speak to me. It'll be a parent or parents, shepherding with them a shy child or young adult. They won't really have questions, they'll just say to me, "we wanted you to know that Minecraft changed our lives too" – and they'll tell me their story. Often, it's about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism or bullying, and how difficult things were and how lonely their child was. But those tales always culminate with the same words: "And then they started playing Minecraft". We will share experiences, there will be laughter, reminiscence, handshakes, sometimes tears. It is such a privilege to be trusted in this way. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google 'The worlds we create exist as something tangible' … Minecon 2015 in London. Photograph: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer The imagined worlds we create with friends or with our children, exist as something tangible. Even when we grow up, grow old or grow apart, we can retrace our steps. The world I shared with Zac and Albie is still there, on an old games console, now safely stored away again in my filing cabinet. The things we did, the houses we built – it all remains, as real as memories. I hope that many other families have these experiences in the future: fortunately, I don't think the game is going anywhere. "We see it is that Minecraft is bigger than us," says Larsson. "We're lucky that right now we take care of Minecraft and when we hand it over to the next generation of game developers, we hand over a Minecraft that's still about creativity, still enables players to express themselves. We definitely try to have a very long-term perspective; we never add something that is only fun the first time you play with it because the hope is that when we add something it will be loved in 10 or 15 or even 50 years from now." In my heart I will always carry with me the image of my son, my little boy, showing us the world he had crafted inside this game, I'll always remember how he finally found a place that made sense. Minecraft was a door opening, and 15 years later, that door remains accessible and unlocked. Anyone can come in.

'Foster carers change our lives'

Wajid says fostering gives a child a "bright future" Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's cabinet member for education and families, said: "Fostering is rewarding and a great chance to give back to the community, but it is also an excellent career choice; working in a role where you can directly change the life of a child or young person." Over the past decade, there has been a significant fall in the number of Londoners signing up to be foster carers. In 2014, there were 3,685 households approved for fostering but by the end of March 2023, there were 2,560 – an overall drop of about a third. This has prompted a new foster care initiative, led by Waltham Forest Council, to bring together 14 local authorities to form two working groups: Local Community Fostering and Foster With West London. The former will combine six northeast London boroughs: Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets. And Foster With West London will bring together eight west London boroughs: Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. Across those 14 boroughs, about 4,000 children are waiting for care, Waltham Forest said. Local Community Fostering advertises "expert training," support from current foster parents, and financial incentives. Kizzy Gardiner, Waltham Forest's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The problems are far bigger than any one council can solve by itself. "Previously, local authorities would be competing amongst one another or using expensive private agencies to contract out the work. But with ever-tighter budgets, we need to rethink this outdated approach and by combining our resources we can make a bigger impact." As well as saving money, the new approach will give foster carers better support networks, Ms Gardiner added.

world,uk

'Foster carers change our lives'. Wajid says fostering gives a child a "bright future" Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's cabinet member for education and families, said: "Fostering is rewarding and a great chance to give back to the community, but it is also an excellent career choice; working in a role where you can directly change the life of a child or young person." Over the past decade, there has been a significant fall in the number of Londoners signing up to be foster carers. In 2014, there were 3,685 households approved for fostering but by the end of March 2023, there were 2,560 – an overall drop of about a third. This has prompted a new foster care initiative, led by Waltham Forest Council, to bring together 14 local authorities to form two working groups: Local Community Fostering and Foster With West London. The former will combine six northeast London boroughs: Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets. And Foster With West London will bring together eight west London boroughs: Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. Across those 14 boroughs, about 4,000 children are waiting for care, Waltham Forest said. Local Community Fostering advertises "expert training," support from current foster parents, and financial incentives. Kizzy Gardiner, Waltham Forest's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The problems are far bigger than any one council can solve by itself. "Previously, local authorities would be competing amongst one another or using expensive private agencies to contract out the work. But with ever-tighter budgets, we need to rethink this outdated approach and by combining our resources we can make a bigger impact." As well as saving money, the new approach will give foster carers better support networks, Ms Gardiner added.

Special F-18 cockpit installation comes to Toronto’s Union Station

The F-18 cockpit installation in front of Toronto’s Union Station. RCAF Foundation Photo To celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the RCAF Foundation is collaborating with Union Station and the RCAF on a special F-18 cockpit installation. Located in front of Union Station (right on Front Street), the cockpit will invite pedestrians to sit in, take photos, and learn more about the RCAF from serving members.  Nestled in front of the RCAF Centennial banners commissioned by the RCAF Foundation, this free installation is expected to attract thousands of Torontonians and visitors who will learn more about the past, present, and future of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Operation Hours: Thursday, May 30 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday, May 31 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday, June 1 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Sunday, June 2 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm CF-18 The CF-188 Hornet, commonly known as the CF-18, is a variation of the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. It is a multi-role fighter used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The CF-18 flies at speeds of 1,814 kilometers per hour (Mach 1.8) and is highly maneuverable. It has a range of 3,300 kilometres (2,000 miles). It is equipped with target-tracking radar and modern communications. The CF-18 is used by the RCAF for air defence, ground attack, tactical support, aerobatic demonstration, and aerospace testing and evaluation. The RCAF began using the CF-18 in 1982. It replaced three fighter jets in the RCAF fleet, the CF-101 Voodoo (used in North America in support of NORAD defence), the CF-104 Starfighter (used in Europe for NATO commitments), and the CF-5 Freedom Fighter (provided tactical ground support and used for fighter pilot training). The acquisition of 138 CF-18 Hornets cost Canada roughly $3 Billion. Initially, during the last decade of the Cold War, the CF-18s were optimized for defence missions to counter the aircraft operated by Warsaw Pact air forces. Since then, the CF-18 Fighter Squadrons participated in the Gulf War in 1991, the Kosovo War from 1998-1999, and in Libya for Operation Mobile in 2011. They also flew bombing missions against ISIS in Iraq and Syria during Operation Impact in 2014. The RCAF’s CF-18 fleet has been through a two-part modernization program. These upgrades began in 1991. They included adding precision-guided weapons, structural improvements, new onboard systems, and cockpit improvements. The CF-18 is still in service with the RCAF today. An estimated 88 CF-18 jets are still in use and based at 3 Wing at Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing at Cold Lake, Alberta. The replacement of the CF-18 was announced by the Canadian Government in 2023. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 will replace the aircraft that has been in service with Canada for over 40 years. This press release was prepared and distributed by the RCAF Foundation. The post Special F-18 cockpit installation comes to Toronto’s Union Station appeared first on Skies Mag .

aerospace

Special F-18 cockpit installation comes to Toronto’s Union Station. The F-18 cockpit installation in front of Toronto’s Union Station. RCAF Foundation Photo To celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the RCAF Foundation is collaborating with Union Station and the RCAF on a special F-18 cockpit installation. Located in front of Union Station (right on Front Street), the cockpit will invite pedestrians to sit in, take photos, and learn more about the RCAF from serving members.  Nestled in front of the RCAF Centennial banners commissioned by the RCAF Foundation, this free installation is expected to attract thousands of Torontonians and visitors who will learn more about the past, present, and future of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Operation Hours: Thursday, May 30 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday, May 31 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday, June 1 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Sunday, June 2 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm CF-18 The CF-188 Hornet, commonly known as the CF-18, is a variation of the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. It is a multi-role fighter used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The CF-18 flies at speeds of 1,814 kilometers per hour (Mach 1.8) and is highly maneuverable. It has a range of 3,300 kilometres (2,000 miles). It is equipped with target-tracking radar and modern communications. The CF-18 is used by the RCAF for air defence, ground attack, tactical support, aerobatic demonstration, and aerospace testing and evaluation. The RCAF began using the CF-18 in 1982. It replaced three fighter jets in the RCAF fleet, the CF-101 Voodoo (used in North America in support of NORAD defence), the CF-104 Starfighter (used in Europe for NATO commitments), and the CF-5 Freedom Fighter (provided tactical ground support and used for fighter pilot training). The acquisition of 138 CF-18 Hornets cost Canada roughly $3 Billion. Initially, during the last decade of the Cold War, the CF-18s were optimized for defence missions to counter the aircraft operated by Warsaw Pact air forces. Since then, the CF-18 Fighter Squadrons participated in the Gulf War in 1991, the Kosovo War from 1998-1999, and in Libya for Operation Mobile in 2011. They also flew bombing missions against ISIS in Iraq and Syria during Operation Impact in 2014. The RCAF’s CF-18 fleet has been through a two-part modernization program. These upgrades began in 1991. They included adding precision-guided weapons, structural improvements, new onboard systems, and cockpit improvements. The CF-18 is still in service with the RCAF today. An estimated 88 CF-18 jets are still in use and based at 3 Wing at Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing at Cold Lake, Alberta. The replacement of the CF-18 was announced by the Canadian Government in 2023. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 will replace the aircraft that has been in service with Canada for over 40 years. This press release was prepared and distributed by the RCAF Foundation. The post Special F-18 cockpit installation comes to Toronto’s Union Station appeared first on Skies Mag .

The International Joint Commission (IJC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pierre Baril as Canadian Commissioner and Co-Chair of the IJC

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Pierre Baril is an agricultural engineer who has spent the last 20 years with the Government of Québec, occupying a variety of successive roles: Vice-President of the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (Quebec Centre for Industrial Research), Assistant Deputy Minister for Policy at the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (Quebec Ministry of Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks), Executive Director of Ouranos and President of the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (Bureau of Environmental Public Hearings). Over the course of his professional career, Dr. Baril has acquired significant experience and knowledge in the field of consulting engineering, as well as expertise in environmental policies, water management and climate change – most recently, he led a team dedicated to the modernization of environmental regulations in Québec. Dr. Baril has also served on boards of directors at numerous non-governmental associations, such as Nature Québec, Réseau Environnement (Environment Network), the Réseau International des Organismes de Bassin et l'Office International de l'Eau (International Network of Basin Organizations and the International Office for Water) and the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR),.

environment

The International Joint Commission (IJC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pierre Baril as Canadian Commissioner and Co-Chair of the IJC. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Pierre Baril is an agricultural engineer who has spent the last 20 years with the Government of Québec, occupying a variety of successive roles: Vice-President of the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (Quebec Centre for Industrial Research), Assistant Deputy Minister for Policy at the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (Quebec Ministry of Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks), Executive Director of Ouranos and President of the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (Bureau of Environmental Public Hearings). Over the course of his professional career, Dr. Baril has acquired significant experience and knowledge in the field of consulting engineering, as well as expertise in environmental policies, water management and climate change – most recently, he led a team dedicated to the modernization of environmental regulations in Québec. Dr. Baril has also served on boards of directors at numerous non-governmental associations, such as Nature Québec, Réseau Environnement (Environment Network), the Réseau International des Organismes de Bassin et l'Office International de l'Eau (International Network of Basin Organizations and the International Office for Water) and the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR),.

Forecast for 2021: Will leasing companies be left with more than 1000 unused planes?

Looking out of the window: Will leasing companies soon have to leave their own jets on the ground? Already in February, the British aviation consultancy firm IBA warned of imminent turbulence in the leasing market. As reasons it cited the expected return of the Boeing 737 Max, which would cause the demand for replacement aircraft to collapse, and a decline in leasing rates for long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A330. Then the Covid-19 pandemic sent the aviation market into turmoil around the world. «The buoyancy in the commercial aircraft leasing market of the last few years is being brought to an abrupt end by Covid», says IBA President Phil Seymour. His company predicts that by 2021, more than 1,000 aircraft will be returned to leasing companies without a clear option for rapid repositioning of these aircraft. Are there more disputes? According to the data before the Coronavirus crisis, it was expected that leasing contracts for around 1300 aircraft would expire next year, including 200 wide-body aircraft. IBA believes that the majority would have been renewed under normal conditions. However, as the pandemic is severely depressing demand, the company no longer expects this to happen. As worldwide are shrinking, new customers for the returned aircraft are likely to be difficult to find. The model of extending leasing contracts or placing a returned aircraft directly with the next customer will therefore often no longer work out for the leasing companies, forecasts IBA. It expects «a higher level of disputes between airlines and lessors around lease returns and redeliveries». Lufthansa considers additional leasing So far, the external relationship seems to be intact. Air Lease Corporation (ALC), for example, has already granted customers deferrals for leasing payments totalling around 190 million dollars. The leasing company Avolon also stated that it had enabled many of its 145 airline customers to make later payments during the crisis. There are also airlines that are interested in leasing aircraft even during the crisis. This is because financially stricken airlines can get away with more flexible leasing for less money in the short term than with a full purchase of aircraft. Lufthansa, for example, is

aerospace

Forecast for 2021: Will leasing companies be left with more than 1000 unused planes?. Looking out of the window: Will leasing companies soon have to leave their own jets on the ground? Already in February, the British aviation consultancy firm IBA warned of imminent turbulence in the leasing market. As reasons it cited the expected return of the Boeing 737 Max, which would cause the demand for replacement aircraft to collapse, and a decline in leasing rates for long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A330. Then the Covid-19 pandemic sent the aviation market into turmoil around the world. «The buoyancy in the commercial aircraft leasing market of the last few years is being brought to an abrupt end by Covid», says IBA President Phil Seymour. His company predicts that by 2021, more than 1,000 aircraft will be returned to leasing companies without a clear option for rapid repositioning of these aircraft. Are there more disputes? According to the data before the Coronavirus crisis, it was expected that leasing contracts for around 1300 aircraft would expire next year, including 200 wide-body aircraft. IBA believes that the majority would have been renewed under normal conditions. However, as the pandemic is severely depressing demand, the company no longer expects this to happen. As worldwide are shrinking, new customers for the returned aircraft are likely to be difficult to find. The model of extending leasing contracts or placing a returned aircraft directly with the next customer will therefore often no longer work out for the leasing companies, forecasts IBA. It expects «a higher level of disputes between airlines and lessors around lease returns and redeliveries». Lufthansa considers additional leasing So far, the external relationship seems to be intact. Air Lease Corporation (ALC), for example, has already granted customers deferrals for leasing payments totalling around 190 million dollars. The leasing company Avolon also stated that it had enabled many of its 145 airline customers to make later payments during the crisis. There are also airlines that are interested in leasing aircraft even during the crisis. This is because financially stricken airlines can get away with more flexible leasing for less money in the short term than with a full purchase of aircraft. Lufthansa, for example, is

XL bully dog shot dead by police in Eccles after woman attacked and injured

Greater Manchester police said officers were called to Gladstone Road in Eccles at 9pm on Friday after several reports of a dog dangerously out of control. The force said: "Initially local officers and the public were unable to regain control of the dog. "Specialised officers were deployed and tried to secure the XL bully but were unsuccessful. This meant unfortunately due to the risk of harm it was causing as a banned breed it was destroyed at the scene as the last possible option." Two men were arrested, police said. The woman is still being treated for her injuries. The force said: "We understand the concern this incident will raise within the community, but our officers have a duty to act in challenging situations on a regular basis with the aim of keeping everyone safe."

uk

XL bully dog shot dead by police in Eccles after woman attacked and injured. Greater Manchester police said officers were called to Gladstone Road in Eccles at 9pm on Friday after several reports of a dog dangerously out of control. The force said: "Initially local officers and the public were unable to regain control of the dog. "Specialised officers were deployed and tried to secure the XL bully but were unsuccessful. This meant unfortunately due to the risk of harm it was causing as a banned breed it was destroyed at the scene as the last possible option." Two men were arrested, police said. The woman is still being treated for her injuries. The force said: "We understand the concern this incident will raise within the community, but our officers have a duty to act in challenging situations on a regular basis with the aim of keeping everyone safe."

How glacier algae are challenging the way we think about evolution

Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock People often underestimate tiny beings. But microscopic algal cells not only evolved to thrive in one of the most extreme habitats on Earth – glaciers – but are also shaping them. With a team of scientists from the UK and Canada, we traced the evolution of purple algae back hundreds of millions of years and our findings challenge a key idea about how evolution works. Though small, these algae are having a dramatic effect on the glaciers they live on. Glaciers are among the planet’s fastest changing ecosystems . During the summer melt season as liquid water forms on glaciers, blooms of purple algae darken the surface of the ice, accelerating the rate of melt . This fascinating adaptation to glaciers requires microscopic algae to control their growth and photosynthesis. This must be balanced with tolerance of extreme ice melt, temperature and light exposure. Our study, published in New Phytologist , reveals how and when their adaptations to live in these extreme environments first evolved. We sequenced and analysed genome data of the glacier algae Ancylonema nordenskiöldii . Our results show that the purple colour of glacier algae, which acts like a sunscreen, was generated by new genes involved in pigment production. This pigment, purpurogallin , protects algal cells from damage of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. It is also linked with tolerance of low temperatures and desiccation, characteristic features of glacial environments. Our genetic analysis suggests that the evolution of this purple pigment was probably vital for several adaptations in glacier algae. We also identified new genes that helped increase the algae’s tolerance to UV and visible light, important adaptations for living in a bright, exposed environment. Interestingly these were linked to increased light perception as well as improved mechanisms of repair to sun damage. This work reveals how algae are adapted to live on glaciers in the present day. Next, we wanted to understand when this adaptation evolved in Earth’s deep history. The evolution of glacier algae Earth has experienced many fluctuations of colder and warmer climates . Across thousands and sometimes millions of years, global climates have changed slowly between glacial (cold) to interglacial (warm) periods. One of the most dramatic cold periods was the Cryogenian , dating back to 720-635 million years ago, when Earth was almost entirely covered in snow and ice. So widespread were these glaciations, they are sometimes referred to by scientists as “Snowball Earth” . Scientists think that these conditions would have been similar to the glaciers and ice sheets we see on Earth today. So we wondered could this period be the force driving the evolution of glacier algae? After analysing genetic data and fossilised algae, we estimated that glacier algae evolved around 520-455 million years ago. This suggests that the evolution of glacier algae was not linked to the Snowball Earth environments of the Cryogenian. As the origin of glacier algae is later than the Cryogenian, a more recent glacial period must have been the driver of glacial adaptations in algae. Scientists think there has continuously been glacial environments on Earth up to 60 million years ago . We did, however, identify that the common ancestor of glacier algae and land plants evolved around the Cryogenian. In February 2024, our previous analysis demonstrated that this ancient algae was multicellular. The group containing glacier algae lost the ability to create complex multicellular forms, possibly in response to the extreme environmental pressures of the Cryogenian. Rather than becoming more complex, we have demonstrated that these algae became simple and persevered to the present day. This is an example of evolution by reducing complexity. It also contradicts the well-established “march of progress” hypothesis, the idea that organisms evolve into increasingly complex versions of their ancestors. Our work showed that this loss of multicellularity was accompanied by a huge loss of genetic diversity. These lost genes were mainly linked to multicellular development. This is a signature of the evolution of their simple morphology from a more complex ancestor. Over the last 700 million years, these algae have survived by being tiny, insulated from cold and protected from the Sun. These adaptations prepared them for life on glaciers in the present day. Read more: Why evolution often favours small animals and other organisms So specialised is this adaptation, that only a handful of algae have evolved to live on glaciers. This is in contrast to the hundreds of algal species living on snow. Despite this, glacier algae have dramatic effects across vast ice fields when liquid water forms on glacier surfaces. In 2016, on the Greenland ice sheet , algal growth led to an additional 4,400–6,000 million tonnes of runoff. Understanding these algae helps us appreciate their role in shaping fragile ecosystems. Our study gives insight into the evolutionary journey of glacier algae from the deep past to the present. As we face a changing climate, understanding these microscopic organisms is key to predicting the future of Earth’s icy environments. Alexander Bowles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

environment,uk

How glacier algae are challenging the way we think about evolution. Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock People often underestimate tiny beings. But microscopic algal cells not only evolved to thrive in one of the most extreme habitats on Earth – glaciers – but are also shaping them. With a team of scientists from the UK and Canada, we traced the evolution of purple algae back hundreds of millions of years and our findings challenge a key idea about how evolution works. Though small, these algae are having a dramatic effect on the glaciers they live on. Glaciers are among the planet’s fastest changing ecosystems . During the summer melt season as liquid water forms on glaciers, blooms of purple algae darken the surface of the ice, accelerating the rate of melt . This fascinating adaptation to glaciers requires microscopic algae to control their growth and photosynthesis. This must be balanced with tolerance of extreme ice melt, temperature and light exposure. Our study, published in New Phytologist , reveals how and when their adaptations to live in these extreme environments first evolved. We sequenced and analysed genome data of the glacier algae Ancylonema nordenskiöldii . Our results show that the purple colour of glacier algae, which acts like a sunscreen, was generated by new genes involved in pigment production. This pigment, purpurogallin , protects algal cells from damage of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. It is also linked with tolerance of low temperatures and desiccation, characteristic features of glacial environments. Our genetic analysis suggests that the evolution of this purple pigment was probably vital for several adaptations in glacier algae. We also identified new genes that helped increase the algae’s tolerance to UV and visible light, important adaptations for living in a bright, exposed environment. Interestingly these were linked to increased light perception as well as improved mechanisms of repair to sun damage. This work reveals how algae are adapted to live on glaciers in the present day. Next, we wanted to understand when this adaptation evolved in Earth’s deep history. The evolution of glacier algae Earth has experienced many fluctuations of colder and warmer climates . Across thousands and sometimes millions of years, global climates have changed slowly between glacial (cold) to interglacial (warm) periods. One of the most dramatic cold periods was the Cryogenian , dating back to 720-635 million years ago, when Earth was almost entirely covered in snow and ice. So widespread were these glaciations, they are sometimes referred to by scientists as “Snowball Earth” . Scientists think that these conditions would have been similar to the glaciers and ice sheets we see on Earth today. So we wondered could this period be the force driving the evolution of glacier algae? After analysing genetic data and fossilised algae, we estimated that glacier algae evolved around 520-455 million years ago. This suggests that the evolution of glacier algae was not linked to the Snowball Earth environments of the Cryogenian. As the origin of glacier algae is later than the Cryogenian, a more recent glacial period must have been the driver of glacial adaptations in algae. Scientists think there has continuously been glacial environments on Earth up to 60 million years ago . We did, however, identify that the common ancestor of glacier algae and land plants evolved around the Cryogenian. In February 2024, our previous analysis demonstrated that this ancient algae was multicellular. The group containing glacier algae lost the ability to create complex multicellular forms, possibly in response to the extreme environmental pressures of the Cryogenian. Rather than becoming more complex, we have demonstrated that these algae became simple and persevered to the present day. This is an example of evolution by reducing complexity. It also contradicts the well-established “march of progress” hypothesis, the idea that organisms evolve into increasingly complex versions of their ancestors. Our work showed that this loss of multicellularity was accompanied by a huge loss of genetic diversity. These lost genes were mainly linked to multicellular development. This is a signature of the evolution of their simple morphology from a more complex ancestor. Over the last 700 million years, these algae have survived by being tiny, insulated from cold and protected from the Sun. These adaptations prepared them for life on glaciers in the present day. Read more: Why evolution often favours small animals and other organisms So specialised is this adaptation, that only a handful of algae have evolved to live on glaciers. This is in contrast to the hundreds of algal species living on snow. Despite this, glacier algae have dramatic effects across vast ice fields when liquid water forms on glacier surfaces. In 2016, on the Greenland ice sheet , algal growth led to an additional 4,400–6,000 million tonnes of runoff. Understanding these algae helps us appreciate their role in shaping fragile ecosystems. Our study gives insight into the evolutionary journey of glacier algae from the deep past to the present. As we face a changing climate, understanding these microscopic organisms is key to predicting the future of Earth’s icy environments. Alexander Bowles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Hundreds plunge into river mud for 50th annual race

The event sees people run, leap and crawl across a stretch of river at low tide.

world,uk

Hundreds plunge into river mud for 50th annual race. The event sees people run, leap and crawl across a stretch of river at low tide.

Biden bestows Medal of Honor on Union soldiers who helped hijack train in Confederate territory

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry to two Union soldiers who stole a locomotive deep in Confederate territory during the Civil War and drove it north for 87 miles (140 kilometers) as they destroyed railroad tracks and telegraph lines. U.S. Army Pvts. Philip G. Shadrach and George D. Wilson were captured by Confederates and executed by hanging. Biden recognized their courage 162 years later with the country's highest military decoration , calling the operation they joined “one of the most dangerous missions of the entire Civil War.” “Every soldier who joined that mission was awarded the Medal of Honor except for two. Two soldiers who died because of that operation and never received this recognition," Biden said. “Today, we right that wrong.” The posthumous recognition comes as the legacy of the Civil War, which killed more than 600,000 Union and Confederate service members between 1861 and 1865, continues to shape U.S. politics in a contentious election year in which issues of race, constitutional rights and presidential power are at the forefront. Biden has said that the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump was the greatest threat to democracy since the Civil War. Meanwhile, Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, riffed at a recent Pennsylvania rally about the Battle of Gettysburg and about the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The president said Wednesday that Shadrach and Wilson were “fighting and even dying to preserve the union and the sacred values it was founded upon: freedom, justice, fairness, unity.” “Phillip and George were willing to shed their blood to make these ideals real,” Biden said. Theresa Chandler, the great-great-granddaughter of Wilson, recalled for The Associated Press how the Union soldier had the noose around his neck on the gallows and spoke his final words. She said that Wilson essentially said that he was there to serve his country and had no ill feelings for the people of the South, but that he hoped for the abolition of slavery and for the nation to be united again. “When I read that, I had chills,” Chandler said. “We can feel that as a family and that we’re enjoying our freedoms today, what he tried to move forward at the time.” Brian Taylor, a great-great-great-nephew of Shadrach, said this was an opportunity for his ancestor to be remembered as “a brave soldier who did what he thought was right.” “I kind of feel that he was a bit adventurous, a bit of a free spirit,” Taylor said. Shadrach and Wilson are being recognized for participating in what became known as the Great Locomotive Chase. A Kentucky-born civilian spy and scout named James J. Andrews put together a group of volunteers, including Shadrach and Wilson, to degrade the railway and telegraph lines used by Confederates in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On April 12, 1862, 22 of the men in what was later called Andrews' Raiders met up in Marietta, Georgia, and hijacked a train named The General. The group tore up tracks and sliced through telegraph wires while taking the train north. Confederate troops chased them, initially on foot and later by train. The Confederate troops eventually caught the group. Andrews and seven others were executed, while the others either escaped or remained prisoners of war. The first Medal of Honor ever bestowed went to Pvt. Jacob Parrott, who participated in the locomotive hijacking and was beaten while imprisoned by the Confederacy. The government later recognized 18 other participants who took part in the raid with the honor, but Shadrach and Wilson were excluded. They were later authorized to receive the medal as part of the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act . Shadrach, born on Sept. 15, 1840, in Pennsylvania, was 21 years old when he volunteered for the mission. He was orphaned at a young age and left home in 1861 to enlist in an Ohio infantry regiment after the start of the Civil War. Wilson was born in 1830 in Belmont County, Ohio. He worked as a journeyman shoemaker before the war and enlisted in an Ohio-based volunteer infantry in 1861. The Walt Disney Corp. made a 1956 movie about the hijacking titled “The Great Locomotive Chase,” starring Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter. The 1926 silent film “The General,” starring Buster Keaton, was also based on the historic event. Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report.

military

Biden bestows Medal of Honor on Union soldiers who helped hijack train in Confederate territory. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry to two Union soldiers who stole a locomotive deep in Confederate territory during the Civil War and drove it north for 87 miles (140 kilometers) as they destroyed railroad tracks and telegraph lines. U.S. Army Pvts. Philip G. Shadrach and George D. Wilson were captured by Confederates and executed by hanging. Biden recognized their courage 162 years later with the country's highest military decoration , calling the operation they joined “one of the most dangerous missions of the entire Civil War.” “Every soldier who joined that mission was awarded the Medal of Honor except for two. Two soldiers who died because of that operation and never received this recognition," Biden said. “Today, we right that wrong.” The posthumous recognition comes as the legacy of the Civil War, which killed more than 600,000 Union and Confederate service members between 1861 and 1865, continues to shape U.S. politics in a contentious election year in which issues of race, constitutional rights and presidential power are at the forefront. Biden has said that the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump was the greatest threat to democracy since the Civil War. Meanwhile, Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, riffed at a recent Pennsylvania rally about the Battle of Gettysburg and about the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The president said Wednesday that Shadrach and Wilson were “fighting and even dying to preserve the union and the sacred values it was founded upon: freedom, justice, fairness, unity.” “Phillip and George were willing to shed their blood to make these ideals real,” Biden said. Theresa Chandler, the great-great-granddaughter of Wilson, recalled for The Associated Press how the Union soldier had the noose around his neck on the gallows and spoke his final words. She said that Wilson essentially said that he was there to serve his country and had no ill feelings for the people of the South, but that he hoped for the abolition of slavery and for the nation to be united again. “When I read that, I had chills,” Chandler said. “We can feel that as a family and that we’re enjoying our freedoms today, what he tried to move forward at the time.” Brian Taylor, a great-great-great-nephew of Shadrach, said this was an opportunity for his ancestor to be remembered as “a brave soldier who did what he thought was right.” “I kind of feel that he was a bit adventurous, a bit of a free spirit,” Taylor said. Shadrach and Wilson are being recognized for participating in what became known as the Great Locomotive Chase. A Kentucky-born civilian spy and scout named James J. Andrews put together a group of volunteers, including Shadrach and Wilson, to degrade the railway and telegraph lines used by Confederates in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On April 12, 1862, 22 of the men in what was later called Andrews' Raiders met up in Marietta, Georgia, and hijacked a train named The General. The group tore up tracks and sliced through telegraph wires while taking the train north. Confederate troops chased them, initially on foot and later by train. The Confederate troops eventually caught the group. Andrews and seven others were executed, while the others either escaped or remained prisoners of war. The first Medal of Honor ever bestowed went to Pvt. Jacob Parrott, who participated in the locomotive hijacking and was beaten while imprisoned by the Confederacy. The government later recognized 18 other participants who took part in the raid with the honor, but Shadrach and Wilson were excluded. They were later authorized to receive the medal as part of the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act . Shadrach, born on Sept. 15, 1840, in Pennsylvania, was 21 years old when he volunteered for the mission. He was orphaned at a young age and left home in 1861 to enlist in an Ohio infantry regiment after the start of the Civil War. Wilson was born in 1830 in Belmont County, Ohio. He worked as a journeyman shoemaker before the war and enlisted in an Ohio-based volunteer infantry in 1861. The Walt Disney Corp. made a 1956 movie about the hijacking titled “The Great Locomotive Chase,” starring Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter. The 1926 silent film “The General,” starring Buster Keaton, was also based on the historic event. Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report.

Drag story time at Thunder Bay, Ont., library cancelled after threat, police investigating

Thunder Bay police are investigating after several bomb threats abruptly closed the public library Saturday, where a drag story time was to be held. The Mary J.L. Black Public Library on Edward Street South was scheduled to host a Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag Queens event from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., but had to cancel after police received the threat. "We placed bombs at 901 Edward St. S, Thunder Bay, Ontario," said an email received by several CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca employees on March 16 around 1:40 p.m. "They will detonate soon. Evacuate now." Police closed and secured the library and later determined there was no credible threat. "Incidents like this are a significant draw on police resources and are disruptive and disparaging to many community members," Thunder Bay police said in a news release. "While people have the right to voice or demonstrate views that oppose inclusivity initiatives, those who choose to break the law are subject to criminal charges." The library called the shocking threat a "cruel and senseless hoax." In a joint letter, Rainbow Collective, Thunder Pride and Wiggins Productions condemned the threat of violence and intimidation. "We refuse to be silenced or intimidated by those who seek to undermine the values of inclusivity and acceptance," the letter said. "Ultimately, such attacks reinforce the importance of standing united against bigotry and violence and continuing to support events like story time as a beacon of acceptance and understanding." Story time will continue next month The Thunder Bay library said in a social media post the drag queens will return in April for story time on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future. Local drag artists Lady Fantasia LaPremiere and Mz. Molly Poppinz "read stories and do activities while fostering acceptance and appreciation of diversity" during the story time events. "This program empowers young people to express themselves as beautiful and unique individuals that bring joy to the world. And sharing a love of reading is always a win-win in our books," said Rose N Crantz Roasting Co, sponsors of the event. Community conversation Rainbow Collective and Thunder Pride are hosting a community conversation on April 11 with Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury and members of the police services leadership team. The event will be a chance for people from Thunder Bay's 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to voice safety and security concerns "and the escalating numbers of hate incidents in our city." Liberal MP 'reflecting' on place in caucus after NDP Palestinian statehood motion debacle Konstantin Koltsov, former NHL player and boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka, dies at 42 Kate's photo of late Queen was doctored, agency says, as princess spotted in public for first time in months B.C. teacher banned from profession for life after child pornography conviction

canada

Drag story time at Thunder Bay, Ont., library cancelled after threat, police investigating. Thunder Bay police are investigating after several bomb threats abruptly closed the public library Saturday, where a drag story time was to be held. The Mary J.L. Black Public Library on Edward Street South was scheduled to host a Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag Queens event from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., but had to cancel after police received the threat. "We placed bombs at 901 Edward St. S, Thunder Bay, Ontario," said an email received by several CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca employees on March 16 around 1:40 p.m. "They will detonate soon. Evacuate now." Police closed and secured the library and later determined there was no credible threat. "Incidents like this are a significant draw on police resources and are disruptive and disparaging to many community members," Thunder Bay police said in a news release. "While people have the right to voice or demonstrate views that oppose inclusivity initiatives, those who choose to break the law are subject to criminal charges." The library called the shocking threat a "cruel and senseless hoax." In a joint letter, Rainbow Collective, Thunder Pride and Wiggins Productions condemned the threat of violence and intimidation. "We refuse to be silenced or intimidated by those who seek to undermine the values of inclusivity and acceptance," the letter said. "Ultimately, such attacks reinforce the importance of standing united against bigotry and violence and continuing to support events like story time as a beacon of acceptance and understanding." Story time will continue next month The Thunder Bay library said in a social media post the drag queens will return in April for story time on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future. Local drag artists Lady Fantasia LaPremiere and Mz. Molly Poppinz "read stories and do activities while fostering acceptance and appreciation of diversity" during the story time events. "This program empowers young people to express themselves as beautiful and unique individuals that bring joy to the world. And sharing a love of reading is always a win-win in our books," said Rose N Crantz Roasting Co, sponsors of the event. Community conversation Rainbow Collective and Thunder Pride are hosting a community conversation on April 11 with Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury and members of the police services leadership team. The event will be a chance for people from Thunder Bay's 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to voice safety and security concerns "and the escalating numbers of hate incidents in our city." Liberal MP 'reflecting' on place in caucus after NDP Palestinian statehood motion debacle Konstantin Koltsov, former NHL player and boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka, dies at 42 Kate's photo of late Queen was doctored, agency says, as princess spotted in public for first time in months B.C. teacher banned from profession for life after child pornography conviction

NEW REPORT REVEALS CHANGING FACE OF LUXURY TRAVEL IN ASIA PACIFIC

The Luxury Group by Marriott International launches extensive research among affluent travelers across six markets 68% spending more on leisure travel with 74% respondents planning an intra-regional holiday within Japan, with 46% planning to visit Indian HNW are driving luxury travel with 89% Indians planning to spend more in next 12 months High-end gastronomy is the primary driver for luxury travel with 88% planning holidays around food Three new personas of luxury traveler defined Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in Asia Pacific. Across the region, 68% are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89% among Indians - with 74% planning to travel within Asia Pacific and 88% prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25%) are celebrations. Three distinct new groups of luxury traveler have emerged – the 'Venture Travelist' who seeks business opportunities when traveling, 'Experience Connoisseur' Millennials who are traveling for enrichment and 'Timeless Adventurer', over 65s who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular. China ), Marriott International. "Whether it's discovering new culinary experiences, traveling with their family or friends, or looking to forge connections with the local community, our research has identified new traveler archetypes, and provides Marriott International with new understandings in catering to this discerning traveler segment." India reveals they are traveling frequently with longer holidays especially across the Asia Pacific region. An average of six leisure trips is planned within the next 12 months while 33% of respondents are planning at least seven holidays this year. On average, a short stay comprises three nights while a long stay is two-and-a-half weeks. For many, the kinship and connection within a group enhances the richness of the travel experience, with over 70% choosing to travel with family or friends. Australia is the destination of choice (46%), above India's HNW tourists are planning a trip to Australia and it is the top destination of choice for Indonesian, Japanese and Singaporean travelers. Increasing Demand in India The most active and engaged travel market, 89% of Indian HNW say they are planning to spend more on travel. Families and friends are touring together to mark key milestones, attend a private function or event, with 38% planning a trip with friends and 33% making theirs a celebratory trip. A Fascination for Food 88% are picking their holiday destination based on discovering a new food or culinary experience. Acutely aware of dining trends, almost half of the respondents (49%) describe a fine dining experience as an ideal night out. Reinforcing this point, 83% will choose a destination to visit an award-winning restaurant and 35% agreed they would spend more on unique culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, 81% of HNW travelers make their selection based on fine dining options and 83% choose a destination so they can visit a celebrated restaurant. New Traveler Persona s With more disposable income for holidays and a growing population of ageing travelers, the research has identified three new categories of affluent travelers. These include: i) The 'Venture Travelist' The next-generation Bleisure tourist, the Venture Travelist prioritizes holiday destinations that will generate business opportunities. While they enjoy their vacation with their family and loved ones, they are always on the lookout to secure a deal. Entrepreneurs at heart, they explore a location, shopping for local products and antiques, and looking to forge business connections with members from the local community. ii) The 'Experience Connoisseur' Predominantly millennials, Experience Connoisseurs plan their leisure travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment. They travel extensively and see the experience as an investment in their mental and physical wellbeing. They want to deeply explore a destination, they value personalization and actively seek exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences. iii) The 'Timeless Adventurer' Debunking every stereotype of the over-65 'silver set travelers', Timeless Adventurers are keen explorers who want to immerse themselves in a destination. They're less interested in tourist attractions and more drawn to what gives the destination a sense of place, what makes it unique and memorable. The full report is available to download. Note to Editor Findings are from a research report commissioned by Marriott International Luxury Group conducted over a period from May 13, 2024, with frequent international travelers who primarily travel for leisure. The study targeted the wealthiest 10% of residents in South Korea, and Japan with 200 respondents from each market. About Marriott International Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR ) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. About Marriott International Luxury Portfolio With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today's global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International's luxury brands group offers a boundless network of more than 510 landmark hotels and resorts in 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world's most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader's collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. ANNEX A: 10 INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT THE CHANGING FACE OF LUXURY TRAVELERS ACROSS THE APAC REGION Most engaged travel market is India. 89% of high-net-worth (HNW) Indians are planning to spend more on their leisure travel, looking at six trips over the course of the year, with an average three-four nights for a short trip and two-three weeks for a long holiday. Most self-sufficient travelers are Singaporeans. 61% prefer to travel independently and curate their own itinerary, versus 43% across the region. Most pressing social issue is sustainable travel. Mindful of the impact their travel has on the environment, 80% of HNW travelers say a hotel's sustainability and environmental practices is a consideration when deciding where to stay. 43% want to see hotel restaurants offering locally-sourced food products and a further 35% expect to see effective management of food waste. Most likely to holiday longer are Australians. With Australians entitled to a minimum of four weeks annual leave, it's not surprising they take the longest holidays with 73% planning a minimum two-week getaway and 33% taking over three weeks. Similarly, a third of Indonesians expect their trips will extend beyond three weeks. Most important factor in a luxury experience is a sense of security. Most respondents (91%) say a safe environment is more important than exceptional service (41%), engaging in an exclusive experience (36%) or having a truly personalized experience (33%). Best reason to shop overseas is to purchase locally made products. For HNW individuals, shopping is a key driver to travel and 85% of respondents say access to locally-made products is a key consideration when deciding where to travel. Most likely to stay within their hotel are South Korean travelers. 54% of travelers surveyed would rather spend time at their hotel or resort rather than exploring local attractions or engaging with the locals.

motors

NEW REPORT REVEALS CHANGING FACE OF LUXURY TRAVEL IN ASIA PACIFIC. The Luxury Group by Marriott International launches extensive research among affluent travelers across six markets 68% spending more on leisure travel with 74% respondents planning an intra-regional holiday within Japan, with 46% planning to visit Indian HNW are driving luxury travel with 89% Indians planning to spend more in next 12 months High-end gastronomy is the primary driver for luxury travel with 88% planning holidays around food Three new personas of luxury traveler defined Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in Asia Pacific. Across the region, 68% are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89% among Indians - with 74% planning to travel within Asia Pacific and 88% prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25%) are celebrations. Three distinct new groups of luxury traveler have emerged – the 'Venture Travelist' who seeks business opportunities when traveling, 'Experience Connoisseur' Millennials who are traveling for enrichment and 'Timeless Adventurer', over 65s who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular. China ), Marriott International. "Whether it's discovering new culinary experiences, traveling with their family or friends, or looking to forge connections with the local community, our research has identified new traveler archetypes, and provides Marriott International with new understandings in catering to this discerning traveler segment." India reveals they are traveling frequently with longer holidays especially across the Asia Pacific region. An average of six leisure trips is planned within the next 12 months while 33% of respondents are planning at least seven holidays this year. On average, a short stay comprises three nights while a long stay is two-and-a-half weeks. For many, the kinship and connection within a group enhances the richness of the travel experience, with over 70% choosing to travel with family or friends. Australia is the destination of choice (46%), above India's HNW tourists are planning a trip to Australia and it is the top destination of choice for Indonesian, Japanese and Singaporean travelers. Increasing Demand in India The most active and engaged travel market, 89% of Indian HNW say they are planning to spend more on travel. Families and friends are touring together to mark key milestones, attend a private function or event, with 38% planning a trip with friends and 33% making theirs a celebratory trip. A Fascination for Food 88% are picking their holiday destination based on discovering a new food or culinary experience. Acutely aware of dining trends, almost half of the respondents (49%) describe a fine dining experience as an ideal night out. Reinforcing this point, 83% will choose a destination to visit an award-winning restaurant and 35% agreed they would spend more on unique culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, 81% of HNW travelers make their selection based on fine dining options and 83% choose a destination so they can visit a celebrated restaurant. New Traveler Persona s With more disposable income for holidays and a growing population of ageing travelers, the research has identified three new categories of affluent travelers. These include: i) The 'Venture Travelist' The next-generation Bleisure tourist, the Venture Travelist prioritizes holiday destinations that will generate business opportunities. While they enjoy their vacation with their family and loved ones, they are always on the lookout to secure a deal. Entrepreneurs at heart, they explore a location, shopping for local products and antiques, and looking to forge business connections with members from the local community. ii) The 'Experience Connoisseur' Predominantly millennials, Experience Connoisseurs plan their leisure travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment. They travel extensively and see the experience as an investment in their mental and physical wellbeing. They want to deeply explore a destination, they value personalization and actively seek exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences. iii) The 'Timeless Adventurer' Debunking every stereotype of the over-65 'silver set travelers', Timeless Adventurers are keen explorers who want to immerse themselves in a destination. They're less interested in tourist attractions and more drawn to what gives the destination a sense of place, what makes it unique and memorable. The full report is available to download. Note to Editor Findings are from a research report commissioned by Marriott International Luxury Group conducted over a period from May 13, 2024, with frequent international travelers who primarily travel for leisure. The study targeted the wealthiest 10% of residents in South Korea, and Japan with 200 respondents from each market. About Marriott International Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR ) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. About Marriott International Luxury Portfolio With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today's global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International's luxury brands group offers a boundless network of more than 510 landmark hotels and resorts in 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world's most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader's collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. ANNEX A: 10 INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT THE CHANGING FACE OF LUXURY TRAVELERS ACROSS THE APAC REGION Most engaged travel market is India. 89% of high-net-worth (HNW) Indians are planning to spend more on their leisure travel, looking at six trips over the course of the year, with an average three-four nights for a short trip and two-three weeks for a long holiday. Most self-sufficient travelers are Singaporeans. 61% prefer to travel independently and curate their own itinerary, versus 43% across the region. Most pressing social issue is sustainable travel. Mindful of the impact their travel has on the environment, 80% of HNW travelers say a hotel's sustainability and environmental practices is a consideration when deciding where to stay. 43% want to see hotel restaurants offering locally-sourced food products and a further 35% expect to see effective management of food waste. Most likely to holiday longer are Australians. With Australians entitled to a minimum of four weeks annual leave, it's not surprising they take the longest holidays with 73% planning a minimum two-week getaway and 33% taking over three weeks. Similarly, a third of Indonesians expect their trips will extend beyond three weeks. Most important factor in a luxury experience is a sense of security. Most respondents (91%) say a safe environment is more important than exceptional service (41%), engaging in an exclusive experience (36%) or having a truly personalized experience (33%). Best reason to shop overseas is to purchase locally made products. For HNW individuals, shopping is a key driver to travel and 85% of respondents say access to locally-made products is a key consideration when deciding where to travel. Most likely to stay within their hotel are South Korean travelers. 54% of travelers surveyed would rather spend time at their hotel or resort rather than exploring local attractions or engaging with the locals.

Serial Founder Ben Rubin Discusses Product Market Fit and Web3 Innovations

In a recent episode of the web3 with a16z podcast, serial entrepreneur Ben Rubin delved into his experiences in finding product market fit and his journey through various successful ventures. Rubin, known for creating the viral livestreaming app Meerkat and the group video chat app Houseparty, which was acquired by Epic Games in 2019, is now focused on Web3 innovations. Rubin's Journey to Product Market Fit Ben Rubin's entrepreneurial journey is marked by his ability to identify and capitalize on market needs. In his discussion with Jason Rosenthal, head of a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program, Rubin shared insights from his experiences with Meerkat and Houseparty. Both apps achieved rapid success, with Houseparty eventually being acquired by Epic Games, a testament to its market impact. Rubin emphasized the importance of understanding user needs and iterating quickly to find the right product market fit. This iterative process, according to Rubin, is crucial for any startup aiming to create a lasting impact. Transition to Web3 Currently, Rubin is the CEO and co-founder of Here Not There Labs, a company dedicated to building a decentralized messaging protocol. This move into the Web3 space reflects Rubin's commitment to innovation and his belief in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. During the podcast, Rubin and Rosenthal discussed the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Web3. Rubin highlighted the importance of decentralization in creating more secure and user-centric applications, a vision that Here Not There Labs aims to realize. Insights from the CSX Program This conversation took place during a16z crypto's recent CSX program in London, where Rubin shared his thoughts on creating a strong company culture and the significance of aligning a company's mission with its product offerings. Rosenthal and Rubin also touched on the broader implications of Web3 technologies and how they can reshape various industries. Rubin's perspective as a serial entrepreneur provides valuable insights for startups navigating the evolving tech landscape. The full interview can be found on the a16z crypto website. For more details, you can visit the The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, business, investment, or tax advice.

crypto

Serial Founder Ben Rubin Discusses Product Market Fit and Web3 Innovations. In a recent episode of the web3 with a16z podcast, serial entrepreneur Ben Rubin delved into his experiences in finding product market fit and his journey through various successful ventures. Rubin, known for creating the viral livestreaming app Meerkat and the group video chat app Houseparty, which was acquired by Epic Games in 2019, is now focused on Web3 innovations. Rubin's Journey to Product Market Fit Ben Rubin's entrepreneurial journey is marked by his ability to identify and capitalize on market needs. In his discussion with Jason Rosenthal, head of a16z crypto's CSX startup accelerator program, Rubin shared insights from his experiences with Meerkat and Houseparty. Both apps achieved rapid success, with Houseparty eventually being acquired by Epic Games, a testament to its market impact. Rubin emphasized the importance of understanding user needs and iterating quickly to find the right product market fit. This iterative process, according to Rubin, is crucial for any startup aiming to create a lasting impact. Transition to Web3 Currently, Rubin is the CEO and co-founder of Here Not There Labs, a company dedicated to building a decentralized messaging protocol. This move into the Web3 space reflects Rubin's commitment to innovation and his belief in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. During the podcast, Rubin and Rosenthal discussed the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Web3. Rubin highlighted the importance of decentralization in creating more secure and user-centric applications, a vision that Here Not There Labs aims to realize. Insights from the CSX Program This conversation took place during a16z crypto's recent CSX program in London, where Rubin shared his thoughts on creating a strong company culture and the significance of aligning a company's mission with its product offerings. Rosenthal and Rubin also touched on the broader implications of Web3 technologies and how they can reshape various industries. Rubin's perspective as a serial entrepreneur provides valuable insights for startups navigating the evolving tech landscape. The full interview can be found on the a16z crypto website. For more details, you can visit the The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, business, investment, or tax advice.

The game design secrets of Elden Ring’s Hidetaka Miyazaki

T he famously challenging dark-fantasy epic Elden Ring was the world's second bestselling game in 2022, and the release of its expansion Shadow of the Erdtree last Friday once again has everyone arguing about whether it's too difficult. Every single FromSoftware-developed game since 2009's Demon's Souls has inspired this discourse, and I'm not going to get into it because it's neither interesting nor particularly consequential: these games are what they are, and you can either get on board or, quite justifiably, walk away. This vision is passed right down from the game's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki – also the president of FromSoftware since 2014, having made his (and the developer's) name with Dark Souls in 2011. It's harsh, sure, but there's also an element of faith and encouragement in this approach to game design: Elden Ring and his other games trust that if you just persevere, and call on other players for help, you will eventually triumph, and it will feel all the sweeter. Miyazaki is an interesting character and one of the most influential artists in games, and indeed in entertainment; he made Time Magazine's 100 most influential people last year. I first interviewed him in 2010, shortly before the release of Demon's Souls in Europe, and following his career has been one of the highlights of mine. I interviewed him again in Los Angeles recently, and it might comfort some of us to know that playing his games is sometimes tortuous for him, too. "Leading up to the release of any game, I'll be very hands-on playing it and getting as much time on it as much as possible," he told me. "But after the release, I tend to not want to touch it, because I know I'm going to either find things that I left on the table or issues that will bug me. And once I become a player, I'm powerless to do anything significant to change it. So once a game is out in the wild, I tend to not play. "But in preparation for Shadow of the Erdtree, I played through the main story of Hidetaka Miyazaki at the E3 expo in California in 2013. Photograph: Daniel Boczarski/WireImage I was greatly amused by the image of Miyazaki, controller in hand, tormented by the very world he wrought (and all its imperfections, which only he would notice). That's true commitment to his game design philosophy of improvement through failure – a creed that seems to permeate his whole life. Miyazaki is an extremely hands-on director and all of his games bear the unmistakeable imprint of his influence, but he has also been attempting to pass down his knowledge and artistic approach to others at FromSoftware in the 10 years that he's been its president – ensuring that they, too, have room to fail. "Budgets, scale, scope, everything has grown to a point where room for failure isn't tolerated as much as I think it was in the past," he told me. "FromSoftware has its own way of hedging risks, so to speak, in that most of our projects have a partner who is financing the project … From a business management perspective, we're not betting everything on any one single project. At the same time, you have to find the right project to allow for failure: whether it's smaller in scope or scale, or it's a small module within something bigger, there needs to be room for that. I think that's where a lot of young game directors will be challenged and will be able to learn from it. Making sure you understand and identify where those pockets of failure can be allowed, is how we try to grow our talent." Miyazaki views Elden Ring as a "turning point" for FromSoftware: "Before and after Elden ring, there's going to be a clear difference … you could see that in [2023's mech game] Armored Core VI, I would say." He hopes that we will soon be seeing games from other directors at the company, not just himself. "Where FromSoftware is right now, in terms of scale, I would say Elden Ring is really the limit. We've tapped every resource and talent that we have access to … scaling it even bigger, I'd have my concerns. Perhaps having multiple projects is the next stage, where some of the other younger talent can have the opportunity to manage and direct game design for a smaller project." Shadow of the Erdtree is the end of Elden Ring for now – Dark Souls is an exception to the rule, but generally Miyazaki does not make sequels. Demon's Souls, Sekiro, Bloodborne and now Elden Ring all stand as self-contained works, and you get the impression that he likes it that way. But, interestingly, he wouldn't mind someone else doing more with The Lands Between – in a different medium. "I don't see any reason to deny another interpretation or adaptation of Elden Ring, a movie for example," he told me. "But I don't think myself, or FromSoftware, have the knowledge or ability to produce something in a different medium. So that's where a very strong partner would come into play. We'd have to build a lot of trust and agreement on whatever it is we're trying to achieve, but there's interest, for sure." If any Souls-nerd readers work for arthouse movie production companies, consider this your chance to pounce. Luigi's Mansion 2 HD. Photograph: Nintendo And now for something completely different, as they say: Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is out this week, a welcome blast from the past (I reviewed it for IGN, back in the day). Originally released in 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS, this wonderfully characterful spooky caper is better than any Ghostbusters game ever made. Mario's bumbling, cowardly younger brother has five detailed diorama mansions to purge of ghosts and secrets. The animation is peerless here – every ghost oozes personality along with all the ectoplasm, and Luigi himself is an underrated star of slapstick comedy. skip past newsletter promotion Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Life By You. Photograph: Paradox Interactive Remember Paradox's upcoming competitor to The Sims, Life By You? It was due to come out this month, but it was indefinitely delayed a few weeks ago, and then abruptly cancelled – and now its developer has been shut down. The Sims has gone decades unchallenged in the life-sim genre: perhaps now it will remain so for a decade more. The vastly popular streamer Dr Disrespect – real name Guy Beahm – was permanently banned from Twitch back in 2020 (he has since been streaming on YouTube). For years, nobody knew why – but now The Verge reports that he was caught sending inappropriate messages to a minor using Twitch's Whispers chat system, as claimed by two former Twitch employees. After Midnight Society, a studio cofounded by the streamer, cut ties with him on Monday night, Beahm, 42, released a lengthy statement on X admitting to "casual, mutual conversations" with a minor, but strongly denying any criminal wrongdoing. One of his sponsors, Turtle Beach, has also dropped him. this banger of a feature about the fleeting multiplayer connections forged by games such as Elden Ring and Dragon's Dogma, from regular Guardian games contributor Lewis Gordon. 'It's important for us to be happy': Astro Bot, the most joyous game on PlayStation 5 14 unusual video games to discover in 2024 'It's impossible to play for more than 30 minutes without feeling I'm about to die': lawn-mowing games uncut Hidetaka Miyazaki accepting the original property award for Elden Ring at the 2023 Bafta games awards. Photograph: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA I'm going to shamelessly exploit the format of the newsletter to get in one last quote from Hidetaka Miyazaki, the answer to a question I had always wanted to ask him: "When we talk about artistic inspirations, we often ask about things: movies, books, games, visual art. But often it's the people in our lives who inspire us. Is there a person in your life like that, someone whom you respect?" His reply: "One that comes to mind is the previous president of FromSoftware, [Naotoshi] Zin-san. He directed the first game FromSoftware produced, which was [bleak medieval action game] King's Field, close to the launch of the PlayStation 1. I really like his world building and way of thinking, his approach to things. So even now, when we catch up or have a chat, there's always some learning there for me. Of course, I've never told him to his face that I respect him and I feel this way, so if this interview gets somehow translated back in the Japanese and he sees it, I don't know what he's going to say …" If you've got a question for Question Block – or anything else to say about the newsletter – hit reply or email us on

entertainment

The game design secrets of Elden Ring’s Hidetaka Miyazaki. T he famously challenging dark-fantasy epic Elden Ring was the world's second bestselling game in 2022, and the release of its expansion Shadow of the Erdtree last Friday once again has everyone arguing about whether it's too difficult. Every single FromSoftware-developed game since 2009's Demon's Souls has inspired this discourse, and I'm not going to get into it because it's neither interesting nor particularly consequential: these games are what they are, and you can either get on board or, quite justifiably, walk away. This vision is passed right down from the game's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki – also the president of FromSoftware since 2014, having made his (and the developer's) name with Dark Souls in 2011. It's harsh, sure, but there's also an element of faith and encouragement in this approach to game design: Elden Ring and his other games trust that if you just persevere, and call on other players for help, you will eventually triumph, and it will feel all the sweeter. Miyazaki is an interesting character and one of the most influential artists in games, and indeed in entertainment; he made Time Magazine's 100 most influential people last year. I first interviewed him in 2010, shortly before the release of Demon's Souls in Europe, and following his career has been one of the highlights of mine. I interviewed him again in Los Angeles recently, and it might comfort some of us to know that playing his games is sometimes tortuous for him, too. "Leading up to the release of any game, I'll be very hands-on playing it and getting as much time on it as much as possible," he told me. "But after the release, I tend to not want to touch it, because I know I'm going to either find things that I left on the table or issues that will bug me. And once I become a player, I'm powerless to do anything significant to change it. So once a game is out in the wild, I tend to not play. "But in preparation for Shadow of the Erdtree, I played through the main story of Hidetaka Miyazaki at the E3 expo in California in 2013. Photograph: Daniel Boczarski/WireImage I was greatly amused by the image of Miyazaki, controller in hand, tormented by the very world he wrought (and all its imperfections, which only he would notice). That's true commitment to his game design philosophy of improvement through failure – a creed that seems to permeate his whole life. Miyazaki is an extremely hands-on director and all of his games bear the unmistakeable imprint of his influence, but he has also been attempting to pass down his knowledge and artistic approach to others at FromSoftware in the 10 years that he's been its president – ensuring that they, too, have room to fail. "Budgets, scale, scope, everything has grown to a point where room for failure isn't tolerated as much as I think it was in the past," he told me. "FromSoftware has its own way of hedging risks, so to speak, in that most of our projects have a partner who is financing the project … From a business management perspective, we're not betting everything on any one single project. At the same time, you have to find the right project to allow for failure: whether it's smaller in scope or scale, or it's a small module within something bigger, there needs to be room for that. I think that's where a lot of young game directors will be challenged and will be able to learn from it. Making sure you understand and identify where those pockets of failure can be allowed, is how we try to grow our talent." Miyazaki views Elden Ring as a "turning point" for FromSoftware: "Before and after Elden ring, there's going to be a clear difference … you could see that in [2023's mech game] Armored Core VI, I would say." He hopes that we will soon be seeing games from other directors at the company, not just himself. "Where FromSoftware is right now, in terms of scale, I would say Elden Ring is really the limit. We've tapped every resource and talent that we have access to … scaling it even bigger, I'd have my concerns. Perhaps having multiple projects is the next stage, where some of the other younger talent can have the opportunity to manage and direct game design for a smaller project." Shadow of the Erdtree is the end of Elden Ring for now – Dark Souls is an exception to the rule, but generally Miyazaki does not make sequels. Demon's Souls, Sekiro, Bloodborne and now Elden Ring all stand as self-contained works, and you get the impression that he likes it that way. But, interestingly, he wouldn't mind someone else doing more with The Lands Between – in a different medium. "I don't see any reason to deny another interpretation or adaptation of Elden Ring, a movie for example," he told me. "But I don't think myself, or FromSoftware, have the knowledge or ability to produce something in a different medium. So that's where a very strong partner would come into play. We'd have to build a lot of trust and agreement on whatever it is we're trying to achieve, but there's interest, for sure." If any Souls-nerd readers work for arthouse movie production companies, consider this your chance to pounce. Luigi's Mansion 2 HD. Photograph: Nintendo And now for something completely different, as they say: Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is out this week, a welcome blast from the past (I reviewed it for IGN, back in the day). Originally released in 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS, this wonderfully characterful spooky caper is better than any Ghostbusters game ever made. Mario's bumbling, cowardly younger brother has five detailed diorama mansions to purge of ghosts and secrets. The animation is peerless here – every ghost oozes personality along with all the ectoplasm, and Luigi himself is an underrated star of slapstick comedy. skip past newsletter promotion Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Life By You. Photograph: Paradox Interactive Remember Paradox's upcoming competitor to The Sims, Life By You? It was due to come out this month, but it was indefinitely delayed a few weeks ago, and then abruptly cancelled – and now its developer has been shut down. The Sims has gone decades unchallenged in the life-sim genre: perhaps now it will remain so for a decade more. The vastly popular streamer Dr Disrespect – real name Guy Beahm – was permanently banned from Twitch back in 2020 (he has since been streaming on YouTube). For years, nobody knew why – but now The Verge reports that he was caught sending inappropriate messages to a minor using Twitch's Whispers chat system, as claimed by two former Twitch employees. After Midnight Society, a studio cofounded by the streamer, cut ties with him on Monday night, Beahm, 42, released a lengthy statement on X admitting to "casual, mutual conversations" with a minor, but strongly denying any criminal wrongdoing. One of his sponsors, Turtle Beach, has also dropped him. this banger of a feature about the fleeting multiplayer connections forged by games such as Elden Ring and Dragon's Dogma, from regular Guardian games contributor Lewis Gordon. 'It's important for us to be happy': Astro Bot, the most joyous game on PlayStation 5 14 unusual video games to discover in 2024 'It's impossible to play for more than 30 minutes without feeling I'm about to die': lawn-mowing games uncut Hidetaka Miyazaki accepting the original property award for Elden Ring at the 2023 Bafta games awards. Photograph: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA I'm going to shamelessly exploit the format of the newsletter to get in one last quote from Hidetaka Miyazaki, the answer to a question I had always wanted to ask him: "When we talk about artistic inspirations, we often ask about things: movies, books, games, visual art. But often it's the people in our lives who inspire us. Is there a person in your life like that, someone whom you respect?" His reply: "One that comes to mind is the previous president of FromSoftware, [Naotoshi] Zin-san. He directed the first game FromSoftware produced, which was [bleak medieval action game] King's Field, close to the launch of the PlayStation 1. I really like his world building and way of thinking, his approach to things. So even now, when we catch up or have a chat, there's always some learning there for me. Of course, I've never told him to his face that I respect him and I feel this way, so if this interview gets somehow translated back in the Japanese and he sees it, I don't know what he's going to say …" If you've got a question for Question Block – or anything else to say about the newsletter – hit reply or email us on

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been shut down after experiencing lingering soreness

CHICAGO -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been shut down for a week after experiencing lingering soreness in his comeback from left shoulder surgery. Kershaw, 36, had an MRI that "showed no new incidents," manager Dave Roberts said before Monday night's 3-0 victory at the Chicago White Sox. "You go through surgery. You go through rehab. You start throwing. You ramp up velocity, workload," Roberts said, "and there is bound to be some soreness, and that's where we're at. "So then you do the scan to see if there's a new incident, which there wasn't, so that's why we feel very comfortable and confident that this is just a blip." Kershaw had surgery in November, a month after he recorded just one out in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Arizona. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner re-signed with Los Angeles in February, staying with his only big league club. Kershaw made a rehab start with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday night, throwing 37 pitches while working three innings of one-run ball. He was expected to throw four innings in his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City. After he takes a week off from throwing, Kershaw will begin to ramp up again. "A week is not long enough to worry about cutting into the buildup that he's already had," Roberts said. "But I think it's a way to kind of get us back to get the soreness out, so that's the main thing." Los Angeles (49-31) is on top of the NL West once again, but it has been hit hard by injuries this month. Mookie Betts broke his left hand when he was hit by a pitch on June 16. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (strained rotator cuff) and Walker Buehler (hip inflammation) were placed on the 15-day injured list, taking the right-handers out of the team's rotation for now. The Dodgers were without outfielder Teoscar Hernández for the opener of their three-game series at Chicago. Hernández flew home to the Dominican Republic for a personal reason, but is expected to be back on Tuesday. Roberts said he planned to give him another day off to reset. Hernández played in the team's first 79 games after signing a $23.5 million, one-year contract in January. He is batting.254 with 18 homers and 54 RBIs. The next steps for Kershaw will depend on how he feels when he starts throwing again, Roberts said. "Once he starts playing catch, then there'll be certainly a bullpen or two and I would assume, for me, he would just go back into a rehab game," Roberts said. "But again, that's Clayton and the training staff will have the conversation." Infielder Max Muncy, who is on the 60-day IL with an oblique injury, has been working with medicine balls and is expected to swing a bat this week. Roberts said he thinks Muncy will be back with the team shortly after the All-Star break. Muncy hasn't played in a big league game since May 15. He hit. 212 with 36 homers and a career-high 105 RBIs for the Dodgers last year.

sports

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been shut down after experiencing lingering soreness. CHICAGO -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been shut down for a week after experiencing lingering soreness in his comeback from left shoulder surgery. Kershaw, 36, had an MRI that "showed no new incidents," manager Dave Roberts said before Monday night's 3-0 victory at the Chicago White Sox. "You go through surgery. You go through rehab. You start throwing. You ramp up velocity, workload," Roberts said, "and there is bound to be some soreness, and that's where we're at. "So then you do the scan to see if there's a new incident, which there wasn't, so that's why we feel very comfortable and confident that this is just a blip." Kershaw had surgery in November, a month after he recorded just one out in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Arizona. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner re-signed with Los Angeles in February, staying with his only big league club. Kershaw made a rehab start with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday night, throwing 37 pitches while working three innings of one-run ball. He was expected to throw four innings in his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City. After he takes a week off from throwing, Kershaw will begin to ramp up again. "A week is not long enough to worry about cutting into the buildup that he's already had," Roberts said. "But I think it's a way to kind of get us back to get the soreness out, so that's the main thing." Los Angeles (49-31) is on top of the NL West once again, but it has been hit hard by injuries this month. Mookie Betts broke his left hand when he was hit by a pitch on June 16. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (strained rotator cuff) and Walker Buehler (hip inflammation) were placed on the 15-day injured list, taking the right-handers out of the team's rotation for now. The Dodgers were without outfielder Teoscar Hernández for the opener of their three-game series at Chicago. Hernández flew home to the Dominican Republic for a personal reason, but is expected to be back on Tuesday. Roberts said he planned to give him another day off to reset. Hernández played in the team's first 79 games after signing a $23.5 million, one-year contract in January. He is batting.254 with 18 homers and 54 RBIs. The next steps for Kershaw will depend on how he feels when he starts throwing again, Roberts said. "Once he starts playing catch, then there'll be certainly a bullpen or two and I would assume, for me, he would just go back into a rehab game," Roberts said. "But again, that's Clayton and the training staff will have the conversation." Infielder Max Muncy, who is on the 60-day IL with an oblique injury, has been working with medicine balls and is expected to swing a bat this week. Roberts said he thinks Muncy will be back with the team shortly after the All-Star break. Muncy hasn't played in a big league game since May 15. He hit. 212 with 36 homers and a career-high 105 RBIs for the Dodgers last year.

Heyday Health Raises $12.5M to Scale "Virtual-forward" Value-based Care Model for Medicare & Dual-eligible Patients

June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heyday Health, the nation's first virtual-forward value-based care provider focused on Medicare and dual-eligible patients, announced today that it has raised $12.5 million from Gradient (Google), Lionbird, a large national payor, Great Oaks Capital, and Kate Ryder, CEO of Maven Clinic. The funding will enable Heyday to expand its mission to provide Medicare and dual-eligible patients with high-quality, accessible, and compassionate care from the comfort of their homes. Heyday's virtual-forward model starts with a comprehensive physical, behavioral, and social assessment conducted in patients' homes, or wherever they call home. Every patient enjoys 24/7 access to a personalized care team comprised of a physician, a nurse practitioner, and a Health Ally that works with them to design and manage care plans that strive to keep them happy, healthy, and at home. Heyday care teams work closely with family members and caregivers who serve as critical partners in optimizing patient outcomes while sharing the burden of caretaking with a professional team. Heyday's care team also includes behavioral health and clinical pharmacy providers who help manage behavioral health conditions and complex medication regimens. Purpose-built technology powers Heyday's care model, enabling frictionless access to video visits for patients and streamlined market operations for its in-home and virtual care teams. Heyday has been delivering on the Triple Aim since its inception, generating exceptional quality (4+ Star performance 3 years running), patient experience (NPS 85), and lowering costs by reducing inpatient admissions and ER visits. With this funding, Heyday is expanding into the Kentucky, and has positioned itself for long-term success. "Our mission is to democratize access to the type of care we want our own families to enjoy," says Founder and CEO Bobby Shady. "We set out to do this not only in major metropolitan areas, but starting in geographies that could offer a model for the rest of the nation. Three years onward, Heyday has enjoyed the privilege of caring for thousands of patients and is humbled by the opportunity to expand our impact." Heyday Health is a virtual-forward value-based care provider focused on Medicare and dual-eligible patients. Heyday provides in-home and virtual care to complex patients with a personalized, multidisciplinary, and accessible care team that takes the time to get to know them and their lived experiences. Knowing that the majority of health outcomes are determined outside of the walls of healthcare settings, Heyday goes to the source - patients' daily lives.

health

Heyday Health Raises $12.5M to Scale "Virtual-forward" Value-based Care Model for Medicare & Dual-eligible Patients. June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heyday Health, the nation's first virtual-forward value-based care provider focused on Medicare and dual-eligible patients, announced today that it has raised $12.5 million from Gradient (Google), Lionbird, a large national payor, Great Oaks Capital, and Kate Ryder, CEO of Maven Clinic. The funding will enable Heyday to expand its mission to provide Medicare and dual-eligible patients with high-quality, accessible, and compassionate care from the comfort of their homes. Heyday's virtual-forward model starts with a comprehensive physical, behavioral, and social assessment conducted in patients' homes, or wherever they call home. Every patient enjoys 24/7 access to a personalized care team comprised of a physician, a nurse practitioner, and a Health Ally that works with them to design and manage care plans that strive to keep them happy, healthy, and at home. Heyday care teams work closely with family members and caregivers who serve as critical partners in optimizing patient outcomes while sharing the burden of caretaking with a professional team. Heyday's care team also includes behavioral health and clinical pharmacy providers who help manage behavioral health conditions and complex medication regimens. Purpose-built technology powers Heyday's care model, enabling frictionless access to video visits for patients and streamlined market operations for its in-home and virtual care teams. Heyday has been delivering on the Triple Aim since its inception, generating exceptional quality (4+ Star performance 3 years running), patient experience (NPS 85), and lowering costs by reducing inpatient admissions and ER visits. With this funding, Heyday is expanding into the Kentucky, and has positioned itself for long-term success. "Our mission is to democratize access to the type of care we want our own families to enjoy," says Founder and CEO Bobby Shady. "We set out to do this not only in major metropolitan areas, but starting in geographies that could offer a model for the rest of the nation. Three years onward, Heyday has enjoyed the privilege of caring for thousands of patients and is humbled by the opportunity to expand our impact." Heyday Health is a virtual-forward value-based care provider focused on Medicare and dual-eligible patients. Heyday provides in-home and virtual care to complex patients with a personalized, multidisciplinary, and accessible care team that takes the time to get to know them and their lived experiences. Knowing that the majority of health outcomes are determined outside of the walls of healthcare settings, Heyday goes to the source - patients' daily lives.

Virginia tech company pays $38K to settle allegations over whites-only job listing

Jonathan Turley: DEI is often declared 'racial discrimination' in court trials Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley discusses criticism of corporate DEI policies on 'America Reports.' Arthur Grand Technologies, a tech firm in northern Virginia, has agreed to pay $38,500 to settle claims of discrimination related to a job listing. The Justice Department said the company posted a job listing specifying a preference for white, US-born candidates. Arthur Grand Technologies attributed the posting to a "disgruntled recruiter in India," claiming it was intended to embarrass the company. northern Virginia tech company is paying $38,500 to settle claims that it discriminated by posting a job listing seeking white, U.S.-born candidates for an opening as a business analyst. The Justice Department announced Thursday that it had reached a settlement agreement with Arthur Grand Technologies, an information technology firm in Ashburn, Virginia. The company listed the business analyst job online in March 2023, specifically seeking "Only Born US Citizens (White) who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX (Don't share with candidates)." PENTAGON'S DEI EFFORTS UNDER SCRUTINY AS HOUSE INVESTIGATORS LAUNCH NEW OVERSIGHT PROBE "It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using 'whites only' and 'only US born' job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color" said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's civil rights division in a statement. "I share the public's outrage at Arthur Grand's appalling and discriminatory ban on job candidates based on citizenship status, national origin, color and race." A view of the lecture is seen at the Department of Justice on April 18, 2019, in Washington, DC. A northern Virginia tech company is paying $38,500 to settle claims that it discriminated by posting a job listing seeking white, U.S.-born candidates for an opening as a business analyst. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) In the settlement agreement, the company said the ad was "generated by a disgruntled recruiter in India and was intended to embarrass the company," and that it never intended to dissuade non-citizens from applying. Arthur Grand did not return a call and email Tuesday seeking comment. The settlement includes a $7,500 penalty to settle a Justice Department investigation and $31,000 as part of a settlement with the Labor Department to compensate individuals who filed complaints alleging they were discriminated against by the advertisement. The agreement also requires Arthur Grand to train its personnel on the requirements of the federal hiring and

tech

Virginia tech company pays $38K to settle allegations over whites-only job listing. Jonathan Turley: DEI is often declared 'racial discrimination' in court trials Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley discusses criticism of corporate DEI policies on 'America Reports.' Arthur Grand Technologies, a tech firm in northern Virginia, has agreed to pay $38,500 to settle claims of discrimination related to a job listing. The Justice Department said the company posted a job listing specifying a preference for white, US-born candidates. Arthur Grand Technologies attributed the posting to a "disgruntled recruiter in India," claiming it was intended to embarrass the company. northern Virginia tech company is paying $38,500 to settle claims that it discriminated by posting a job listing seeking white, U.S.-born candidates for an opening as a business analyst. The Justice Department announced Thursday that it had reached a settlement agreement with Arthur Grand Technologies, an information technology firm in Ashburn, Virginia. The company listed the business analyst job online in March 2023, specifically seeking "Only Born US Citizens (White) who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX (Don't share with candidates)." PENTAGON'S DEI EFFORTS UNDER SCRUTINY AS HOUSE INVESTIGATORS LAUNCH NEW OVERSIGHT PROBE "It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using 'whites only' and 'only US born' job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color" said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's civil rights division in a statement. "I share the public's outrage at Arthur Grand's appalling and discriminatory ban on job candidates based on citizenship status, national origin, color and race." A view of the lecture is seen at the Department of Justice on April 18, 2019, in Washington, DC. A northern Virginia tech company is paying $38,500 to settle claims that it discriminated by posting a job listing seeking white, U.S.-born candidates for an opening as a business analyst. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) In the settlement agreement, the company said the ad was "generated by a disgruntled recruiter in India and was intended to embarrass the company," and that it never intended to dissuade non-citizens from applying. Arthur Grand did not return a call and email Tuesday seeking comment. The settlement includes a $7,500 penalty to settle a Justice Department investigation and $31,000 as part of a settlement with the Labor Department to compensate individuals who filed complaints alleging they were discriminated against by the advertisement. The agreement also requires Arthur Grand to train its personnel on the requirements of the federal hiring and

'Inside Out 2' scores $100M in its second weekend, setting records

"Inside Out 2." The Pixar sequel collected $100 million in ticket sales in its second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, setting a new record for an animated movie in its follow-up frame in theaters. The previous best second weekend for an animated title was the $92 million for "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." Only six movies ever have had better second weekends. In just a week and a half, "Inside Out 2" has become 2024's highest-grossing film to date with $724.4 million globally, including $355.2 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters. That passes the $711.8 million worldwide total of "Dune: Part Two." "Inside Out 2" will likely blow through the $1 billion mark in about a week, which would make it the first film since "Barbie" to do so. The extent of the "Inside Out 2" success startled Hollywood, which had grown accustomed to lower expectations as the film industry watched ticket sales this year slump about 40% below pre-pandemic totals, according to data firm Comscore, before "Inside Out 2" came along. The record haul for "Inside Out 2," though, recalled past years when $1 billion grosses were more commonplace for the Walt Disney Co. It is also a much-needed blockbuster for Pixar, which after experimenting with direct-to-streaming releases, reconsidered its movie pipeline and approach to mass-audience appeal. Now, "Inside Out 2," which dipped a mere 35% from its $154 million domestic debut, is poised to challenge "The Incredibles 2" ($1.2 billion) for the all-time top grossing Pixar release. It could also steer the venerated animation factory toward more sequels. Among its upcoming films is "Toy Story 5," due out in 2026. For theater owners, "Inside Out 2" could hardly have been more needed. But it also reminded exhibitors of how feast-or-famine the movie business has become in recent years. Since the pandemic, movies like "Barbie," "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and "Top Gun: Maverick" have pushed ticket sales to record heights, but fallow periods in between box-office sensations have grown longer. Ticket sales over Memorial Day last month were the worst in three decades. Some of 2024's downturn can be attributed to release-schedule juggling caused by last year's writers and actors strikes. The biggest new release over the weekend was Jeff Nichols' motorcycle gang drama "The Bikeriders," a film originally slated to open in 2023 before the actors strike prompted its postponement. "The Bikeriders," starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, came in on the high side of expectations with $10 million from 2,642 venues in its opening weekend. "The Bikeriders," which cost about $35 million to produce, was originally to be released by Disney before New Regency took it to Focus Features last fall. The strong business for "Inside Out 2" appeared to raise ticket sales generally. Sony Pictures' "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" held well in its third week of release, collecting $18.8 million. It remained in second place. The "Bad Boys" sequel, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has grossed $146.9 million domestically thus far. Next week, the sci-fi horror prequel "A Quiet Place: Day One" and Kevin Costner's Western epic "Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1" will hope some of the "Inside Out 2" success rubs off on them. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. "Inside Out 2," $100 million. 2. "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," $18.8 million. 5. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," $3.6 million.

business

'Inside Out 2' scores $100M in its second weekend, setting records. "Inside Out 2." The Pixar sequel collected $100 million in ticket sales in its second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, setting a new record for an animated movie in its follow-up frame in theaters. The previous best second weekend for an animated title was the $92 million for "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." Only six movies ever have had better second weekends. In just a week and a half, "Inside Out 2" has become 2024's highest-grossing film to date with $724.4 million globally, including $355.2 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters. That passes the $711.8 million worldwide total of "Dune: Part Two." "Inside Out 2" will likely blow through the $1 billion mark in about a week, which would make it the first film since "Barbie" to do so. The extent of the "Inside Out 2" success startled Hollywood, which had grown accustomed to lower expectations as the film industry watched ticket sales this year slump about 40% below pre-pandemic totals, according to data firm Comscore, before "Inside Out 2" came along. The record haul for "Inside Out 2," though, recalled past years when $1 billion grosses were more commonplace for the Walt Disney Co. It is also a much-needed blockbuster for Pixar, which after experimenting with direct-to-streaming releases, reconsidered its movie pipeline and approach to mass-audience appeal. Now, "Inside Out 2," which dipped a mere 35% from its $154 million domestic debut, is poised to challenge "The Incredibles 2" ($1.2 billion) for the all-time top grossing Pixar release. It could also steer the venerated animation factory toward more sequels. Among its upcoming films is "Toy Story 5," due out in 2026. For theater owners, "Inside Out 2" could hardly have been more needed. But it also reminded exhibitors of how feast-or-famine the movie business has become in recent years. Since the pandemic, movies like "Barbie," "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and "Top Gun: Maverick" have pushed ticket sales to record heights, but fallow periods in between box-office sensations have grown longer. Ticket sales over Memorial Day last month were the worst in three decades. Some of 2024's downturn can be attributed to release-schedule juggling caused by last year's writers and actors strikes. The biggest new release over the weekend was Jeff Nichols' motorcycle gang drama "The Bikeriders," a film originally slated to open in 2023 before the actors strike prompted its postponement. "The Bikeriders," starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, came in on the high side of expectations with $10 million from 2,642 venues in its opening weekend. "The Bikeriders," which cost about $35 million to produce, was originally to be released by Disney before New Regency took it to Focus Features last fall. The strong business for "Inside Out 2" appeared to raise ticket sales generally. Sony Pictures' "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" held well in its third week of release, collecting $18.8 million. It remained in second place. The "Bad Boys" sequel, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has grossed $146.9 million domestically thus far. Next week, the sci-fi horror prequel "A Quiet Place: Day One" and Kevin Costner's Western epic "Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1" will hope some of the "Inside Out 2" success rubs off on them. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. "Inside Out 2," $100 million. 2. "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," $18.8 million. 5. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," $3.6 million.

Head lice are everywhere. Are selfies to blame?

Appearance: Completely disgusting. I'm already defensive. "Selfie surprise" sounds like the name of a bad pudding at a novelty restaurant. Hey, calm down, this has got nothing to do with food. That's worse. It isn't worse; it's important. There's a creeping fear that head lice infestations are growing around the world – and the cause is thought to be selfies. I don't understand. Are the lice attracted by the non-ionising radiation given off by phones? No, that's not it. Did the extraction of rare minerals necessary to create modern phone cameras disrupt some sort of frozen prehistoric lice mega hive? Look, I'll just tell you. People are knocking heads. What? The Washington Post just published an article suggesting that the global surge in head lice might be down to people putting their heads close together when they take group selfies. Our little friend. Photograph: Alamy Right. But selfies aren't the only reason why people put their heads close together. I certainly can't think of any other circumstances when this might happen, can you? I don't know, basic human intimacy? No, that doesn't sound right. It's definitely selfies. People didn't get head lice before selfies were invented. I'm pretty sure they did. Anyway, how significant is the problem? Head lice infestations are thought to be close to their pre-pandemic levels. So the numbers are roughly the same as they were before everyone was legally obliged to stay away from each other, thereby almost eliminating the person-to-person spread of head lice? What are you saying – that this has nothing to do with selfies and is simply the host-parasite relationship regaining its normal balance? Yes. No, I still think it's more to do with selfies. Why do you hate selfies so much? Because they're dangerous! In the 13 years to 2022, more people died while taking selfies than were Makes sense. Almost everyone has a phone and almost nobody puts themselves in a position where they could be killed by a shark. OK, bad example. But selfies do make people put themselves at risk. There are reports of people who have

lifestyle

Head lice are everywhere. Are selfies to blame?. Appearance: Completely disgusting. I'm already defensive. "Selfie surprise" sounds like the name of a bad pudding at a novelty restaurant. Hey, calm down, this has got nothing to do with food. That's worse. It isn't worse; it's important. There's a creeping fear that head lice infestations are growing around the world – and the cause is thought to be selfies. I don't understand. Are the lice attracted by the non-ionising radiation given off by phones? No, that's not it. Did the extraction of rare minerals necessary to create modern phone cameras disrupt some sort of frozen prehistoric lice mega hive? Look, I'll just tell you. People are knocking heads. What? The Washington Post just published an article suggesting that the global surge in head lice might be down to people putting their heads close together when they take group selfies. Our little friend. Photograph: Alamy Right. But selfies aren't the only reason why people put their heads close together. I certainly can't think of any other circumstances when this might happen, can you? I don't know, basic human intimacy? No, that doesn't sound right. It's definitely selfies. People didn't get head lice before selfies were invented. I'm pretty sure they did. Anyway, how significant is the problem? Head lice infestations are thought to be close to their pre-pandemic levels. So the numbers are roughly the same as they were before everyone was legally obliged to stay away from each other, thereby almost eliminating the person-to-person spread of head lice? What are you saying – that this has nothing to do with selfies and is simply the host-parasite relationship regaining its normal balance? Yes. No, I still think it's more to do with selfies. Why do you hate selfies so much? Because they're dangerous! In the 13 years to 2022, more people died while taking selfies than were Makes sense. Almost everyone has a phone and almost nobody puts themselves in a position where they could be killed by a shark. OK, bad example. But selfies do make people put themselves at risk. There are reports of people who have

Study shows how justice facility dogs benefit wellbeing for children facing court

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has revealed that having a four-legged friend at Children's Court significantly reduces stress and anxiety for young victims, witnesses, and their caregivers. ECU criminology researchers Dr Suz Rock and Associate Professor Natalie Gately have published the first Australian study to evaluate the impact of introducing a justice facility dog to a Children's Court. The Perth Justice Facility Dog Program is a partnership between the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime and Guide Dogs WA. It aims to support victims of crime, witnesses, and court visitors by hosting a facility dog at the Perth Children's Court. Winston, a Black Labrador Retriever, was specifically selected and trained by Guide Dogs WA to attend the Perth Children's Court building two to four times a week with his handler. People could pat, sit with, and talk to Winston. He could also lie on the ground beside people or place his head or paws on their feet, providing a comforting body pressure. Dr Rock said there can be a perception that children in court are all young people who have offended. "However, children are also in courts because they have been victims of, and/or witnesses to criminal events," she said. "Most have already been traumatised in some way and making them relive, recall, remember and talk about it in court can be re-traumatising, so having a way of reducing the trauma is imperative for children. "Without their testimony offenders can go unpunished as they can't be convicted." Facility dog significantly reduced stress and anxiety Dr Rock said court environments can be very stressful, induce anxiety and have lasting impacts for children. "For child abuse victims in particular the long-term effects of testifying in court are greater for those who had a negative reaction to testifying. They are more likely to have poor adjustment, and negative views of the court system in adulthood," she said. Children and caregivers were surveyed to determine the effect of interacting with Winston on their self-reported anxiety and stress levels in the court. They reported their stress levels before and after interaction. Dr Rock said all the children in the study showed a significant reduction in both stress and anxiety when having access to Winston at court, and there were also other benefits. "Parents and caregivers also reported a reduction of stress and anxiety," she said. "And court staff who are also dealing with stressful stories, anxious clients, and exposed to various kinds of trauma reported that Winston reduced their stress levels and provided a more positive working environment." In their own words Children described how Winston helped them in court and reduced negative feelings: "He helps with getting stuff off your mind." "Winston is a very good service dog, and he calmed me down and helped me." "He really helps you get not stressed." "Winston is a sick dude and a good mate when I have to come here." "He made me feel comforted and helped a lot with the nerves." One caregiver summarised the consensus well in her experience with Winston and his handler: My daughter was so nervous to come today but when she heard about Winston, she got excited. He has been the best company for all of us. Having him here has changed the whole atmosphere of the wait. He is so gentle and lovely and the Guide Dogs lady has been so fab too. You have to keep this running! We love Winston! Dr Rock said despite the positive findings of court users, it was also important to examine whether the program impacted the running of the Children's Court. "There was no reported negative impact on the functioning of the Children's Court from the perspectives of the court staff," she said. "Workers reported that Winston calmed the environment in the court," she said. A remarkable impact in a high-stress environment Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser said ECU's positive research provides confirmation of the profound difference specialist dogs make. "We've witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact of our facility dogs in high-stress environments such as children's court. This evidence is crucial as we aim to expand the presence of facility dogs into more courts across the state, aiding more vulnerable individuals," she explained. "Our local breeding program, established in 2022, ensures our dogs are trained here in Western Australia from puppies. Our experienced trainers identify where they'll best serve our community -- whether it's guiding, assisting individuals with Autism, providing therapy, or serving as facility dogs, or within our breeding program. "Collaborating with the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, it's been rewarding for us all to see the confirmed evidence of how the innate calmness and gentle temperament of our facility dogs support children in the Perth Children's Court, substantially reducing their stress and anxiety, enhancing speech and memory function, and promoting overall physical and mental well-being in what we all know is a challenging environment, especially for children." Copyright 1995-2024 ScienceDaily or by other parties, where indicated. All rights controlled by their respective owners. Content on this website is for information only. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, contributors or partners. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs.

health

Study shows how justice facility dogs benefit wellbeing for children facing court. A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has revealed that having a four-legged friend at Children's Court significantly reduces stress and anxiety for young victims, witnesses, and their caregivers. ECU criminology researchers Dr Suz Rock and Associate Professor Natalie Gately have published the first Australian study to evaluate the impact of introducing a justice facility dog to a Children's Court. The Perth Justice Facility Dog Program is a partnership between the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime and Guide Dogs WA. It aims to support victims of crime, witnesses, and court visitors by hosting a facility dog at the Perth Children's Court. Winston, a Black Labrador Retriever, was specifically selected and trained by Guide Dogs WA to attend the Perth Children's Court building two to four times a week with his handler. People could pat, sit with, and talk to Winston. He could also lie on the ground beside people or place his head or paws on their feet, providing a comforting body pressure. Dr Rock said there can be a perception that children in court are all young people who have offended. "However, children are also in courts because they have been victims of, and/or witnesses to criminal events," she said. "Most have already been traumatised in some way and making them relive, recall, remember and talk about it in court can be re-traumatising, so having a way of reducing the trauma is imperative for children. "Without their testimony offenders can go unpunished as they can't be convicted." Facility dog significantly reduced stress and anxiety Dr Rock said court environments can be very stressful, induce anxiety and have lasting impacts for children. "For child abuse victims in particular the long-term effects of testifying in court are greater for those who had a negative reaction to testifying. They are more likely to have poor adjustment, and negative views of the court system in adulthood," she said. Children and caregivers were surveyed to determine the effect of interacting with Winston on their self-reported anxiety and stress levels in the court. They reported their stress levels before and after interaction. Dr Rock said all the children in the study showed a significant reduction in both stress and anxiety when having access to Winston at court, and there were also other benefits. "Parents and caregivers also reported a reduction of stress and anxiety," she said. "And court staff who are also dealing with stressful stories, anxious clients, and exposed to various kinds of trauma reported that Winston reduced their stress levels and provided a more positive working environment." In their own words Children described how Winston helped them in court and reduced negative feelings: "He helps with getting stuff off your mind." "Winston is a very good service dog, and he calmed me down and helped me." "He really helps you get not stressed." "Winston is a sick dude and a good mate when I have to come here." "He made me feel comforted and helped a lot with the nerves." One caregiver summarised the consensus well in her experience with Winston and his handler: My daughter was so nervous to come today but when she heard about Winston, she got excited. He has been the best company for all of us. Having him here has changed the whole atmosphere of the wait. He is so gentle and lovely and the Guide Dogs lady has been so fab too. You have to keep this running! We love Winston! Dr Rock said despite the positive findings of court users, it was also important to examine whether the program impacted the running of the Children's Court. "There was no reported negative impact on the functioning of the Children's Court from the perspectives of the court staff," she said. "Workers reported that Winston calmed the environment in the court," she said. A remarkable impact in a high-stress environment Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser said ECU's positive research provides confirmation of the profound difference specialist dogs make. "We've witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact of our facility dogs in high-stress environments such as children's court. This evidence is crucial as we aim to expand the presence of facility dogs into more courts across the state, aiding more vulnerable individuals," she explained. "Our local breeding program, established in 2022, ensures our dogs are trained here in Western Australia from puppies. Our experienced trainers identify where they'll best serve our community -- whether it's guiding, assisting individuals with Autism, providing therapy, or serving as facility dogs, or within our breeding program. "Collaborating with the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, it's been rewarding for us all to see the confirmed evidence of how the innate calmness and gentle temperament of our facility dogs support children in the Perth Children's Court, substantially reducing their stress and anxiety, enhancing speech and memory function, and promoting overall physical and mental well-being in what we all know is a challenging environment, especially for children." Copyright 1995-2024 ScienceDaily or by other parties, where indicated. All rights controlled by their respective owners. Content on this website is for information only. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, contributors or partners. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs.

Future Fuels

If somehow you’ve not already heard, General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) completed its decade-plus-long effort to earn FAA approval of its G100UL unleaded 100 octane aviation gasoline. But it will be a long time before most of us will see G100UL at our favorite FBO. That’s because GAMI says it’s focusing initial distribution efforts on California and Washington state, where leaded fuel is a particularly salient political issue. Regardless, the time will come when you may have to make some unleaded fuel decisions. DECISIONS, DECISIONS The first decision you’ll need to make is whether or when to purchase the G100UL STC. The FAA has approved its use in airplanes, but to exercise that option each owner must acquire rights to use it in the individual aircraft. There are two required STCs, one for compatibility with engines and another showing compatibility with the airframe fuel system. Will you buy the STC, and if so, when? Most owners will probably wait until the fuel becomes available in locations they fly. The STC will require placarding the airplane, inserting a flight manual supplement into the POH/AFM, and a mechanic’s endorsement of FAA Forms 337 for the modification as well as in the airframe and engine logbooks. This is probably not something you’d be able to do on the spur of the moment when you find G100UL as the only fuel available. So, be thinking about whether and when you’ll buy the GAMI STC. STCs are serial number specific, so if you buy the GAMI STC for your current engine and then replace it with another engine, you’ll need to check whether the replacement engine comes with the STC. So, include STCs in your engine overhaul/replacement decisions. NOT THE ONLY CHOICE Swift Fuels has been quietly pursuing its own unleaded 100R fuel (I think the “R” is for “replacement”) through the STC process. The company already fields an unleaded 94 octane fuel for lower horsepower engines but says once it has 100R approval, it will stop producing 94UL and focus on one fuel that works in all piston engines. Now that there is precedent for fleetwide STC approval, I suspect Swift will earn this approval relatively quickly. What’s that mean for the airplane owner? You may need to purchase multiple STCs in an unleaded future so you can buy whichever fuel is available at a given airport (it’s highly unlikely FBOs will offer both). Pricing and placarding will probably be about the same as GAMI’s, as the area around your fuel caps takes on a NASCAR sticker look. The alternative will be to pick your destination based on the type of fuel available there. More decisions for the owner and pilot-in-command. PRICING GAMI says G100UL will eventually cost 50 to 90 cents more than 100LL to produce. GAMI’s George Braly says it will cost even more than that in the beginning as it is produced in lower quantity. Mark-up at the pump may be more, also, as refiners and FBOs recover costs of the transition. Are you willing to pay the price for progress? The more of us who are, the greater volume of G100UL and/or 100R will be produced, and the lower the potential at-the-pump price. As the fleet changes over, the volume of 100LL production will decline, probably raising its price to something closer to the unleaded fuel cost. Most pilots will still check the fuel price on their favorite flight planning app to pick where they want to top off. Now you may have to pick an airport based on the STC(s) you’ve purchased. The post Future Fuels appeared first on Aviation Safety .

aerospace

Future Fuels. If somehow you’ve not already heard, General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) completed its decade-plus-long effort to earn FAA approval of its G100UL unleaded 100 octane aviation gasoline. But it will be a long time before most of us will see G100UL at our favorite FBO. That’s because GAMI says it’s focusing initial distribution efforts on California and Washington state, where leaded fuel is a particularly salient political issue. Regardless, the time will come when you may have to make some unleaded fuel decisions. DECISIONS, DECISIONS The first decision you’ll need to make is whether or when to purchase the G100UL STC. The FAA has approved its use in airplanes, but to exercise that option each owner must acquire rights to use it in the individual aircraft. There are two required STCs, one for compatibility with engines and another showing compatibility with the airframe fuel system. Will you buy the STC, and if so, when? Most owners will probably wait until the fuel becomes available in locations they fly. The STC will require placarding the airplane, inserting a flight manual supplement into the POH/AFM, and a mechanic’s endorsement of FAA Forms 337 for the modification as well as in the airframe and engine logbooks. This is probably not something you’d be able to do on the spur of the moment when you find G100UL as the only fuel available. So, be thinking about whether and when you’ll buy the GAMI STC. STCs are serial number specific, so if you buy the GAMI STC for your current engine and then replace it with another engine, you’ll need to check whether the replacement engine comes with the STC. So, include STCs in your engine overhaul/replacement decisions. NOT THE ONLY CHOICE Swift Fuels has been quietly pursuing its own unleaded 100R fuel (I think the “R” is for “replacement”) through the STC process. The company already fields an unleaded 94 octane fuel for lower horsepower engines but says once it has 100R approval, it will stop producing 94UL and focus on one fuel that works in all piston engines. Now that there is precedent for fleetwide STC approval, I suspect Swift will earn this approval relatively quickly. What’s that mean for the airplane owner? You may need to purchase multiple STCs in an unleaded future so you can buy whichever fuel is available at a given airport (it’s highly unlikely FBOs will offer both). Pricing and placarding will probably be about the same as GAMI’s, as the area around your fuel caps takes on a NASCAR sticker look. The alternative will be to pick your destination based on the type of fuel available there. More decisions for the owner and pilot-in-command. PRICING GAMI says G100UL will eventually cost 50 to 90 cents more than 100LL to produce. GAMI’s George Braly says it will cost even more than that in the beginning as it is produced in lower quantity. Mark-up at the pump may be more, also, as refiners and FBOs recover costs of the transition. Are you willing to pay the price for progress? The more of us who are, the greater volume of G100UL and/or 100R will be produced, and the lower the potential at-the-pump price. As the fleet changes over, the volume of 100LL production will decline, probably raising its price to something closer to the unleaded fuel cost. Most pilots will still check the fuel price on their favorite flight planning app to pick where they want to top off. Now you may have to pick an airport based on the STC(s) you’ve purchased. The post Future Fuels appeared first on Aviation Safety .

ARMO Rolls Out Advanced Cloud Detection and Response, Protecting Cloud Workloads at Runtime

ARMO, the cloud security and workload protection innovator and creator of Kubescape, announced today the launch of its new ARMO Cloud Detection & Response solution, providing robust security for workloads. This new offering addresses the residual threats that may persist during runtime, even after thorough scanning during development and deployment. The solution builds on Kubescape's open-source threat detection capabilities by adding observed application behavior with context from Kubernetes, cloud environment, security policies, and workload characteristics. This creates a unique Application Profile DNA (APD™) that serves as the baseline for detecting anomalies, malicious activities, and malware in real-time. ARMO's approach focuses on providing actionable results while reducing false positives, without impacting application functionality. This approach leads to more secure applications while mitigating alert fatigue for security teams. By utilizing Kubescape, ARMO Platform boosts workload protection within Kubernetes clusters by providing runtime threat detection and response capabilities. Using an eBPF-based runtime sensor to determine expected application behavior, Kubescape establishes a baseline and will then detect and flag any deviations or suspicious behavior, leading to enhanced workload protection. This technology focuses on reducing false positives and maintaining a low resource footprint, reducing operating costs by up to 60% compared to traditional runtime agents. "Legacy Endpoint Detection & Response solutions have struggled to keep up with the visibility and context challenges posed by modern containerized and cloud-native microservices architectures running on Kubernetes, necessitating the evolution to Cloud Detection Response," said Ben Hirschberg, CTO and co-founder of ARMO, and core maintainer of Kubescape. ARMO combines anomaly detection with behavioral inspection, addressing a broad spectrum of threats and malicious attacks targeting cloud workloads and Kubernetes clusters - zero days, supply chain attacks, ransomware, crypto miners, data breaches, file-based or fileless attacks, and more. The platform's adaptive rules focus on responding to malicious incidents, minimizing alert fatigue, and ensuring quick remediation. "Runtime security is crucial since it serves as the final layer of defense against threats," said Shauli Rozen, CEO and co-founder of ARMO. "While mitigating security risks within the pipeline and cluster architecture is essential, runtime security is necessary to alert you to and manage threats that were not caught by other defenses." About ARMO ARMO is an open-source-driven company and the creator of Kubescape as well as ARMO Platform, the end-to-end runtime-driven, DevOps-first, cloud security platform. ARMO Platform is the only platform that continuously minimizes cloud attack surface based on runtime insights, while actively detecting and responding to cyberattacks with real risk context. ARMO Platform enables DevOps, security, and platform teams to eliminate the security noise in their clusters from thousands of irrelevant alerts and focus on the most important and exploitable threats. This allows them to shift from managing hypothetical security issues to mitigating actual risks and providing them with the means to remediate them. About Kubescape Kubescape is an open-source Kubernetes security tool. It includes risk analysis, security compliance, misconfiguration and vulnerabilities scanning and runtime workload security. Targeted at the DevSecOps practitioner or platform engineer, it offers an easy-to-use CLI interface, flexible output formats, and automated scanning capabilities. In addition, it easily integrates with CI/CD tools and other popular tools in the open-source DevOps stack. Kubescape is a CNCF sandbox project, created by ARMO in 2021 and accepted by the CNCF in 2022. It will be applying to move to incubation in 2024. For more information about Kubescape and KDR, please visit

motors

ARMO Rolls Out Advanced Cloud Detection and Response, Protecting Cloud Workloads at Runtime. ARMO, the cloud security and workload protection innovator and creator of Kubescape, announced today the launch of its new ARMO Cloud Detection & Response solution, providing robust security for workloads. This new offering addresses the residual threats that may persist during runtime, even after thorough scanning during development and deployment. The solution builds on Kubescape's open-source threat detection capabilities by adding observed application behavior with context from Kubernetes, cloud environment, security policies, and workload characteristics. This creates a unique Application Profile DNA (APD™) that serves as the baseline for detecting anomalies, malicious activities, and malware in real-time. ARMO's approach focuses on providing actionable results while reducing false positives, without impacting application functionality. This approach leads to more secure applications while mitigating alert fatigue for security teams. By utilizing Kubescape, ARMO Platform boosts workload protection within Kubernetes clusters by providing runtime threat detection and response capabilities. Using an eBPF-based runtime sensor to determine expected application behavior, Kubescape establishes a baseline and will then detect and flag any deviations or suspicious behavior, leading to enhanced workload protection. This technology focuses on reducing false positives and maintaining a low resource footprint, reducing operating costs by up to 60% compared to traditional runtime agents. "Legacy Endpoint Detection & Response solutions have struggled to keep up with the visibility and context challenges posed by modern containerized and cloud-native microservices architectures running on Kubernetes, necessitating the evolution to Cloud Detection Response," said Ben Hirschberg, CTO and co-founder of ARMO, and core maintainer of Kubescape. ARMO combines anomaly detection with behavioral inspection, addressing a broad spectrum of threats and malicious attacks targeting cloud workloads and Kubernetes clusters - zero days, supply chain attacks, ransomware, crypto miners, data breaches, file-based or fileless attacks, and more. The platform's adaptive rules focus on responding to malicious incidents, minimizing alert fatigue, and ensuring quick remediation. "Runtime security is crucial since it serves as the final layer of defense against threats," said Shauli Rozen, CEO and co-founder of ARMO. "While mitigating security risks within the pipeline and cluster architecture is essential, runtime security is necessary to alert you to and manage threats that were not caught by other defenses." About ARMO ARMO is an open-source-driven company and the creator of Kubescape as well as ARMO Platform, the end-to-end runtime-driven, DevOps-first, cloud security platform. ARMO Platform is the only platform that continuously minimizes cloud attack surface based on runtime insights, while actively detecting and responding to cyberattacks with real risk context. ARMO Platform enables DevOps, security, and platform teams to eliminate the security noise in their clusters from thousands of irrelevant alerts and focus on the most important and exploitable threats. This allows them to shift from managing hypothetical security issues to mitigating actual risks and providing them with the means to remediate them. About Kubescape Kubescape is an open-source Kubernetes security tool. It includes risk analysis, security compliance, misconfiguration and vulnerabilities scanning and runtime workload security. Targeted at the DevSecOps practitioner or platform engineer, it offers an easy-to-use CLI interface, flexible output formats, and automated scanning capabilities. In addition, it easily integrates with CI/CD tools and other popular tools in the open-source DevOps stack. Kubescape is a CNCF sandbox project, created by ARMO in 2021 and accepted by the CNCF in 2022. It will be applying to move to incubation in 2024. For more information about Kubescape and KDR, please visit

She lied to get her twin daughters Inuit status and is about to be sentenced for fraud. Again.

Karima Manji is about to be sentenced for defrauding Inuit organizations by falsely claiming Inuit status for her twin daughters. But this isn't her first fraud conviction, and legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal she's also embroiled in a contentious divorce involving several Toronto rental properties worth millions. Twice-convicted fraudster Karima Manji's legal documents reveal contentious divorce, property disputes Posted: Jun 23, 2024 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 27 minutes ago Karima Manji, seen in a police mugshot from 2015, was convicted of defrauding her then employer, the March of Dimes Non-Profit Housing Corporation. Manji is about to be sentenced again, this time for the Inuit identity fraud she carried out to get her twin daughters scholarships and business opportunities only available to Inuit. (Toronto Police Service) Social Sharing Noah Noah says he has no positive memories of Karima Manji, the woman who used his mother, Kitty Noah, to obtain Inuit identities for her twin daughters so she could gain access to funds only available to Inuit beneficiaries. "She was really awful," Noah said of Manji during a CBC News interview in 2023 at his Iqaluit home. Noah grew up in Iqaluit and was 11 when he and his siblings first encountered Manji in the 1990s. That's when his father, Harry Hughes, met Manji in Iqaluit and the two began dating. At around the same time, Hughes was diagnosed with leukemia. Noah says it was a difficult period for him and his six siblings, made worse by his feeling that Manji didn't really like them. "I mean, at one point, I remember her saying that we all belonged in a sewer." During his father's relationship with Manji, they all moved to Ontario. The couple never lived together and broke up shortly after the move. Hughes died in 1997, but his relationship with Manji was only the beginning of her involvement in the lives of the Noah family. Earlier this year, she admitted to defrauding Inuit organizations of more than $158,000 for her twin daughters' education by saying they were born to Kitty Noah, who was Inuk, and that Manji was their adoptive mother. Noah Noah, left, with his mom Kitty Noah during a 2023 interview with CBC News. Noah says he and his mom were both 'flabbergasted' when they learned her name had been used on an Inuit enrolment application for twins they aren't related to. (Matisse Harvey/Radio-Canada) Noah says his mother, who died last year, didn't have an easy life — she survived two bouts of lung cancer as well as being hit by a car, which he says left her with a brain injury. When he told his mother about Manji's claims that she was the twins' birth mother, "she was just as flabbergasted" as he was. Manji's deception ended when she pleaded guilty in February, and she's set to be sentenced in a Nunavut court on June 24. While that would normally be the end of a case like this, much remains unresolved when it comes to Manji, including how the organizations she defrauded might try to recoup their losses. Legal documents obtained by CBC News that reveal a contentious divorce and disputes about properties worth millions have been reviewed by an expert, who suggests Manji still seems to be trying to maintain control of her numerous real-estate assets, even as she faces sentencing for her crimes. Inuit identity fraud As first reported last year by Iqaluit outlet Nunatsiaq News, Manji applied for Inuit status in 2016 on behalf of her twin daughters, Nadya and Amira Gill, then in their teens. On the enrolment forms she submitted to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), the organization that maintains the Inuit Enrolment List under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Manji identified Kitty Noah as the girls' birth mother and stated that she was their adoptive mother. Those applications were approved, granting the twins Inuit status and giving them access to organizations like Kavikak Association, which offers scholarships and business opportunities meant for Inuit. WATCH | Mother in Inuit identity fraud case pleads guilty: Mother in Inuit identity fraud case pleads guilty An Ontario woman has pleaded guilty to fraud after falsely claiming Inuit status for her twin daughters, who later received big scholarships reserved for Indigenous students. But in actuality, Manji was Nadya and Amira's birth mother, and their father was her husband, Gurmail Gill. The couple also had an older son, Liam. NTI investigated concerns that the girls weren't who they claimed to be and removed them from the enrolment list in April 2023. Mother in Inuit identity fraud case pleads guilty, charges against daughters withdrawn Nunavut Tunngavik looking to recoup $158K in funds from Inuit identity fraud case Iqaluit RCMP charged the girls and their mother with two counts each of fraud over $5,000. But the charges against Nadya and Amira, who are now 25, were dropped in February when Manji pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000. This is not the first time Manji has committed fraud. The first fraud In the 1980s, Manji began working as a consultant for the March of Dimes Non-Profit Housing Corporation (MODC), which provides shelter for people with physical disabilities across Ontario. In 2003, she took on a full-time role there as a property manager. She was terminated for fraud in 2013 after an internal investigation found she had embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the non-profit, according to a 2014 statement of claim filed by MODC in at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Bank statements submitted as evidence by MODC in their civil case show that from 2005 to 2013, Manji funneled thousands of dollars intended for March of Dimes into a bank account she created and controlled under the name of the non-profit. Toronto woman charged for allegedly defrauding March of Dimes of $800,000 Indigenous leaders adopt declaration condemning identity theft Manji was criminally charged for defrauding MODC of $800,000. She pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000 and received a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by a one year probation order. Following the legal turmoil of her conviction, Manji filed for divorce in 2022. In her divorce application, she claimed she'd paid back $650,000 to MODC in addition to the property, such as high-end appliances and furnishings, that were seized from their home. In an affidavit related to the divorce proceedings filed on July 4, 2022, Manji appeared apologetic, writing, "I am deeply sorry for my inexcusably poor judgment." The divorce Court filings related to the divorce show Manji and Gill were married for 26 years before separating in 2021. In an application for spousal support dated July 4, 2022, Manji said she wasn't able to get a job, and could only work as a handy woman, but that due to knee issues, the physical aspects of that work were difficult. She claimed that she made less than $49,000 a year. Iqaluit civil court lawyer Anne Crawford, who's practised in Nunavut for 35 years, reviewed the legal documents for CBC News and says this shows Manji claims to have no way of making an income. Anne Crawford is a civil lawyer based in Iqaluit who has practised in Nunavut for 35 years. She reviewed legal documents related to Manji's divorce for CBC News. (Juanita Taylor/CBC) "She can't get a job and she can't do any work, so there's nothing she can do," she said. Court documents dated July 21, 2022, show Gill was ordered to pay Manji $10,630 a month in temporary spousal support. But for a woman who claimed to be making so little money, Crawford noted that Manji "has a lot of assets." The properties Those assets included three rental properties in the Greater Toronto Area — a two-unit home at 102 Beresford Avenue, a condo unit at 250 Scarlett Road and a five-bedroom house at 327 Kipling Avenue being rented out to five students. According to Manji's financial statements, the properties were valued at a total of around $3 million and none had any mortgages. Despite this, in her application for spousal support, she played down their appeal. "These rental properties are not high end," she wrote, noting that they were in "modest neighbourhoods" and that one needed significant repairs. IN PHOTOS | The 3 Toronto rental properties Manji owns: Based on the net rental income she claimed to be making from each property in 2021, they would have earned around $30,000 that year. In his amended response, Gill suggested the properties would have earned a gross annual income of $109,000 and disputed the much smaller net income Manji claimed they brought in. He also disputed Manji's claim that they had agreed the properties would be held in trust for the children, saying no such trust agreement existed. He said that throughout their relationship, and increasingly after her guilty plea, Manji pleaded with him to transfer family assets into their children's names, something he said he "steadfastly refused" to do. Gill is now asking for an equal share of their estate, which includes the three rental properties. The divorce trial is set to take place in 2025. Ringleader in Norval Morrisseau art fraud ring sentenced to 5 years on fraud charges THE FIFTH ESTATE Buffy Sainte-Marie's claim to Indigenous ancestry contradicted by family members and birth certificate To Crawford, a transfer of significant assets to children or to a spouse puts Manji in a better position to plead poverty. She says having assets in trust or with relatives would mean they wouldn't belong to Manji and therefore wouldn't be questioned. "She seems to be anxious to have assets within her circle," said Crawford. "Still within her control, but not in her name." In financial statements filed by Manji, she said Amira gave her $80,000 in 2017 for a deposit on one of their houses. She also said Nadya gave her $50,000 in 2019 as a deposit on their condo. In his response, Gill said "it is impossible" that the girls would've been able to accumulate these funds as they were students at the time. Crawford says if she were the lawyer for NTI, she would take a look at the properties Manji owns. "I would chase down these houses and say, you can't profit from the money that your children here have given you because there's only one source of that money." For that reason, Crawford says the Inuit organizations Manji pleaded guilty to defrauding could try to get back the funds she took by going after profits from those properties. The twins During the pandemic, Amira and Nadya started Kanata Trade Co., an online mask and clothing business featuring Indigenous artwork. Their social media accounts featured their photos and noted that they were associated with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. By 2023, their media profile began to rise, and some people began to question their Inuit identities online. A screenshot of an article from New Canadian Media about Kanata Trade Co., the business Manji's daughters, Amira and Nadya Gill, started during the pandemic selling face masks that featured Indigenous artwork. The twins were granted Inuit status after Manji lied on application forms, saying they'd been born to an Inuk woman. As a result, they received scholarships, bursaries and business opportunities meant for Inuit students. (New Canadian Media) The sisters also got their Indigenous certification from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), for their Kanata Trade Co. venture. They promised profits from Kanata would go to Indspire, an organization providing funding to Indigenous students, because they themselves had benefited from Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Program. Though Indspire wrote about the twins in glowing terms in its spring 2021 newsletter and noted that Kanata had donated over $6,000, it said in a statement two years later that it had requested the return of all the funds the twins had received. After NTI removed the twins from its enrolment list in April 2023, the CCIB revoked their certification. But the people who were prodding the Gill sisters to explain their Inuit ties weren't just worried that they were pretending to be Indigenous to gain cred for their business. B.C. judge warns of 'tsunami' of Indigenous identity fraud cases Indigenous Identity Fraud Summit opens with denunciations, statements of solidarity When the girls became Inuit beneficiaries in 2016, they were issued enrolment cards with identification numbers that were then used to apply for scholarships and bursaries, which the girls received. The Gill sisters then received more than $158,000 from Kakivak Association between 2020 and 2023, for education-related expenses. A spokesperson for the Crown told CBC News that because Manji admitted in an agreed statement of facts related to her guilty plea that her daughters weren't aware she had fraudulently obtained their NTI cards, the Crown withdrew the charges against the girls. That agreed statement of facts also revealed that Manji had attempted to gain Inuit status herself in 2018 by claiming in an NTI application that she was adopted by Inuit parents. NTI rejected that application. Both sisters attended Queen's University, in Kingston, Ont., where Amira studied civil engineering and Nadya, who legally changed her name in September 2023, studied law. Queen's University declined to comment on allegations about the Gill sisters, citing privacy concerns, but it did confirm that both sisters each received two degrees there. CBC News has requested numerous interviews with the Gill sisters but has not received a response. Edmonton-based lawyer Anita Cardinal says she was classmates with Nadya Gill at the University of Saskatchewan's Native Law Centre in 2019. (Submitted by Anita Cardinal) The red flags Anita Cardinal, a member of the Woodland Cree First Nations practicing law in Edmonton, completed the Aboriginal property law program at the University of Saskatchewan's Native Law Centre in 2019. One of her classmates was Nadya Gill. She says there were a lot of red flags raised about Nadya's ethnicity because she never shared information about her Inuit descent, such as which community she was associated with or who her Inuit family was. Cardinal says there were many red flags raised about Nadya's ethnicity because she never shared information about her Inuit descent with her classmates. (Submitted by Anita Cardinal) When it was revealed that the Gill twins were not of Inuit descent, Cardinal said nobody was shocked. "It was like, yeah, we knew." Still, Cardinal says it was upsetting because the Aboriginal Law Program is supposed to be for Indigenous people. "That spot, we know, could have went to an actual Indigenous person." 'Justice for mom' Noah Noah says he wants to see Manji pay back the scholarship money Kakivak gave to her daughters. "Certainly recoup the funds that this family has gotten … [that were] earmarked for Inuit children." Although Noah says he wishes the charges against the sisters hadn't been dropped, he's happy Manji pleaded guilty. "It was very emotional. That was justice for mom."

canada

She lied to get her twin daughters Inuit status and is about to be sentenced for fraud. Again.. Karima Manji is about to be sentenced for defrauding Inuit organizations by falsely claiming Inuit status for her twin daughters. But this isn't her first fraud conviction, and legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal she's also embroiled in a contentious divorce involving several Toronto rental properties worth millions. Twice-convicted fraudster Karima Manji's legal documents reveal contentious divorce, property disputes Posted: Jun 23, 2024 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 27 minutes ago Karima Manji, seen in a police mugshot from 2015, was convicted of defrauding her then employer, the March of Dimes Non-Profit Housing Corporation. Manji is about to be sentenced again, this time for the Inuit identity fraud she carried out to get her twin daughters scholarships and business opportunities only available to Inuit. (Toronto Police Service) Social Sharing Noah Noah says he has no positive memories of Karima Manji, the woman who used his mother, Kitty Noah, to obtain Inuit identities for her twin daughters so she could gain access to funds only available to Inuit beneficiaries. "She was really awful," Noah said of Manji during a CBC News interview in 2023 at his Iqaluit home. Noah grew up in Iqaluit and was 11 when he and his siblings first encountered Manji in the 1990s. That's when his father, Harry Hughes, met Manji in Iqaluit and the two began dating. At around the same time, Hughes was diagnosed with leukemia. Noah says it was a difficult period for him and his six siblings, made worse by his feeling that Manji didn't really like them. "I mean, at one point, I remember her saying that we all belonged in a sewer." During his father's relationship with Manji, they all moved to Ontario. The couple never lived together and broke up shortly after the move. Hughes died in 1997, but his relationship with Manji was only the beginning of her involvement in the lives of the Noah family. Earlier this year, she admitted to defrauding Inuit organizations of more than $158,000 for her twin daughters' education by saying they were born to Kitty Noah, who was Inuk, and that Manji was their adoptive mother. Noah Noah, left, with his mom Kitty Noah during a 2023 interview with CBC News. Noah says he and his mom were both 'flabbergasted' when they learned her name had been used on an Inuit enrolment application for twins they aren't related to. (Matisse Harvey/Radio-Canada) Noah says his mother, who died last year, didn't have an easy life — she survived two bouts of lung cancer as well as being hit by a car, which he says left her with a brain injury. When he told his mother about Manji's claims that she was the twins' birth mother, "she was just as flabbergasted" as he was. Manji's deception ended when she pleaded guilty in February, and she's set to be sentenced in a Nunavut court on June 24. While that would normally be the end of a case like this, much remains unresolved when it comes to Manji, including how the organizations she defrauded might try to recoup their losses. Legal documents obtained by CBC News that reveal a contentious divorce and disputes about properties worth millions have been reviewed by an expert, who suggests Manji still seems to be trying to maintain control of her numerous real-estate assets, even as she faces sentencing for her crimes. Inuit identity fraud As first reported last year by Iqaluit outlet Nunatsiaq News, Manji applied for Inuit status in 2016 on behalf of her twin daughters, Nadya and Amira Gill, then in their teens. On the enrolment forms she submitted to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), the organization that maintains the Inuit Enrolment List under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Manji identified Kitty Noah as the girls' birth mother and stated that she was their adoptive mother. Those applications were approved, granting the twins Inuit status and giving them access to organizations like Kavikak Association, which offers scholarships and business opportunities meant for Inuit. WATCH | Mother in Inuit identity fraud case pleads guilty: Mother in Inuit identity fraud case pleads guilty An Ontario woman has pleaded guilty to fraud after falsely claiming Inuit status for her twin daughters, who later received big scholarships reserved for Indigenous students. But in actuality, Manji was Nadya and Amira's birth mother, and their father was her husband, Gurmail Gill. The couple also had an older son, Liam. NTI investigated concerns that the girls weren't who they claimed to be and removed them from the enrolment list in April 2023. Mother in Inuit identity fraud case pleads guilty, charges against daughters withdrawn Nunavut Tunngavik looking to recoup $158K in funds from Inuit identity fraud case Iqaluit RCMP charged the girls and their mother with two counts each of fraud over $5,000. But the charges against Nadya and Amira, who are now 25, were dropped in February when Manji pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000. This is not the first time Manji has committed fraud. The first fraud In the 1980s, Manji began working as a consultant for the March of Dimes Non-Profit Housing Corporation (MODC), which provides shelter for people with physical disabilities across Ontario. In 2003, she took on a full-time role there as a property manager. She was terminated for fraud in 2013 after an internal investigation found she had embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the non-profit, according to a 2014 statement of claim filed by MODC in at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Bank statements submitted as evidence by MODC in their civil case show that from 2005 to 2013, Manji funneled thousands of dollars intended for March of Dimes into a bank account she created and controlled under the name of the non-profit. Toronto woman charged for allegedly defrauding March of Dimes of $800,000 Indigenous leaders adopt declaration condemning identity theft Manji was criminally charged for defrauding MODC of $800,000. She pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000 and received a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by a one year probation order. Following the legal turmoil of her conviction, Manji filed for divorce in 2022. In her divorce application, she claimed she'd paid back $650,000 to MODC in addition to the property, such as high-end appliances and furnishings, that were seized from their home. In an affidavit related to the divorce proceedings filed on July 4, 2022, Manji appeared apologetic, writing, "I am deeply sorry for my inexcusably poor judgment." The divorce Court filings related to the divorce show Manji and Gill were married for 26 years before separating in 2021. In an application for spousal support dated July 4, 2022, Manji said she wasn't able to get a job, and could only work as a handy woman, but that due to knee issues, the physical aspects of that work were difficult. She claimed that she made less than $49,000 a year. Iqaluit civil court lawyer Anne Crawford, who's practised in Nunavut for 35 years, reviewed the legal documents for CBC News and says this shows Manji claims to have no way of making an income. Anne Crawford is a civil lawyer based in Iqaluit who has practised in Nunavut for 35 years. She reviewed legal documents related to Manji's divorce for CBC News. (Juanita Taylor/CBC) "She can't get a job and she can't do any work, so there's nothing she can do," she said. Court documents dated July 21, 2022, show Gill was ordered to pay Manji $10,630 a month in temporary spousal support. But for a woman who claimed to be making so little money, Crawford noted that Manji "has a lot of assets." The properties Those assets included three rental properties in the Greater Toronto Area — a two-unit home at 102 Beresford Avenue, a condo unit at 250 Scarlett Road and a five-bedroom house at 327 Kipling Avenue being rented out to five students. According to Manji's financial statements, the properties were valued at a total of around $3 million and none had any mortgages. Despite this, in her application for spousal support, she played down their appeal. "These rental properties are not high end," she wrote, noting that they were in "modest neighbourhoods" and that one needed significant repairs. IN PHOTOS | The 3 Toronto rental properties Manji owns: Based on the net rental income she claimed to be making from each property in 2021, they would have earned around $30,000 that year. In his amended response, Gill suggested the properties would have earned a gross annual income of $109,000 and disputed the much smaller net income Manji claimed they brought in. He also disputed Manji's claim that they had agreed the properties would be held in trust for the children, saying no such trust agreement existed. He said that throughout their relationship, and increasingly after her guilty plea, Manji pleaded with him to transfer family assets into their children's names, something he said he "steadfastly refused" to do. Gill is now asking for an equal share of their estate, which includes the three rental properties. The divorce trial is set to take place in 2025. Ringleader in Norval Morrisseau art fraud ring sentenced to 5 years on fraud charges THE FIFTH ESTATE Buffy Sainte-Marie's claim to Indigenous ancestry contradicted by family members and birth certificate To Crawford, a transfer of significant assets to children or to a spouse puts Manji in a better position to plead poverty. She says having assets in trust or with relatives would mean they wouldn't belong to Manji and therefore wouldn't be questioned. "She seems to be anxious to have assets within her circle," said Crawford. "Still within her control, but not in her name." In financial statements filed by Manji, she said Amira gave her $80,000 in 2017 for a deposit on one of their houses. She also said Nadya gave her $50,000 in 2019 as a deposit on their condo. In his response, Gill said "it is impossible" that the girls would've been able to accumulate these funds as they were students at the time. Crawford says if she were the lawyer for NTI, she would take a look at the properties Manji owns. "I would chase down these houses and say, you can't profit from the money that your children here have given you because there's only one source of that money." For that reason, Crawford says the Inuit organizations Manji pleaded guilty to defrauding could try to get back the funds she took by going after profits from those properties. The twins During the pandemic, Amira and Nadya started Kanata Trade Co., an online mask and clothing business featuring Indigenous artwork. Their social media accounts featured their photos and noted that they were associated with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. By 2023, their media profile began to rise, and some people began to question their Inuit identities online. A screenshot of an article from New Canadian Media about Kanata Trade Co., the business Manji's daughters, Amira and Nadya Gill, started during the pandemic selling face masks that featured Indigenous artwork. The twins were granted Inuit status after Manji lied on application forms, saying they'd been born to an Inuk woman. As a result, they received scholarships, bursaries and business opportunities meant for Inuit students. (New Canadian Media) The sisters also got their Indigenous certification from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), for their Kanata Trade Co. venture. They promised profits from Kanata would go to Indspire, an organization providing funding to Indigenous students, because they themselves had benefited from Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Program. Though Indspire wrote about the twins in glowing terms in its spring 2021 newsletter and noted that Kanata had donated over $6,000, it said in a statement two years later that it had requested the return of all the funds the twins had received. After NTI removed the twins from its enrolment list in April 2023, the CCIB revoked their certification. But the people who were prodding the Gill sisters to explain their Inuit ties weren't just worried that they were pretending to be Indigenous to gain cred for their business. B.C. judge warns of 'tsunami' of Indigenous identity fraud cases Indigenous Identity Fraud Summit opens with denunciations, statements of solidarity When the girls became Inuit beneficiaries in 2016, they were issued enrolment cards with identification numbers that were then used to apply for scholarships and bursaries, which the girls received. The Gill sisters then received more than $158,000 from Kakivak Association between 2020 and 2023, for education-related expenses. A spokesperson for the Crown told CBC News that because Manji admitted in an agreed statement of facts related to her guilty plea that her daughters weren't aware she had fraudulently obtained their NTI cards, the Crown withdrew the charges against the girls. That agreed statement of facts also revealed that Manji had attempted to gain Inuit status herself in 2018 by claiming in an NTI application that she was adopted by Inuit parents. NTI rejected that application. Both sisters attended Queen's University, in Kingston, Ont., where Amira studied civil engineering and Nadya, who legally changed her name in September 2023, studied law. Queen's University declined to comment on allegations about the Gill sisters, citing privacy concerns, but it did confirm that both sisters each received two degrees there. CBC News has requested numerous interviews with the Gill sisters but has not received a response. Edmonton-based lawyer Anita Cardinal says she was classmates with Nadya Gill at the University of Saskatchewan's Native Law Centre in 2019. (Submitted by Anita Cardinal) The red flags Anita Cardinal, a member of the Woodland Cree First Nations practicing law in Edmonton, completed the Aboriginal property law program at the University of Saskatchewan's Native Law Centre in 2019. One of her classmates was Nadya Gill. She says there were a lot of red flags raised about Nadya's ethnicity because she never shared information about her Inuit descent, such as which community she was associated with or who her Inuit family was. Cardinal says there were many red flags raised about Nadya's ethnicity because she never shared information about her Inuit descent with her classmates. (Submitted by Anita Cardinal) When it was revealed that the Gill twins were not of Inuit descent, Cardinal said nobody was shocked. "It was like, yeah, we knew." Still, Cardinal says it was upsetting because the Aboriginal Law Program is supposed to be for Indigenous people. "That spot, we know, could have went to an actual Indigenous person." 'Justice for mom' Noah Noah says he wants to see Manji pay back the scholarship money Kakivak gave to her daughters. "Certainly recoup the funds that this family has gotten … [that were] earmarked for Inuit children." Although Noah says he wishes the charges against the sisters hadn't been dropped, he's happy Manji pleaded guilty. "It was very emotional. That was justice for mom."

Migrant boat capsizes off Yemen, at least 49 dead, 140 missing

FILE - Migrants from Africa sail a wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea, about 30 miles north of Libya, June 17, 2023. At least 49 migrants from Somalia died when their boat capsized June 10, 2024, off the coast of Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration. The International Organization for Migration said at least 49 people died and another 140 remain missing after a boat carrying 260 migrants originating from Somalia capsized Monday off the coast of Yemen. In a statement Tuesday, the U.N. agency said the boat departed from Bossaso at around 3:00 a.m. local time Sunday, carrying 115 Somali nationals and 145 Ethiopians. It said the boat capsized in the Gulf of Aden near Alghareef Point, in Yemen's Shabwah governorate. The IOM said it mobilized two medical teams to provide immediate assistance to the survivors, including six children. The agency said eight of the 71 known survivors required further medical attention and were referred to a hospital, while the remaining 63 received first aid and minor treatment. The IOM credited local fishermen and other community members for what it called "their crucial role" in assisting with the recovery efforts and the burial of some of the deceased. The agency said search and rescue efforts are underway for the missing, adding that bodies continue to wash up on shore. The IOM said the incident is part of a recent rise in migrants from the Horn of Africa to Yemen brought on by political and economic instability, alongside severe droughts and other extreme weather events in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia. The agency said two other recent shipwrecks along the coast of Djibouti claimed the lives of at least 62 migrants.

africa

Migrant boat capsizes off Yemen, at least 49 dead, 140 missing. FILE - Migrants from Africa sail a wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea, about 30 miles north of Libya, June 17, 2023. At least 49 migrants from Somalia died when their boat capsized June 10, 2024, off the coast of Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration. The International Organization for Migration said at least 49 people died and another 140 remain missing after a boat carrying 260 migrants originating from Somalia capsized Monday off the coast of Yemen. In a statement Tuesday, the U.N. agency said the boat departed from Bossaso at around 3:00 a.m. local time Sunday, carrying 115 Somali nationals and 145 Ethiopians. It said the boat capsized in the Gulf of Aden near Alghareef Point, in Yemen's Shabwah governorate. The IOM said it mobilized two medical teams to provide immediate assistance to the survivors, including six children. The agency said eight of the 71 known survivors required further medical attention and were referred to a hospital, while the remaining 63 received first aid and minor treatment. The IOM credited local fishermen and other community members for what it called "their crucial role" in assisting with the recovery efforts and the burial of some of the deceased. The agency said search and rescue efforts are underway for the missing, adding that bodies continue to wash up on shore. The IOM said the incident is part of a recent rise in migrants from the Horn of Africa to Yemen brought on by political and economic instability, alongside severe droughts and other extreme weather events in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia. The agency said two other recent shipwrecks along the coast of Djibouti claimed the lives of at least 62 migrants.

Weight watching? Here's how Oprah can help

Oprah Winfrey and Weight Watchers International, Inc. have joined together in a groundbreaking partnership to inspire people around the world to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life." CNNMoney: Oprah comes to the rescue of Weight Watchers "Weight Watchers has given me the tools I need to begin to make the lasting shift that I and so many of us who are struggling with weight loss have longed for," said Winfrey in the press release. "I believe in the program so much I decided to invest in the company and partner in its evolution." "We are expanding our purpose from focusing on weight loss alone to more broadly helping people live a healthier, happier life," said Weight Watchers President and CEO Jim Chambers, in the statement. "We believe that (Oprah's) remarkable ability to connect and inspire people to realize their full potential is uniquely complimentary to our powerful community, extraordinary coaches and proven approach." 1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies." Getty Images After struggling to lose weight for years, Nidetch began hosting weekly meetings at her home with friends, to discuss their difficulties with dieting and exercise. "Compulsive eating is an emotional problem," Nidetch told Time magazine in 1972, "and we use an emotional approach to its solution." Abiding by her philosophy – "It's choice, not chance, that determines your destiny" – Nidetch managed to lose more than 70 pounds, and keep it off. Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch dies at 91 According to its latest earnings release, Weight Watchers currently has 2.8 million active subscribers worldwide, down from 3.4 million one year ago. How does Weight Watchers measure up? Weight Watchers works using a "points" system, where foods are scored based on protein, carb, fat and fiber content. Foods that are more nutrient-dense – the ones that keep you fuller longer – "cost" the least. The number of points you're allotted per day varies based on your age, height, weight and weight loss or weight management goals. When U.S. News and World Report recently ranked 35 of the most popular diets, Weight Watchers tied for third place overall (alongside the Mayo Clinic Diet and Mediterranean Diet; and just below the DASH Diet and TLC Diet). The diet ranked number one for weight loss. U.S. News called Weight Watchers "smart and effective," highlighting the upside that you can eat what you want and that no foods are off-limits. Downsides include the program's price and tedious point tallying. Bottom line: "It's livable," said Dr. Melina Jampolis, a physician-nutrition specialist, who is not in any way affiliated with Weight Watchers. "With restaurants and holidays and parties, you have the tools to handle any eating occasion." "It's based in real life, real food, real living," said Gary Foster, Weight Watchers' Chief Scientific Officer. "We're not a brand about exclusion, saying 'you must eat this' and 'you can't eat that.' You're in charge of what's in and what's out." Cut this food and extend your life If you restrict eating to certain foods or certain times of the day, said Foster, you might get people to eat less, but the results are short lived. They'll put the weight right back on. "Broadly, reality not meeting expectations is what trips people up," said Foster. "The most common example is when people have unrealistic notions of what the weight loss journey will be – that they'll lose the same amount (of weight) every single week, or eat perfectly every single day. Life gets in the way. Teaching people a different mindset around that and being aware of your thinking style is key. 'All or none' is not good for weight, relationships or work performance." "The other thing is to not be so myopically focused on the scale," said Foster. "It's a piece of metal that gives you a number and is fraught with disappointment. It's not a good measure in the short term. It's better over the long term. Non-scale victories like looking better, feeling better, fitting into a smaller jean size" are far more important milestones. The Oprah Effect On November 15, 1988, Oprah opened an episode of her show titled "Diet Dreams Come True" by revealing her new slim figure. She showed – not just told – her audience how much weight she lost by wheeling 67 pounds of fat on stage in a bright red Radio Flyer wagon. "This has been the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life," Winfrey said. "Those of you who are starting dieting – this is what 67 pounds of fat looks like. … It's amazing to me that I can't lift it, but I used to carry it around every day. When you talk about making yourself the best you can be, I'm glad I did this for my heart, because my poor heart had to send blood to all of this. It's shocking to me." The episode was the highest rated in the show's history. "Her journey has been so challenging and public with weight," said Jampolis. I think as far as celebrity endorsements go, she has the potential to be more authentic than many, because people know her struggle and because she's not looking for a quick fix." "Oprah has all the money in the word and she's still had a life-long battle with her weight," said Jampolis. "If anyone can connect with and understand the consumer, it's her." What's next for Weight Watchers? "In the end, weight loss isn't what people are pursuing anymore," said Foster. "People are no longer saying … 'I want to lose 20 pounds.' They say, 'What I'm after is a healthier, happier life.'" That is to say, weight is now a metric instead of the metric. "Dealing with choice and balance is key to long-term success," said Jampolis. "Just focusing on food is only a small part of the equation. Psychologically, there's more than just being at a healthy weight." "For most people, they have a really good general sense of what they should do. Everyone knows how to do it – it's why you don't do it. As a nation, we're self-medicating a lot with food." Weight Watchers has yet to release the specifics of its overhaul. But we know Winfrey will not only be a member and part owner (the deal involved her buying a 10% stake in the company), but she will also become a board member and adviser. "Winfrey will bring insight and strategy to program development and execution that reflects not only her own experiences, but also her unique ability to inspire and connect people to live their best lives," according to the press release.

health

Weight watching? Here's how Oprah can help. Oprah Winfrey and Weight Watchers International, Inc. have joined together in a groundbreaking partnership to inspire people around the world to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life." CNNMoney: Oprah comes to the rescue of Weight Watchers "Weight Watchers has given me the tools I need to begin to make the lasting shift that I and so many of us who are struggling with weight loss have longed for," said Winfrey in the press release. "I believe in the program so much I decided to invest in the company and partner in its evolution." "We are expanding our purpose from focusing on weight loss alone to more broadly helping people live a healthier, happier life," said Weight Watchers President and CEO Jim Chambers, in the statement. "We believe that (Oprah's) remarkable ability to connect and inspire people to realize their full potential is uniquely complimentary to our powerful community, extraordinary coaches and proven approach." 1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies." Getty Images After struggling to lose weight for years, Nidetch began hosting weekly meetings at her home with friends, to discuss their difficulties with dieting and exercise. "Compulsive eating is an emotional problem," Nidetch told Time magazine in 1972, "and we use an emotional approach to its solution." Abiding by her philosophy – "It's choice, not chance, that determines your destiny" – Nidetch managed to lose more than 70 pounds, and keep it off. Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch dies at 91 According to its latest earnings release, Weight Watchers currently has 2.8 million active subscribers worldwide, down from 3.4 million one year ago. How does Weight Watchers measure up? Weight Watchers works using a "points" system, where foods are scored based on protein, carb, fat and fiber content. Foods that are more nutrient-dense – the ones that keep you fuller longer – "cost" the least. The number of points you're allotted per day varies based on your age, height, weight and weight loss or weight management goals. When U.S. News and World Report recently ranked 35 of the most popular diets, Weight Watchers tied for third place overall (alongside the Mayo Clinic Diet and Mediterranean Diet; and just below the DASH Diet and TLC Diet). The diet ranked number one for weight loss. U.S. News called Weight Watchers "smart and effective," highlighting the upside that you can eat what you want and that no foods are off-limits. Downsides include the program's price and tedious point tallying. Bottom line: "It's livable," said Dr. Melina Jampolis, a physician-nutrition specialist, who is not in any way affiliated with Weight Watchers. "With restaurants and holidays and parties, you have the tools to handle any eating occasion." "It's based in real life, real food, real living," said Gary Foster, Weight Watchers' Chief Scientific Officer. "We're not a brand about exclusion, saying 'you must eat this' and 'you can't eat that.' You're in charge of what's in and what's out." Cut this food and extend your life If you restrict eating to certain foods or certain times of the day, said Foster, you might get people to eat less, but the results are short lived. They'll put the weight right back on. "Broadly, reality not meeting expectations is what trips people up," said Foster. "The most common example is when people have unrealistic notions of what the weight loss journey will be – that they'll lose the same amount (of weight) every single week, or eat perfectly every single day. Life gets in the way. Teaching people a different mindset around that and being aware of your thinking style is key. 'All or none' is not good for weight, relationships or work performance." "The other thing is to not be so myopically focused on the scale," said Foster. "It's a piece of metal that gives you a number and is fraught with disappointment. It's not a good measure in the short term. It's better over the long term. Non-scale victories like looking better, feeling better, fitting into a smaller jean size" are far more important milestones. The Oprah Effect On November 15, 1988, Oprah opened an episode of her show titled "Diet Dreams Come True" by revealing her new slim figure. She showed – not just told – her audience how much weight she lost by wheeling 67 pounds of fat on stage in a bright red Radio Flyer wagon. "This has been the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life," Winfrey said. "Those of you who are starting dieting – this is what 67 pounds of fat looks like. … It's amazing to me that I can't lift it, but I used to carry it around every day. When you talk about making yourself the best you can be, I'm glad I did this for my heart, because my poor heart had to send blood to all of this. It's shocking to me." The episode was the highest rated in the show's history. "Her journey has been so challenging and public with weight," said Jampolis. I think as far as celebrity endorsements go, she has the potential to be more authentic than many, because people know her struggle and because she's not looking for a quick fix." "Oprah has all the money in the word and she's still had a life-long battle with her weight," said Jampolis. "If anyone can connect with and understand the consumer, it's her." What's next for Weight Watchers? "In the end, weight loss isn't what people are pursuing anymore," said Foster. "People are no longer saying … 'I want to lose 20 pounds.' They say, 'What I'm after is a healthier, happier life.'" That is to say, weight is now a metric instead of the metric. "Dealing with choice and balance is key to long-term success," said Jampolis. "Just focusing on food is only a small part of the equation. Psychologically, there's more than just being at a healthy weight." "For most people, they have a really good general sense of what they should do. Everyone knows how to do it – it's why you don't do it. As a nation, we're self-medicating a lot with food." Weight Watchers has yet to release the specifics of its overhaul. But we know Winfrey will not only be a member and part owner (the deal involved her buying a 10% stake in the company), but she will also become a board member and adviser. "Winfrey will bring insight and strategy to program development and execution that reflects not only her own experiences, but also her unique ability to inspire and connect people to live their best lives," according to the press release.

RWA Swarm Markets Platform Launches Tokenized Gold

Swarm Markets, a platform based in Berlin, has launched fully asset-backed digital gold represented by non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The real-world assets (RWA) platform announced it will allow investors to hold and trade gold in a digital format, with each NFT representing ownership of physical gold bars stored in secure vaults. Each NFT corresponds to a specific gold bar, with unique identifiers that verify ownership. The physical gold will be stored by Brink’s, a security and logistics firm, in their London vaults. Amazon Web Services for Gold “We’re creating the Amazon web services of gold on the chain,” said Philipp Pieper, co-founder of Swarm Markets, “Not only will investors have unique identifiers for their NFT, linking them to a specific gold bar or ounce, but they can own and custody their gold holdings digitally via blockchain, redeem it for the physical underlying collateral and choose where to store their physical gold,” said Pieper. MiCA Compliant Product? This launch comes ahead of regulatory changes in Europe under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) set to take effect on July 1. The MiCA rules introduce stringent requirements for asset-referenced tokens, including those based on gold. However, NFTs, being unique and non-fungible, fall outside the purview of these new regulations. “We’ve also ensured the product is compliant with MiCAR asset-reference token rules to give investors maximum confidence,” said Pieper. Tokens Traded on the Swarm Platform One of the standout features of Swarm’s digital gold NFTs is their tradability and peer-to-peer transaction capability. Investors can trade the tokens on Swarm Markets’ platform or other compatible marketplaces, enabling liquidity and market engagement that traditional gold investments. The transfer and trade will be facilitated through blockchain technology. Token holders have the option to redeem their NFTs for the underlying physical gold. This process involves undergoing Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks to ensure compliance with legal standards. Once verified, investors can choose the jurisdiction where their gold is stored, adding a layer of customization and control over their investment. Swarm is jumping on a growing trend involving asset-backed digital tokens. The post RWA Swarm Markets Platform Launches Tokenized Gold appeared first on Cryptonews .

crypto

RWA Swarm Markets Platform Launches Tokenized Gold. Swarm Markets, a platform based in Berlin, has launched fully asset-backed digital gold represented by non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The real-world assets (RWA) platform announced it will allow investors to hold and trade gold in a digital format, with each NFT representing ownership of physical gold bars stored in secure vaults. Each NFT corresponds to a specific gold bar, with unique identifiers that verify ownership. The physical gold will be stored by Brink’s, a security and logistics firm, in their London vaults. Amazon Web Services for Gold “We’re creating the Amazon web services of gold on the chain,” said Philipp Pieper, co-founder of Swarm Markets, “Not only will investors have unique identifiers for their NFT, linking them to a specific gold bar or ounce, but they can own and custody their gold holdings digitally via blockchain, redeem it for the physical underlying collateral and choose where to store their physical gold,” said Pieper. MiCA Compliant Product? This launch comes ahead of regulatory changes in Europe under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) set to take effect on July 1. The MiCA rules introduce stringent requirements for asset-referenced tokens, including those based on gold. However, NFTs, being unique and non-fungible, fall outside the purview of these new regulations. “We’ve also ensured the product is compliant with MiCAR asset-reference token rules to give investors maximum confidence,” said Pieper. Tokens Traded on the Swarm Platform One of the standout features of Swarm’s digital gold NFTs is their tradability and peer-to-peer transaction capability. Investors can trade the tokens on Swarm Markets’ platform or other compatible marketplaces, enabling liquidity and market engagement that traditional gold investments. The transfer and trade will be facilitated through blockchain technology. Token holders have the option to redeem their NFTs for the underlying physical gold. This process involves undergoing Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks to ensure compliance with legal standards. Once verified, investors can choose the jurisdiction where their gold is stored, adding a layer of customization and control over their investment. Swarm is jumping on a growing trend involving asset-backed digital tokens. The post RWA Swarm Markets Platform Launches Tokenized Gold appeared first on Cryptonews .

South Carolina Connections Academy's Class Of 2024 Earns More Than $1.9 Million In Scholarships And Awards

Tuition-free, full-time virtual school hosts in-person graduation ceremonies for nearly 700 students statewide COLUMBIA, S.C., June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12, recently celebrated...

tech,lifestyle

South Carolina Connections Academy's Class Of 2024 Earns More Than $1.9 Million In Scholarships And Awards. Tuition-free, full-time virtual school hosts in-person graduation ceremonies for nearly 700 students statewide COLUMBIA, S.C., June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12, recently celebrated...

‘It can feel like a detective story’: birders asked to help find 126 ‘lost’ bird species

The coppery thorntail and New Caledonian lorikeet are among the 126 birds "lost" to science, having not been seen for a decade or more, according to the most comprehensive list of missing species composed to date. new tally is based on millions of records collected by enthusiastic birders and amateur scientists documenting wildlife in some of the planet's most remote locations. To be part of the dataset, the bird must not have a recorded sighting in at least a decade, and not be assessed as extinct or extinct in the wild by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. "Figuring out why these birds have become lost and then trying to find them can feel like a detective story," said John C Mittermeier, the director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy, which has created the dataset alongside BirdLife International and Re:wild. The authors hope that releasing the list will encourage people to come forward with new sightings of some of the lost birds and spur conservation efforts. "While some of the species on the list will be incredibly challenging or maybe even impossible to find, others might reveal themselves relatively quickly if people get to the right places," Mittermeier said. Many of these "lost" birds live in the tropics, particularly on small islands and in mountainous areas. Fifty-six lost birds are from Oceania, followed by Africa with 31 and Asia with 27. The longest-lost bird is the white-tailed tityra, which has not been seen in 195 years. It is known from a single specimen collected from Porto Velho in Brazil in 1829, although there was one possible sighting in 2006. Others have not been seen for more than 150 years. The coppery thorntail is a mysterious hummingbird known only from two specimens collected before 1852. The precise location is unknown but it is believed to be somewhere in Bolivia. The New Caledonian lorikeet is a type of parrot known only from two preserved specimens collected in 1859. Sixty-two per cent of lost birds are considered to be threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ornithologists scoured more than 42 million photos, videos and audio from citizen science websites as well as eBird to find which birds had not been documented in the past decade. They also looked in museum collections, read scientific papers and conferred with local experts. Some of these birds are in remote locations, and it's possible they are not lost to local and Indigenous communities. For example a large pigeon called a black-naped pheasant-pigeon – which lives on a single island in Papua New Guinea – had been lost to science for more than 100 years. It was rediscovered in 2022 after scientists spoke to local hunters who had seen and heard the bird, known locally as " The black-naped pheasant-pigeon was rediscovered in Papua New Guinea in 2022. Photograph: Doka Nason/American Bird Conservancy/re:wild The paper published on Monday is based on initial analysis from 2021, which tallied 144 lost birds. Since then 14 species have been recorded by citizen scientists and conservationists, while a handful of others have been found in captivity, or subject to taxonomic clarification, bringing the current total to 126. If birders see one of the lost species they can contact the Search for Lost Birds to share photos, videos or audio of their findings. Roger Safford from BirdLife International said: "We hope they are not gone for ever, and should do all in our power to prove this by finding them again, and use what we learn to conserve them and the many other species sharing the extraordinary places where they live."

environment

‘It can feel like a detective story’: birders asked to help find 126 ‘lost’ bird species. The coppery thorntail and New Caledonian lorikeet are among the 126 birds "lost" to science, having not been seen for a decade or more, according to the most comprehensive list of missing species composed to date. new tally is based on millions of records collected by enthusiastic birders and amateur scientists documenting wildlife in some of the planet's most remote locations. To be part of the dataset, the bird must not have a recorded sighting in at least a decade, and not be assessed as extinct or extinct in the wild by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. "Figuring out why these birds have become lost and then trying to find them can feel like a detective story," said John C Mittermeier, the director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy, which has created the dataset alongside BirdLife International and Re:wild. The authors hope that releasing the list will encourage people to come forward with new sightings of some of the lost birds and spur conservation efforts. "While some of the species on the list will be incredibly challenging or maybe even impossible to find, others might reveal themselves relatively quickly if people get to the right places," Mittermeier said. Many of these "lost" birds live in the tropics, particularly on small islands and in mountainous areas. Fifty-six lost birds are from Oceania, followed by Africa with 31 and Asia with 27. The longest-lost bird is the white-tailed tityra, which has not been seen in 195 years. It is known from a single specimen collected from Porto Velho in Brazil in 1829, although there was one possible sighting in 2006. Others have not been seen for more than 150 years. The coppery thorntail is a mysterious hummingbird known only from two specimens collected before 1852. The precise location is unknown but it is believed to be somewhere in Bolivia. The New Caledonian lorikeet is a type of parrot known only from two preserved specimens collected in 1859. Sixty-two per cent of lost birds are considered to be threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ornithologists scoured more than 42 million photos, videos and audio from citizen science websites as well as eBird to find which birds had not been documented in the past decade. They also looked in museum collections, read scientific papers and conferred with local experts. Some of these birds are in remote locations, and it's possible they are not lost to local and Indigenous communities. For example a large pigeon called a black-naped pheasant-pigeon – which lives on a single island in Papua New Guinea – had been lost to science for more than 100 years. It was rediscovered in 2022 after scientists spoke to local hunters who had seen and heard the bird, known locally as " The black-naped pheasant-pigeon was rediscovered in Papua New Guinea in 2022. Photograph: Doka Nason/American Bird Conservancy/re:wild The paper published on Monday is based on initial analysis from 2021, which tallied 144 lost birds. Since then 14 species have been recorded by citizen scientists and conservationists, while a handful of others have been found in captivity, or subject to taxonomic clarification, bringing the current total to 126. If birders see one of the lost species they can contact the Search for Lost Birds to share photos, videos or audio of their findings. Roger Safford from BirdLife International said: "We hope they are not gone for ever, and should do all in our power to prove this by finding them again, and use what we learn to conserve them and the many other species sharing the extraordinary places where they live."

Jon Rahm irate with 'f---ing drones' at LIV Golf Nashville after tee shot lands in water

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Join Fox News for access to this content You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Jon Rahm is not happy with the use of drones during LIV Golf events, and he let everyone know during the tour's Nashville broadcast on Sunday. Rahm, within two shots of the lead at LIV Golf Nashville, was caught on a hot mic swearing about the use of drones near his tee shot during the Rahm was not happy with how his tee shot double-crossed into the water hazard on the left side of the hole after the ball never faded left to right like he intended. After looking at where his ball was going to land, Rahm quickly turned his head around to look up at a drone that, while it wasn't on the broadcast, was hovering over the tee box. WARNING: Video below contains explicit language "Every tournament," Rahm was heard saying. "It's f---ing incredible. Right in my backswing, these f---ing drones every time." BRYSON DECHAMBEAU 'FRUSTRATED' OVER MISSING OUT ON REPRESENTING TEAM USA AT OLYMPICS The timing of Rahm's errant tee shot couldn't have been worse because he was within two shots of the lead. But Rahm would hit bogey on the par-4 12th hole. However, he finished strong in his round, birdying 14 and 15 to finish tied with Lee Westwood at 12-under for the tournament. A microphone caught Jon Rahm's angry reaction to the presence of a drone overhead during his tee shot. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki/File) And considering LIV Golf's team format, Rahm's Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton owned the outright lead in Nashville at 18-under, which is five shots in front of Sam Horsfield, who finished 13-under for the tournament. Legion XIII, who had one hole to play at the time of writing, was up five strokes on the Torque GC, who sat in second place at 34-under as a team. While Rahm played well in this tournament, he did not have good results in the two majors he played this season. Rahm, who withdrew from the U.S. Open due to a foot ailment, finished T-45 at the Masters Tournament, and he didn't make the cut at the PGA Championship in Louisville earlier this year.

sports

Jon Rahm irate with 'f---ing drones' at LIV Golf Nashville after tee shot lands in water. Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Join Fox News for access to this content You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Jon Rahm is not happy with the use of drones during LIV Golf events, and he let everyone know during the tour's Nashville broadcast on Sunday. Rahm, within two shots of the lead at LIV Golf Nashville, was caught on a hot mic swearing about the use of drones near his tee shot during the Rahm was not happy with how his tee shot double-crossed into the water hazard on the left side of the hole after the ball never faded left to right like he intended. After looking at where his ball was going to land, Rahm quickly turned his head around to look up at a drone that, while it wasn't on the broadcast, was hovering over the tee box. WARNING: Video below contains explicit language "Every tournament," Rahm was heard saying. "It's f---ing incredible. Right in my backswing, these f---ing drones every time." BRYSON DECHAMBEAU 'FRUSTRATED' OVER MISSING OUT ON REPRESENTING TEAM USA AT OLYMPICS The timing of Rahm's errant tee shot couldn't have been worse because he was within two shots of the lead. But Rahm would hit bogey on the par-4 12th hole. However, he finished strong in his round, birdying 14 and 15 to finish tied with Lee Westwood at 12-under for the tournament. A microphone caught Jon Rahm's angry reaction to the presence of a drone overhead during his tee shot. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki/File) And considering LIV Golf's team format, Rahm's Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton owned the outright lead in Nashville at 18-under, which is five shots in front of Sam Horsfield, who finished 13-under for the tournament. Legion XIII, who had one hole to play at the time of writing, was up five strokes on the Torque GC, who sat in second place at 34-under as a team. While Rahm played well in this tournament, he did not have good results in the two majors he played this season. Rahm, who withdrew from the U.S. Open due to a foot ailment, finished T-45 at the Masters Tournament, and he didn't make the cut at the PGA Championship in Louisville earlier this year.

China launches emergency response to extreme winter weather

China has launched a third-level emergency response to extreme winter weather, as central and eastern parts of the country are expected to be hit by widespread rain, snow and freezing weather in the next few days. China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a blue alert, the lowest level, for blizzard on Wednesday morning as China's central and eastern regions will brace for a large-scale rain, snowstorms, and freezing weather starting from Wednesday to next Monday. The severe winter weather will have a wider impact and a longer duration with heavier snow and rain, making it the strongest since 2009. In the face of the complex winter weather across the country, the Ministry of Emergency Management on Wednesday activated the emergency response and sent two working groups along with personnel from other central government departments to central China's Henan and Hubei provinces for disaster prevention and control. The widespread rain, snow and the cold front will bring temperatures in most parts of China to levels lower than usual this time, resulting in prolonged low temperatures in north China and the Yellow River-Huaihe River Basin.

environment

China launches emergency response to extreme winter weather. China has launched a third-level emergency response to extreme winter weather, as central and eastern parts of the country are expected to be hit by widespread rain, snow and freezing weather in the next few days. China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a blue alert, the lowest level, for blizzard on Wednesday morning as China's central and eastern regions will brace for a large-scale rain, snowstorms, and freezing weather starting from Wednesday to next Monday. The severe winter weather will have a wider impact and a longer duration with heavier snow and rain, making it the strongest since 2009. In the face of the complex winter weather across the country, the Ministry of Emergency Management on Wednesday activated the emergency response and sent two working groups along with personnel from other central government departments to central China's Henan and Hubei provinces for disaster prevention and control. The widespread rain, snow and the cold front will bring temperatures in most parts of China to levels lower than usual this time, resulting in prolonged low temperatures in north China and the Yellow River-Huaihe River Basin.

David Cameron: The ex-PM who's had a surprising second act

Lord David Cameron is leading the UK's response on the world stage as foreign secretary after his shock comeback last year. This is not his first - or most prominent - job at the top of government, so let's look at how he became a leading figure in the Conservative Party. Born in 1966 in London, David William Donald Cameron was brought up in Berkshire by his stockbroker father and aristocratic mother, whose family - the Mounts of Wasing - had served in parliament for over 100 years. From Eton to Oxford He began his private education at Heatherdown School, whose alumni include Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, before heading to Eton, where he got top grades in his O and A-levels. However, he did get in trouble for smoking cannabis on campus and was made to write lines in Latin as punishment. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross to stand in seat after outgoing MP David Duguid blocked by Tories After school, Lord Cameron took a gap year and made his first move into the Conservative Party, becoming a researcher for his godfather, Tory MP Tim Rathbone. Following a short stint in Hong Kong and a trip to the Soviet Union, he headed to the University of Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Brasenose College in 1985. But while his contemporaries, like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, were flexing their political muscles at the Oxford Union, he said he "hardly took part", focusing on his studies to get a first. He did, however, make connections with the next generation of Conservative big hitters, especially with his now infamous membership of the Bullingdon Club - an upper class dining club accused of heavy drinking and trashing restaurants among other even more controversial escapades. Image: They first met at Oxford, but Boris Johnson (left) and David Cameron (right) have both journeyed through Westminster together. Pic: PA First jobs After graduating, Lord Cameron said he was still not set on a political career, but despite this he took a job at the Conservative Research Department. His journey continued in the party, moving up in 1991 to become an adviser in Number 10 to John Major and working alongside him during the Tories' surprise election win in 1992. Next, he became a special adviser to then chancellor Norman Lamont, but it was fairly short-lived, as the Black Wednesday financial crisis led to his boss' resignation. Come 1993, Lord Cameron headed to the Home Office to advise Michael, now Lord, Howard - whose shadow was an up-and-coming Labour politician called Tony Blair. During this time he met his soon-to-be wife Samantha on a family holiday, as she was a friend of his sister's. The pair married in 1996 and went on to have four children. Image: David Cameron met his wife, Samantha, on a family holiday. Pic: PA Lord Cameron left Whitehall to work for a communications company, then in 1997 was selected to run for the seat of Stafford, although he failed to get elected. In 2001, however, he was selected for the safe Tory seat of Witney in Oxfordshire, and won, beginning his Commons career. Into the Commons Lord Cameron's early years in parliament saw him serve on the Home Affairs Committee, and he and his colleague George Osborne coached then Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith ahead of Prime Minister's Questions. When Lord Howard took the Tory reins, he was given a junior position on the shadow frontbench as deputy shadow leader of the House, eventually becoming shadow education secretary. But after the 2005 election, and another loss for the Conservatives, Lord Howard was out and Lord Cameron put himself forward for the leadership, winning on a platform of modernising the party. Image: In 2005, David Cameron beat the odds to become the Tory party's new leader. Pic: Reuters The next five years were spent trying to make the Tories electable again after three losses on the trot. Lord Cameron's more liberal approach alienated some traditional members, but also won back voters who had deserted the Conservatives for Labour. During this time, in 2009, he and his wife lost their first child, Ivan, who died aged six after having both cerebral palsy and a rare form of epilepsy called Ohtahara syndrome. Winning power After the 2010 election, the Conservatives were back as the largest party, but fell short of an overall majority. A deal was struck with the Liberal Democrats to establish the country's first coalition government since the Second World War and Lord Cameron became PM at the age of 43 - at that time the youngest occupant of Downing Street since 1812. Image: After failing to get an overall majority in 2010, David Cameron (right) did a deal with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg (left). Pic: PA With Mr Osborne as his chancellor, the so-called Chipping Norton set was in power. The pair focused on austerity to cut the budget deficit in the government's coffers - leading to tightening of spending across public services. Other era-defining policies included legalising gay marriage, with support from the Lib Dem MPs, and participating in military action in Libya. He also granted a referendum on Scottish independence, with the cross-party Better Together campaign winning the day to see the country remain part of the United Kingdom. Come the 2015 election, Lord Cameron and his Conservative Party secured an outright majority. But as part of that campaign he promised a referendum on EU membership, defining his political career. Image: Long time political allies David Cameron (left) and George Osborne (right) ran the government together. Pic: Reuters The Brexit years A leading voice for Remain, he pitted himself against his old rival Mr Johnson and close friend Mr Gove. He negotiated new terms with the EU before calling the vote, but it was not enough and in June 2016, the UK voted to leave by 52% to 48%. On the morning the result was announced, Lord Cameron announced he would step down as prime minister. He submitted his resignation in July and come September, he decided to leave parliament altogether. The Camerons say goodbye to the world's media after he resigned as prime minister. Pic: Reuters Cameron's comeback After his exit, Lord Cameron took on a number of charity and private sector roles, but got into hot water as an adviser for Greensill Capital, being accused of lobbying ministers on their behalf. While most assumed his time in Westminster was over, he shocked onlookers in 2023 when he was appointed foreign secretary by Rishi Sunak.

politics

David Cameron: The ex-PM who's had a surprising second act. Lord David Cameron is leading the UK's response on the world stage as foreign secretary after his shock comeback last year. This is not his first - or most prominent - job at the top of government, so let's look at how he became a leading figure in the Conservative Party. Born in 1966 in London, David William Donald Cameron was brought up in Berkshire by his stockbroker father and aristocratic mother, whose family - the Mounts of Wasing - had served in parliament for over 100 years. From Eton to Oxford He began his private education at Heatherdown School, whose alumni include Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, before heading to Eton, where he got top grades in his O and A-levels. However, he did get in trouble for smoking cannabis on campus and was made to write lines in Latin as punishment. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross to stand in seat after outgoing MP David Duguid blocked by Tories After school, Lord Cameron took a gap year and made his first move into the Conservative Party, becoming a researcher for his godfather, Tory MP Tim Rathbone. Following a short stint in Hong Kong and a trip to the Soviet Union, he headed to the University of Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Brasenose College in 1985. But while his contemporaries, like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, were flexing their political muscles at the Oxford Union, he said he "hardly took part", focusing on his studies to get a first. He did, however, make connections with the next generation of Conservative big hitters, especially with his now infamous membership of the Bullingdon Club - an upper class dining club accused of heavy drinking and trashing restaurants among other even more controversial escapades. Image: They first met at Oxford, but Boris Johnson (left) and David Cameron (right) have both journeyed through Westminster together. Pic: PA First jobs After graduating, Lord Cameron said he was still not set on a political career, but despite this he took a job at the Conservative Research Department. His journey continued in the party, moving up in 1991 to become an adviser in Number 10 to John Major and working alongside him during the Tories' surprise election win in 1992. Next, he became a special adviser to then chancellor Norman Lamont, but it was fairly short-lived, as the Black Wednesday financial crisis led to his boss' resignation. Come 1993, Lord Cameron headed to the Home Office to advise Michael, now Lord, Howard - whose shadow was an up-and-coming Labour politician called Tony Blair. During this time he met his soon-to-be wife Samantha on a family holiday, as she was a friend of his sister's. The pair married in 1996 and went on to have four children. Image: David Cameron met his wife, Samantha, on a family holiday. Pic: PA Lord Cameron left Whitehall to work for a communications company, then in 1997 was selected to run for the seat of Stafford, although he failed to get elected. In 2001, however, he was selected for the safe Tory seat of Witney in Oxfordshire, and won, beginning his Commons career. Into the Commons Lord Cameron's early years in parliament saw him serve on the Home Affairs Committee, and he and his colleague George Osborne coached then Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith ahead of Prime Minister's Questions. When Lord Howard took the Tory reins, he was given a junior position on the shadow frontbench as deputy shadow leader of the House, eventually becoming shadow education secretary. But after the 2005 election, and another loss for the Conservatives, Lord Howard was out and Lord Cameron put himself forward for the leadership, winning on a platform of modernising the party. Image: In 2005, David Cameron beat the odds to become the Tory party's new leader. Pic: Reuters The next five years were spent trying to make the Tories electable again after three losses on the trot. Lord Cameron's more liberal approach alienated some traditional members, but also won back voters who had deserted the Conservatives for Labour. During this time, in 2009, he and his wife lost their first child, Ivan, who died aged six after having both cerebral palsy and a rare form of epilepsy called Ohtahara syndrome. Winning power After the 2010 election, the Conservatives were back as the largest party, but fell short of an overall majority. A deal was struck with the Liberal Democrats to establish the country's first coalition government since the Second World War and Lord Cameron became PM at the age of 43 - at that time the youngest occupant of Downing Street since 1812. Image: After failing to get an overall majority in 2010, David Cameron (right) did a deal with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg (left). Pic: PA With Mr Osborne as his chancellor, the so-called Chipping Norton set was in power. The pair focused on austerity to cut the budget deficit in the government's coffers - leading to tightening of spending across public services. Other era-defining policies included legalising gay marriage, with support from the Lib Dem MPs, and participating in military action in Libya. He also granted a referendum on Scottish independence, with the cross-party Better Together campaign winning the day to see the country remain part of the United Kingdom. Come the 2015 election, Lord Cameron and his Conservative Party secured an outright majority. But as part of that campaign he promised a referendum on EU membership, defining his political career. Image: Long time political allies David Cameron (left) and George Osborne (right) ran the government together. Pic: Reuters The Brexit years A leading voice for Remain, he pitted himself against his old rival Mr Johnson and close friend Mr Gove. He negotiated new terms with the EU before calling the vote, but it was not enough and in June 2016, the UK voted to leave by 52% to 48%. On the morning the result was announced, Lord Cameron announced he would step down as prime minister. He submitted his resignation in July and come September, he decided to leave parliament altogether. The Camerons say goodbye to the world's media after he resigned as prime minister. Pic: Reuters Cameron's comeback After his exit, Lord Cameron took on a number of charity and private sector roles, but got into hot water as an adviser for Greensill Capital, being accused of lobbying ministers on their behalf. While most assumed his time in Westminster was over, he shocked onlookers in 2023 when he was appointed foreign secretary by Rishi Sunak.

How Eli Lilly is managing soaring demand for GLP-1s, according to outgoing CFO Anat Ashkenazi

have both struggled to manufacture enough supply of their treatments to meet unprecedented demand, causing nationwide shortages of those drugs. Their weekly injections are part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which mimic certain hormones produced in the gut to suppress a person's appetite and regulate their blood sugar. Some analysts expect the market for those drugs to be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade. Eli Lilly's boom in revenue has allowed the company to invest heavily to scale up manufacturing, which will eventually get more medicine into patients' hands, Ashkenazi said. "As we start selling product and we get the revenue in and cash flow associated with that sale," the company wants to "funnel that cash flow back to the business to invest in those manufacturing facilities," she said. does not expect to match the pace of demand this year and maybe not even in 2025, Ashkenazi said at a conference in March. But the pharmaceutical giant has made encouraging progress so far. An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured in Branchburg, New Jersey, on March 5, 2021. Mike Segar | Reuters Ashkenazi said Eli Lilly has several manufacturing sites either under construction or "ramping up," including two locations in North Carolina, two in Indiana, one in Ireland and one in Germany, along with a seventh site the company recently acquired from Nexus Pharmaceuticals. Eli Lilly late last month also said it would invest another $5.3 billion in its manufacturing plant in Lebanon, Indiana. Those facilities add to the company's "existing, very large" manufacturing footprint across the U.S. and Europe, Ashkenazi said. Since 2020, Eli Lilly has spent more than $18 billion to build, expand and purchase manufacturing plants in those regions, the company said in May. Ashkenazi noted that Eli Lilly is also tackling another barrier to patient access: limited insurance coverage for weight loss drugs in the U.S. Some employers and other health plans are still reluctant to cover GLP-1s for weight loss due to their hefty price tags, which they say could significantly strain their budgets. Insurers also have other questions, such as how long patients actually stay on the treatments. Still, Ashkenazi said coverage of Zepbound by U.S. commercial insurers is improving, with about 67% commercial coverage as of April 1. Eli Lilly is working to build that access for the remainder of the patients, she noted. "It's not enough to have a highly efficacious, safe drug that can truly change people's healthcare – but also make it accessible," Ashkenazi said. She also hopes that patients enrolled in the federal Medicare program will eventually see increased coverage for weight loss drugs as Eli Lilly and other drugmakers demonstrate their ability to treat a wide range of obesity-related conditions. Eli Lilly is studying tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, in patients with obesity and fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease and heart failure, among other health conditions. Under new guidance issued in March, Medicare Part D plans can cover obesity treatments that receive regulatory approval for an additional health benefit. Medicare prescription drug plans administered by private insurers, known as Part D, currently cannot cover those drugs for weight loss alone. A bigger issue at hand is a long-held misconception that obesity is a "lifestyle choice" rather than a chronic disease, according to Ashkenazi. Eli Lilly is trying to change that.

usa

How Eli Lilly is managing soaring demand for GLP-1s, according to outgoing CFO Anat Ashkenazi. have both struggled to manufacture enough supply of their treatments to meet unprecedented demand, causing nationwide shortages of those drugs. Their weekly injections are part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which mimic certain hormones produced in the gut to suppress a person's appetite and regulate their blood sugar. Some analysts expect the market for those drugs to be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade. Eli Lilly's boom in revenue has allowed the company to invest heavily to scale up manufacturing, which will eventually get more medicine into patients' hands, Ashkenazi said. "As we start selling product and we get the revenue in and cash flow associated with that sale," the company wants to "funnel that cash flow back to the business to invest in those manufacturing facilities," she said. does not expect to match the pace of demand this year and maybe not even in 2025, Ashkenazi said at a conference in March. But the pharmaceutical giant has made encouraging progress so far. An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured in Branchburg, New Jersey, on March 5, 2021. Mike Segar | Reuters Ashkenazi said Eli Lilly has several manufacturing sites either under construction or "ramping up," including two locations in North Carolina, two in Indiana, one in Ireland and one in Germany, along with a seventh site the company recently acquired from Nexus Pharmaceuticals. Eli Lilly late last month also said it would invest another $5.3 billion in its manufacturing plant in Lebanon, Indiana. Those facilities add to the company's "existing, very large" manufacturing footprint across the U.S. and Europe, Ashkenazi said. Since 2020, Eli Lilly has spent more than $18 billion to build, expand and purchase manufacturing plants in those regions, the company said in May. Ashkenazi noted that Eli Lilly is also tackling another barrier to patient access: limited insurance coverage for weight loss drugs in the U.S. Some employers and other health plans are still reluctant to cover GLP-1s for weight loss due to their hefty price tags, which they say could significantly strain their budgets. Insurers also have other questions, such as how long patients actually stay on the treatments. Still, Ashkenazi said coverage of Zepbound by U.S. commercial insurers is improving, with about 67% commercial coverage as of April 1. Eli Lilly is working to build that access for the remainder of the patients, she noted. "It's not enough to have a highly efficacious, safe drug that can truly change people's healthcare – but also make it accessible," Ashkenazi said. She also hopes that patients enrolled in the federal Medicare program will eventually see increased coverage for weight loss drugs as Eli Lilly and other drugmakers demonstrate their ability to treat a wide range of obesity-related conditions. Eli Lilly is studying tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, in patients with obesity and fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease and heart failure, among other health conditions. Under new guidance issued in March, Medicare Part D plans can cover obesity treatments that receive regulatory approval for an additional health benefit. Medicare prescription drug plans administered by private insurers, known as Part D, currently cannot cover those drugs for weight loss alone. A bigger issue at hand is a long-held misconception that obesity is a "lifestyle choice" rather than a chronic disease, according to Ashkenazi. Eli Lilly is trying to change that.

Blind grey seal gives birth at Illinois' Brookfield Zoo: 'Very attentive mother'

A grey seal found stranded and blind more than a decade ago on an island in Maine has given birth at a Chicago-area zoo and is now "a very attentive mother" to her newborn, zoo officials said Friday. The 11-year-old seal named "Georgie" gave birth on Feb. 17 to a nearly 35-pound male pup at the Brookfield Zoo. He's gained 15 pounds in his first week on his mother's extremely rich milk, and has been practicing his swimming skills in a pool, zoo officials said. After Georgie was found stranded on an island in Georgetown, Maine, near the Atlantic Ocean in 2013, it was determined she was blind in her left eye and functionally blind in her right eye. PANDAS TO RETURN TO SAN DIEGO ZOO AS CHINA BRINGS BACK 'PANDA DIPLOMACY' Due to her impaired vision, authorities with the National Marine Fisheries Service decided she could not be released back into the wild. She arrived in 2020 at the Brookfield Zoo, west of downtown Chicago. But Georgie's vision loss hasn't affected her ability to care for her newborn — she's nurturing the pup and has proven to be "a very attentive mother," said Mark Gonka, the zoo’s associate director of marine mammal care and conservation. "Grey seals have a keen sense of smell as well as a repertoire of vocalizations. Georgie is able to locate her pup by his distinct smell and call," Gonka said in a statement. Like Georgie, the pup's father, a 23-year-old grey seal named Kiinaq, was also stranded in the wild and deemed unreleasable when he was only a few months old. The Brookfield Zoo said the newborn pup's birth from two parents of wild descent is helping to increase the genetic diversity of the grey seal population in accredited North American zoos and aquariums. Grey seals face threats that include entanglement in fishing gear, illegal hunting, chemical contaminants and climate change, the zoo said.

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Blind grey seal gives birth at Illinois' Brookfield Zoo: 'Very attentive mother'. A grey seal found stranded and blind more than a decade ago on an island in Maine has given birth at a Chicago-area zoo and is now "a very attentive mother" to her newborn, zoo officials said Friday. The 11-year-old seal named "Georgie" gave birth on Feb. 17 to a nearly 35-pound male pup at the Brookfield Zoo. He's gained 15 pounds in his first week on his mother's extremely rich milk, and has been practicing his swimming skills in a pool, zoo officials said. After Georgie was found stranded on an island in Georgetown, Maine, near the Atlantic Ocean in 2013, it was determined she was blind in her left eye and functionally blind in her right eye. PANDAS TO RETURN TO SAN DIEGO ZOO AS CHINA BRINGS BACK 'PANDA DIPLOMACY' Due to her impaired vision, authorities with the National Marine Fisheries Service decided she could not be released back into the wild. She arrived in 2020 at the Brookfield Zoo, west of downtown Chicago. But Georgie's vision loss hasn't affected her ability to care for her newborn — she's nurturing the pup and has proven to be "a very attentive mother," said Mark Gonka, the zoo’s associate director of marine mammal care and conservation. "Grey seals have a keen sense of smell as well as a repertoire of vocalizations. Georgie is able to locate her pup by his distinct smell and call," Gonka said in a statement. Like Georgie, the pup's father, a 23-year-old grey seal named Kiinaq, was also stranded in the wild and deemed unreleasable when he was only a few months old. The Brookfield Zoo said the newborn pup's birth from two parents of wild descent is helping to increase the genetic diversity of the grey seal population in accredited North American zoos and aquariums. Grey seals face threats that include entanglement in fishing gear, illegal hunting, chemical contaminants and climate change, the zoo said.

Oilers' Kane may have reached a breaking point in the Stanley Cup final

Oilers' Kane may have reached a breaking point in the Stanley Cup final Evander Kane has been playing through a sports hernia that has hampered his production, specifically one point in eight games. With the Edmonton Oilers trailing the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the Stanley Cup final, the time may have come to scratch the 32-year-old winger the first time this postseason for Game 3 on Thursday night. Edmonton forward playing through injury, status unknown for Game 3 on Thursday Posted: Jun 13, 2024 7:40 AM EDT | Last Updated: 41 minutes ago The Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane, left, and Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers collide during Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup final at on June 8 in Sunrise, Florida. Kane has reportedly been playing through a sports hernia injury. (Elsa/Getty Images) Social Sharing Kris Knoblauch engaged Evander Kane in a conversation before the Edmonton Oilers started practice. The chat lasted roughly five minutes, and Kane left the ice just after hearing from his coach. Kane has been playing through a sports hernia that has hampered his production, specifically one point in eight games. With the Oilers trailing the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the Stanley Cup final, the time may have come to scratch the 32-year-old winger the first time this postseason for Game 3 on Thursday night in Edmonton. "Evander's very beneficial to have in our lineup with physicality and hits," Knoblauch said Wednesday. "And as a coaching staff, we're making those decisions and it's difficult to measure it." Hockey history is full of tales of NHL players gutting through painful injuries in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. In 1964, Bobby Baun scored for Toronto in overtime in Game 6 of the final after breaking his ankle in the third period. More recently, Patrice Bergeron played Game 6 of the 2013 final with a punctured lung, longtime Boston teammate Zdeno Chara finished the 2019 final with a broken jaw and Florida's Matthew Tkachuk scored a tying goal last year with a broken sternum, then played another game before being sidelined. Oilers back on home ice as Edmonton gears up for Game 3 From golden years to decades of darkness, Oilers history has become Edmonton's story Kane's situation, not being close to 100 per cent healthy this late in a long run, is reminiscent of Tkachuk's, which Panthers coach Paul Maurice explained was one that eventually he took over decision-making for. Tkachuk broke his sternum in Game 3 of the final against Vegas, and Tkachuk felt the heart-and-soul winger "earned the right" to play in Game 4. "He wasn't playing the next one," Maurice said. "To his credit, he had three really good chances to score when we're down a goal. He's net front and if he's healthy, based on the playoffs he's having, he scores that goal. But he couldn't. It was all he could do." Kane played just over 10 minutes in Game 3 of this final and was on the ice for two Panthers goals. He has not been practicing throughout the postseason but has badly wanted to remain in the lineup. "There's lots of guys going through different things," Kane said. "There was a sports commentator that was talking a few years ago and it always stuck out to me: If you're on the field, everybody expects you to be yourself, essentially, so if you dress, they expect you to perform like you're at your best. Obviously. there's reality, but at the same time, I think as an athlete that's what you expect from yourself." Knoblauch acknowledged earlier in the series that Kane has been limited and was not his usual self. The calculus of deciding between how effective a key player can be while injured and making a change is not an easy one. "You look at what they're contributing on the ice and even the leadership that they provide," Knoblauch said. "Every player's different. What are they doing? Are they contributing on the penalty kill? Are they scoring a key goal? Or is it the physicality?" One benefit for the Oilers is their depth, with 14 forwards seeing action on this playoff run. "Kris has made and the coaching staff has made some different decisions along the way, and everybody's done a great job of stepping in and contributing, and guys who have gone out have stayed ready and jumped back in and helped just the same," captain Connor McDavid said. "It's unfortunate that guys have to not play some games, but everybody's pulling on the rope here. Everybody understands where we're at." CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

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Oilers' Kane may have reached a breaking point in the Stanley Cup final. Oilers' Kane may have reached a breaking point in the Stanley Cup final Evander Kane has been playing through a sports hernia that has hampered his production, specifically one point in eight games. With the Edmonton Oilers trailing the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the Stanley Cup final, the time may have come to scratch the 32-year-old winger the first time this postseason for Game 3 on Thursday night. Edmonton forward playing through injury, status unknown for Game 3 on Thursday Posted: Jun 13, 2024 7:40 AM EDT | Last Updated: 41 minutes ago The Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane, left, and Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers collide during Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup final at on June 8 in Sunrise, Florida. Kane has reportedly been playing through a sports hernia injury. (Elsa/Getty Images) Social Sharing Kris Knoblauch engaged Evander Kane in a conversation before the Edmonton Oilers started practice. The chat lasted roughly five minutes, and Kane left the ice just after hearing from his coach. Kane has been playing through a sports hernia that has hampered his production, specifically one point in eight games. With the Oilers trailing the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the Stanley Cup final, the time may have come to scratch the 32-year-old winger the first time this postseason for Game 3 on Thursday night in Edmonton. "Evander's very beneficial to have in our lineup with physicality and hits," Knoblauch said Wednesday. "And as a coaching staff, we're making those decisions and it's difficult to measure it." Hockey history is full of tales of NHL players gutting through painful injuries in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. In 1964, Bobby Baun scored for Toronto in overtime in Game 6 of the final after breaking his ankle in the third period. More recently, Patrice Bergeron played Game 6 of the 2013 final with a punctured lung, longtime Boston teammate Zdeno Chara finished the 2019 final with a broken jaw and Florida's Matthew Tkachuk scored a tying goal last year with a broken sternum, then played another game before being sidelined. Oilers back on home ice as Edmonton gears up for Game 3 From golden years to decades of darkness, Oilers history has become Edmonton's story Kane's situation, not being close to 100 per cent healthy this late in a long run, is reminiscent of Tkachuk's, which Panthers coach Paul Maurice explained was one that eventually he took over decision-making for. Tkachuk broke his sternum in Game 3 of the final against Vegas, and Tkachuk felt the heart-and-soul winger "earned the right" to play in Game 4. "He wasn't playing the next one," Maurice said. "To his credit, he had three really good chances to score when we're down a goal. He's net front and if he's healthy, based on the playoffs he's having, he scores that goal. But he couldn't. It was all he could do." Kane played just over 10 minutes in Game 3 of this final and was on the ice for two Panthers goals. He has not been practicing throughout the postseason but has badly wanted to remain in the lineup. "There's lots of guys going through different things," Kane said. "There was a sports commentator that was talking a few years ago and it always stuck out to me: If you're on the field, everybody expects you to be yourself, essentially, so if you dress, they expect you to perform like you're at your best. Obviously. there's reality, but at the same time, I think as an athlete that's what you expect from yourself." Knoblauch acknowledged earlier in the series that Kane has been limited and was not his usual self. The calculus of deciding between how effective a key player can be while injured and making a change is not an easy one. "You look at what they're contributing on the ice and even the leadership that they provide," Knoblauch said. "Every player's different. What are they doing? Are they contributing on the penalty kill? Are they scoring a key goal? Or is it the physicality?" One benefit for the Oilers is their depth, with 14 forwards seeing action on this playoff run. "Kris has made and the coaching staff has made some different decisions along the way, and everybody's done a great job of stepping in and contributing, and guys who have gone out have stayed ready and jumped back in and helped just the same," captain Connor McDavid said. "It's unfortunate that guys have to not play some games, but everybody's pulling on the rope here. Everybody understands where we're at." CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

Pat Nevin: ‘I didn’t want to be a player at first but in the end I loved it’

A n afternoon with Pat Nevin unfolds like a travelogue. The former Scotland international waits for me inside Berwick-upon-Tweed station and, in a moment of peak Nevin purity, he is reading a memoir written by Simon Raymonde, the bass player of his favourite band, the Cocteau Twins. The book is great, apparently, and sparks a stream of amusing anecdotes about a time when Nevin was considered a "weirdo" as a Chelsea and Everton footballer interested in music, books, film and politics. We drive out of England, and into Scotland, while the 60-year-old Nevin talks about his love of travel and his relish for another European Championship, where he will work as an analyst for BBC Radio 5 Live in Germany. The tournament begins on Friday and Nevin will be there as Germany face Scotland in the opening match in Munich. From being a gifted player, and the chair of the Professional Footballers' Association, Nevin worked in almost impossible circumstances as a player-cum-chief-executive and director of football at Motherwell before he became a writer and commentator. He reflects on his strange odyssey in his latest book, Euro 2024 team guides part three: Scotland Read more That love is apparent when Nevin remembers some of the nine major tournaments he has covered. He is as intrigued as much by moments which occurred off the field as the great games he saw. "People don't always worry about the moral arguments attached to these tournaments and sometimes they're tricky. Think of the last two World Cups. I went to Russia and Qatar." His eyes widen in mock outrage. "How dare you?" he asks, mimicking the questions he was asked, sometimes by himself. "Because I want to see it with my eyes. I don't want to be told by people who have never been what it's like there. A classic example is Russia." Nevin laughs in his dry Glaswegian way as he remembers his work for the BBC at the tournament in 2018. "We had a fixer, a local person who shows you the ropes and speaks English. Our fixer was a young woman who allowed me to wind her up. We got on great and by the end of it I absolutely adored the place. The people? Phenomenal. So I said to her: 'Russia is amazing, and the culture is huge. But I cannot stand your leadership. I think it's vile. I know you can't speak about it but, if it wasn't for them, what a fabulous country.' Pat Nevin (left) battles for the ball against Risto Kallaste of Estonia during Scotland's June 1993 World Cup qualifying match at Aberdeen. Photograph: Chris Bacon/PA Nevin once described himself as "an accidental footballer" but a deep knowledge of the game pours out of him while he prepares to travel through Germany over the next month. He will come home briefly for his daughter Lucy's wedding after Scotland's second match and then return to Stuttgart. "I said: 'Please don't get married during the Euros.' But the only other possible date was this [past] weekend. But there was a good reason for not choosing that option. The country doesn't work if Taylor Swift is in town." After another chuckle and diversion into the hope that Swift may back Joe Biden and dent Trump's orange juggernaut, Nevin turns his attention to football when I ask whether he is hopeful Scotland may get out of a group including Switzerland and Hungary. "That's the correct word. This morning I was asked twice on radio: 'Are you confident?' No, I am hopeful. The last time we played against Germany in the Euros they were world champions and we gave them a hard time [during a 2-0 defeat for Scotland in 1992]. We should have gone for them earlier so I hope we have more of a dig this time." Nevin describes Germany as "a good team" elevated by Kai Havertz – a player he has championed for years. "He's absolutely brilliant and will be unstoppable when he's played in his best position. Havertz could be an absolute colossus – like Michael Ballack. He's got everything. Look at the height. He's fast, so intelligent." Antonio Rüdiger is a different kind of colossus. "There isn't a stopper in world football that matches Rüdiger," Nevin says. "I don't care if it's [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo against Rüdiger. They're not coming out the other side with the ball. It never happens. As a pure marker and destroyer, he's unbelievable. So that's the difficulty against Germany. We'll have a go but it really comes down to the other two games. I don't think there's a great deal between the Swiss, Hungarians and Scots. We've got a chance." That opportunity is enhanced by the presence of his old Chelsea teammate Pat Nevin at a 2021 book festival with the novelist Val McDermid. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian "Look at the brilliant spirit of the Scotland squad under Clarkie. It's a boring cliche that everybody uses and it's usually bullshit. Not with Clarkie. There's a great spirit built on true honesty. Then he did a couple of technical things which everyone now takes for granted, but were brilliant at the time. "We have Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson – our best two players and you can't play both at left-back. Tierney is a fabulous player and probably a better footballer but Robertson is more creative. We ended up with Tierney at right-back for a couple of years and it didn't work. And then Clarkie figures out if he switches to 3-4-2-1 you can play both. Nobody else was calling for that tactical switch. I couldn't work it out because I thought he was wedded to the back four." Nevin also praises Clarke for the way in which he transformed Scott McTominay by changing his position and how the coach is willing to hold his nerve. He talks in intricate detail about the night Clarke waited and waited and then unleashed his substitutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion I'm not saying Chelsea will fall apart as a lot of clubs are looking down this same route The usual hype around England has dipped but Nevin looks fascinated when he considers Gareth Southgate's squad. "I just hope they do something different [tactically]. Pep [Guardiola] sometimes goes 4-1-4-1. Gareth doesn't do that. But think about this for a minute. If you do that, with [Declan] Rice as the sitter, imagine the unbelievable four – Saka, Foden, Bellingham and I'm putting Cole Palmer in there. Amazing quality. As an outsider I'm thinking: 'That's where you're brilliant, get them on.' Some people would see it as naive. Well, it's not naive for Pep. He did it the week before the FA Cup final but then went back to 4-2-3-1, which was surprising. "If you're going to win tournaments, you need to be brave. So, England, if you're brave technically then (a) you get a chance of winning and (b) I'd be delighted to see you win." We take a detour back to Chelsea as Nevin believes there may be some method to the seeming madness of the Pat Nevin playing for Chelsea against Sheffield Wednesday in 1985. Photograph: Colorsport/Shutterstock "These multimillionaires and billionaires come into clubs and think they know everything," Nevin says. "They're dismissive of lots of people. But football people are not stupid. They've got street smarts. These very wealthy owners come into football and lose a lot of money. The footballers themselves don't lose any money. They make a lot. "I'm not saying Chelsea will fall apart as a lot of clubs are looking down this same route. What I find interesting is that Chelsea have gone much further. They're telling their coach that: 'We know better than you, because we have the data, and we'll give you the right players.' The problem is everyone's got the same data." Nevin is convinced that the cult of the manager is fading, and being replaced by increasingly expendable coaches in data-driven operations, but he nods when I suggest footballers usually flourish under expert and empathetic man-management. "Exactly, which is why it's a hugely interesting experiment. I studied stats during my degree but I see all the dilemmas. I'm intrigued to see where it goes." Is there any logic in the Chelsea experiment? "Yes. I could see it within a couple of months. I knew exactly what they were doing and I said then that this is going to be hard, ugly and difficult for two years because they've brought too many young players from disparate places. They've not been picked to merge with each other, which is what a manager would do. It's just pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck. Not many things flourish that way. But if you have a good coach, willing to work within this system, you can eventually make it work." Pat Nevin says he is hopeful rather than confident about Scotland's chances of qualifying from their group at Euro 2024. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian Near the end of our afternoon together I ask Nevin how his love of football has changed. "It's crystallised. I always enjoyed playing, and loved the beauty of football. I could go on my phone now and show you a trick from Diego Maradona because I want to look at it again and again. It's that beautiful. "Eberechi Eze did something with the ball [for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week] which I just wanted to slow down and see again. I played that position and I was supposed to be skilful but he did something that made me say: 'Oh, that's impossible. What the hell did you do there?' It doesn't need to be a great player, just somebody who does something that creates these beautiful, beautiful moments." Such moments, after all, remind an accidental footballer why he has spent almost all of his life travelling and living through the game.

sports

Pat Nevin: ‘I didn’t want to be a player at first but in the end I loved it’. A n afternoon with Pat Nevin unfolds like a travelogue. The former Scotland international waits for me inside Berwick-upon-Tweed station and, in a moment of peak Nevin purity, he is reading a memoir written by Simon Raymonde, the bass player of his favourite band, the Cocteau Twins. The book is great, apparently, and sparks a stream of amusing anecdotes about a time when Nevin was considered a "weirdo" as a Chelsea and Everton footballer interested in music, books, film and politics. We drive out of England, and into Scotland, while the 60-year-old Nevin talks about his love of travel and his relish for another European Championship, where he will work as an analyst for BBC Radio 5 Live in Germany. The tournament begins on Friday and Nevin will be there as Germany face Scotland in the opening match in Munich. From being a gifted player, and the chair of the Professional Footballers' Association, Nevin worked in almost impossible circumstances as a player-cum-chief-executive and director of football at Motherwell before he became a writer and commentator. He reflects on his strange odyssey in his latest book, Euro 2024 team guides part three: Scotland Read more That love is apparent when Nevin remembers some of the nine major tournaments he has covered. He is as intrigued as much by moments which occurred off the field as the great games he saw. "People don't always worry about the moral arguments attached to these tournaments and sometimes they're tricky. Think of the last two World Cups. I went to Russia and Qatar." His eyes widen in mock outrage. "How dare you?" he asks, mimicking the questions he was asked, sometimes by himself. "Because I want to see it with my eyes. I don't want to be told by people who have never been what it's like there. A classic example is Russia." Nevin laughs in his dry Glaswegian way as he remembers his work for the BBC at the tournament in 2018. "We had a fixer, a local person who shows you the ropes and speaks English. Our fixer was a young woman who allowed me to wind her up. We got on great and by the end of it I absolutely adored the place. The people? Phenomenal. So I said to her: 'Russia is amazing, and the culture is huge. But I cannot stand your leadership. I think it's vile. I know you can't speak about it but, if it wasn't for them, what a fabulous country.' Pat Nevin (left) battles for the ball against Risto Kallaste of Estonia during Scotland's June 1993 World Cup qualifying match at Aberdeen. Photograph: Chris Bacon/PA Nevin once described himself as "an accidental footballer" but a deep knowledge of the game pours out of him while he prepares to travel through Germany over the next month. He will come home briefly for his daughter Lucy's wedding after Scotland's second match and then return to Stuttgart. "I said: 'Please don't get married during the Euros.' But the only other possible date was this [past] weekend. But there was a good reason for not choosing that option. The country doesn't work if Taylor Swift is in town." After another chuckle and diversion into the hope that Swift may back Joe Biden and dent Trump's orange juggernaut, Nevin turns his attention to football when I ask whether he is hopeful Scotland may get out of a group including Switzerland and Hungary. "That's the correct word. This morning I was asked twice on radio: 'Are you confident?' No, I am hopeful. The last time we played against Germany in the Euros they were world champions and we gave them a hard time [during a 2-0 defeat for Scotland in 1992]. We should have gone for them earlier so I hope we have more of a dig this time." Nevin describes Germany as "a good team" elevated by Kai Havertz – a player he has championed for years. "He's absolutely brilliant and will be unstoppable when he's played in his best position. Havertz could be an absolute colossus – like Michael Ballack. He's got everything. Look at the height. He's fast, so intelligent." Antonio Rüdiger is a different kind of colossus. "There isn't a stopper in world football that matches Rüdiger," Nevin says. "I don't care if it's [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo against Rüdiger. They're not coming out the other side with the ball. It never happens. As a pure marker and destroyer, he's unbelievable. So that's the difficulty against Germany. We'll have a go but it really comes down to the other two games. I don't think there's a great deal between the Swiss, Hungarians and Scots. We've got a chance." That opportunity is enhanced by the presence of his old Chelsea teammate Pat Nevin at a 2021 book festival with the novelist Val McDermid. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian "Look at the brilliant spirit of the Scotland squad under Clarkie. It's a boring cliche that everybody uses and it's usually bullshit. Not with Clarkie. There's a great spirit built on true honesty. Then he did a couple of technical things which everyone now takes for granted, but were brilliant at the time. "We have Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson – our best two players and you can't play both at left-back. Tierney is a fabulous player and probably a better footballer but Robertson is more creative. We ended up with Tierney at right-back for a couple of years and it didn't work. And then Clarkie figures out if he switches to 3-4-2-1 you can play both. Nobody else was calling for that tactical switch. I couldn't work it out because I thought he was wedded to the back four." Nevin also praises Clarke for the way in which he transformed Scott McTominay by changing his position and how the coach is willing to hold his nerve. He talks in intricate detail about the night Clarke waited and waited and then unleashed his substitutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion I'm not saying Chelsea will fall apart as a lot of clubs are looking down this same route The usual hype around England has dipped but Nevin looks fascinated when he considers Gareth Southgate's squad. "I just hope they do something different [tactically]. Pep [Guardiola] sometimes goes 4-1-4-1. Gareth doesn't do that. But think about this for a minute. If you do that, with [Declan] Rice as the sitter, imagine the unbelievable four – Saka, Foden, Bellingham and I'm putting Cole Palmer in there. Amazing quality. As an outsider I'm thinking: 'That's where you're brilliant, get them on.' Some people would see it as naive. Well, it's not naive for Pep. He did it the week before the FA Cup final but then went back to 4-2-3-1, which was surprising. "If you're going to win tournaments, you need to be brave. So, England, if you're brave technically then (a) you get a chance of winning and (b) I'd be delighted to see you win." We take a detour back to Chelsea as Nevin believes there may be some method to the seeming madness of the Pat Nevin playing for Chelsea against Sheffield Wednesday in 1985. Photograph: Colorsport/Shutterstock "These multimillionaires and billionaires come into clubs and think they know everything," Nevin says. "They're dismissive of lots of people. But football people are not stupid. They've got street smarts. These very wealthy owners come into football and lose a lot of money. The footballers themselves don't lose any money. They make a lot. "I'm not saying Chelsea will fall apart as a lot of clubs are looking down this same route. What I find interesting is that Chelsea have gone much further. They're telling their coach that: 'We know better than you, because we have the data, and we'll give you the right players.' The problem is everyone's got the same data." Nevin is convinced that the cult of the manager is fading, and being replaced by increasingly expendable coaches in data-driven operations, but he nods when I suggest footballers usually flourish under expert and empathetic man-management. "Exactly, which is why it's a hugely interesting experiment. I studied stats during my degree but I see all the dilemmas. I'm intrigued to see where it goes." Is there any logic in the Chelsea experiment? "Yes. I could see it within a couple of months. I knew exactly what they were doing and I said then that this is going to be hard, ugly and difficult for two years because they've brought too many young players from disparate places. They've not been picked to merge with each other, which is what a manager would do. It's just pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck. Not many things flourish that way. But if you have a good coach, willing to work within this system, you can eventually make it work." Pat Nevin says he is hopeful rather than confident about Scotland's chances of qualifying from their group at Euro 2024. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian Near the end of our afternoon together I ask Nevin how his love of football has changed. "It's crystallised. I always enjoyed playing, and loved the beauty of football. I could go on my phone now and show you a trick from Diego Maradona because I want to look at it again and again. It's that beautiful. "Eberechi Eze did something with the ball [for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week] which I just wanted to slow down and see again. I played that position and I was supposed to be skilful but he did something that made me say: 'Oh, that's impossible. What the hell did you do there?' It doesn't need to be a great player, just somebody who does something that creates these beautiful, beautiful moments." Such moments, after all, remind an accidental footballer why he has spent almost all of his life travelling and living through the game.

Owning Manhattan review – please stop putting real-estate agents on TV!

A t first, I thought I had run out of hatred. An unsettling sensation. Fortunately, order was soon restored. It turns out that the opening episode of Owning Manhattan – the latest product in Netflix's attempt to saturate the market for real-estate shows – is an uncharacteristically gentle lead-in to what becomes a characteristic maelstrom of backbiting, warring egos, frightening fashion choices, daily Oscar-ceremony levels of grooming and gobsmacking commissions up for grabs. After the most recent iteration – the essentially dismal Buying London, set in essentially dismal London and unable to field the level of monstrosity required in property and human terms that the Americans manage so effortlessly – this is at least a return to suitably excessive form. Fans of Selling Sunset who are not yet sated should find something to help them here. Owning Manhattan is fronted by Ryan Serhant, a real-estate broker who appeared in nine seasons of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing New York (and had his wedding covered in the four-part miniseries Million Dollar Listing New York: Ryan's Wedding and starred in the spin-off show Sell It Like Serhant) before starting his own company in 2021. It's called SERHANT. You probably guessed. It does $1bn a year in sales. Ryan oozes charm, which is precisely as horrible as it sounds. I would say he oozes confidence, too, but that would suggest there is some part of him not made of the stuff, which is not true. Nor is it true of any of the agents we meet. One doesn't blink, one is mostly lips and one has breasts that are so forced into her clothes that blue veins are visible on her cleavage; it makes me long to pop her in a sweatshirt and show her that a new life is possible. One has a dog in a bag – possibly as a USP, possibly as a snack – and one has eyebrows that make me want to hide under the covers until they go away. I can't pretend to have a grip on them all yet. I know there is Chloe, who came to New York from Los Angeles to try to become a Broadway star, but pivoted to real estate when it turned out "I actually wanted the whole damn skyline". There is a blond southern belle called Savannah (confusingly, from North Carolina) who is a newbie, learning the ropes on rentals and struggling to pay her own rent on the meagre commissions. There is Jess M, who hands Savannah a lifeline, but may yet exact a fee in blood. Above all, there is Tricia, a longstanding SERHANT employee who used to run her own nail salon in Brooklyn and parlayed the 23,000 contacts she gathered on that database into a career in real estate. You might hear Shoreditch called the Brooklyn of London, she says, because "you're always going to be emulating our shit. That's just how it is." She works with her husband. "I wouldn't recommend it, but I do it and I do it well." It was he who proposed the arrangement. She recalls the moment fondly. "Well, I'd like to join me, too! Shit." Ryan calls her "the unofficial mayor of Brooklyn", but she may be the US president by the time you read this. What else is there to say? With the exception of the occasional brownstone, the properties continue to confirm the maxim that money cannot buy you taste. They also deepen the mystery surrounding American hygiene. Just about every property has more bathrooms than bedrooms. The poorest clients get by with, say, a 3.5:3 ratio, but the $250m penthouse overlooking Central Park – which will become the focal point of much vicious infighting – shows us that the ideal is 11:7. One each and four spare. What is going on? skip past newsletter promotion

entertainment

Owning Manhattan review – please stop putting real-estate agents on TV!. A t first, I thought I had run out of hatred. An unsettling sensation. Fortunately, order was soon restored. It turns out that the opening episode of Owning Manhattan – the latest product in Netflix's attempt to saturate the market for real-estate shows – is an uncharacteristically gentle lead-in to what becomes a characteristic maelstrom of backbiting, warring egos, frightening fashion choices, daily Oscar-ceremony levels of grooming and gobsmacking commissions up for grabs. After the most recent iteration – the essentially dismal Buying London, set in essentially dismal London and unable to field the level of monstrosity required in property and human terms that the Americans manage so effortlessly – this is at least a return to suitably excessive form. Fans of Selling Sunset who are not yet sated should find something to help them here. Owning Manhattan is fronted by Ryan Serhant, a real-estate broker who appeared in nine seasons of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing New York (and had his wedding covered in the four-part miniseries Million Dollar Listing New York: Ryan's Wedding and starred in the spin-off show Sell It Like Serhant) before starting his own company in 2021. It's called SERHANT. You probably guessed. It does $1bn a year in sales. Ryan oozes charm, which is precisely as horrible as it sounds. I would say he oozes confidence, too, but that would suggest there is some part of him not made of the stuff, which is not true. Nor is it true of any of the agents we meet. One doesn't blink, one is mostly lips and one has breasts that are so forced into her clothes that blue veins are visible on her cleavage; it makes me long to pop her in a sweatshirt and show her that a new life is possible. One has a dog in a bag – possibly as a USP, possibly as a snack – and one has eyebrows that make me want to hide under the covers until they go away. I can't pretend to have a grip on them all yet. I know there is Chloe, who came to New York from Los Angeles to try to become a Broadway star, but pivoted to real estate when it turned out "I actually wanted the whole damn skyline". There is a blond southern belle called Savannah (confusingly, from North Carolina) who is a newbie, learning the ropes on rentals and struggling to pay her own rent on the meagre commissions. There is Jess M, who hands Savannah a lifeline, but may yet exact a fee in blood. Above all, there is Tricia, a longstanding SERHANT employee who used to run her own nail salon in Brooklyn and parlayed the 23,000 contacts she gathered on that database into a career in real estate. You might hear Shoreditch called the Brooklyn of London, she says, because "you're always going to be emulating our shit. That's just how it is." She works with her husband. "I wouldn't recommend it, but I do it and I do it well." It was he who proposed the arrangement. She recalls the moment fondly. "Well, I'd like to join me, too! Shit." Ryan calls her "the unofficial mayor of Brooklyn", but she may be the US president by the time you read this. What else is there to say? With the exception of the occasional brownstone, the properties continue to confirm the maxim that money cannot buy you taste. They also deepen the mystery surrounding American hygiene. Just about every property has more bathrooms than bedrooms. The poorest clients get by with, say, a 3.5:3 ratio, but the $250m penthouse overlooking Central Park – which will become the focal point of much vicious infighting – shows us that the ideal is 11:7. One each and four spare. What is going on? skip past newsletter promotion

France goes to polls as far right eyes historic win

Voting got underway in France's overseas territories Saturday in high-stakes snap parliamentary elections that could see the far-right party of Marine Le Pen take power for the first time. Residents of the tiny French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, off the coast of Canada, were the first to cast their ballots in the first round of the election. France's islands in the Caribbean and the South American territory of French Guiana also voted Saturday. And polling stations in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia, hit by deadly riots last month, opened at 10 p.m. Paris time (2000 GMT). Voting in mainland France starts Sunday. Support for the anti-immigration and Eurosceptic National Rally (RN) party has surged despite President Emmanuel Macron's pledges to prevent its ascent. Most polls put the National Rally on course to win the largest number of seats in the 577-member National Assembly, parliament's lower house. But it remains unclear if the party will secure an outright majority. A high turnout is predicted, and the final opinion polls have given the RN between 35% and 37% of the vote, against 27.5-29% for the left-wing New Popular Front alliance and 20-21% for Macron's centrist camp. Campaigning ended at Friday midnight. Candidates cannot speak publicly — nor can any polls be published — until Sunday evening when voting has finished. If the RN obtains an absolute majority, party chief Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 28-year-old protege with no governing experience, could become prime minister in a tense "cohabitation" with Macron. The shape of the new parliament will become clear after the second round of voting on July 7. Political 'impasse' Wielding mops and buckets, several activists of the Femen feminist collective dressed as cleaners on Saturday demonstrated at the Trocadero in Paris, chanting slogans against the extreme right. Separately, tens thousands of people joined an LGBTQ+ Pride march in Paris, with some carrying placards targeting the far-right. "I think it's even more important right now to fight against hatred in general, in all its forms," said 19-year-old student Themis Hallin-Mallet. Once the first-round results are in, Macron plans to convene a government meeting to decide how to respond to the situation, government sources told AFP. France is heading for a year of political chaos and confusion with a hung Assembly, said Mujtaba Rahman, Europe head at Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy. "There is no precedent in recent French politics for such an impasse," Rahman said. Macron's decision to call snap elections after the RN's victory in European Parliament elections this month stunned friends and foes alike and sparked uncertainty in Europe's second-biggest economy. The Paris stock exchange suffered its biggest monthly decline in two years in June, dropping by 6.4%, according to figures released Friday. In an editorial, French daily Le Monde said it was time to mobilize against the far right. "Yielding any power to it means nothing less than taking the risk of seeing everything that has been built and conquered over more than two and a half centuries gradually being undone," it said. 'Victory is within grasp' Many observers have noted a spike in hate speech, intolerance and racism during the charged campaign. A video of two RN supporters verbally assaulting a black woman has gone viral in recent days. Macron has deplored "racism or anti-Semitism." The French president apparently hoped to catch political opponents off-guard by presenting voters with a crucial choice about France's future, but observers say he might have lost his gamble. Support for Macron's centrist camp appears to have collapsed, while left-wing parties put their bickering aside to form the New Popular Front, a nod to an alliance founded in 1936 to combat fascism. Analysts say Le Pen's yearslong efforts to clean up the image of a party co-founded by a former Waffen SS member have paid off. The party has promised to bolster purchasing power, curb immigration, and boost law and order. "Victory is within our grasp, so let's seize this historic opportunity and get out and vote!" Le Pen wrote on X Friday. Under Macron, France has been one of Ukraine's main Western backers since Russia invaded in 2022. But Le Pen and Bardella have said they would scale down French support for Ukraine, by ruling out the deployment of ground troops and long-range missiles.

europe

France goes to polls as far right eyes historic win. Voting got underway in France's overseas territories Saturday in high-stakes snap parliamentary elections that could see the far-right party of Marine Le Pen take power for the first time. Residents of the tiny French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, off the coast of Canada, were the first to cast their ballots in the first round of the election. France's islands in the Caribbean and the South American territory of French Guiana also voted Saturday. And polling stations in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia, hit by deadly riots last month, opened at 10 p.m. Paris time (2000 GMT). Voting in mainland France starts Sunday. Support for the anti-immigration and Eurosceptic National Rally (RN) party has surged despite President Emmanuel Macron's pledges to prevent its ascent. Most polls put the National Rally on course to win the largest number of seats in the 577-member National Assembly, parliament's lower house. But it remains unclear if the party will secure an outright majority. A high turnout is predicted, and the final opinion polls have given the RN between 35% and 37% of the vote, against 27.5-29% for the left-wing New Popular Front alliance and 20-21% for Macron's centrist camp. Campaigning ended at Friday midnight. Candidates cannot speak publicly — nor can any polls be published — until Sunday evening when voting has finished. If the RN obtains an absolute majority, party chief Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 28-year-old protege with no governing experience, could become prime minister in a tense "cohabitation" with Macron. The shape of the new parliament will become clear after the second round of voting on July 7. Political 'impasse' Wielding mops and buckets, several activists of the Femen feminist collective dressed as cleaners on Saturday demonstrated at the Trocadero in Paris, chanting slogans against the extreme right. Separately, tens thousands of people joined an LGBTQ+ Pride march in Paris, with some carrying placards targeting the far-right. "I think it's even more important right now to fight against hatred in general, in all its forms," said 19-year-old student Themis Hallin-Mallet. Once the first-round results are in, Macron plans to convene a government meeting to decide how to respond to the situation, government sources told AFP. France is heading for a year of political chaos and confusion with a hung Assembly, said Mujtaba Rahman, Europe head at Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy. "There is no precedent in recent French politics for such an impasse," Rahman said. Macron's decision to call snap elections after the RN's victory in European Parliament elections this month stunned friends and foes alike and sparked uncertainty in Europe's second-biggest economy. The Paris stock exchange suffered its biggest monthly decline in two years in June, dropping by 6.4%, according to figures released Friday. In an editorial, French daily Le Monde said it was time to mobilize against the far right. "Yielding any power to it means nothing less than taking the risk of seeing everything that has been built and conquered over more than two and a half centuries gradually being undone," it said. 'Victory is within grasp' Many observers have noted a spike in hate speech, intolerance and racism during the charged campaign. A video of two RN supporters verbally assaulting a black woman has gone viral in recent days. Macron has deplored "racism or anti-Semitism." The French president apparently hoped to catch political opponents off-guard by presenting voters with a crucial choice about France's future, but observers say he might have lost his gamble. Support for Macron's centrist camp appears to have collapsed, while left-wing parties put their bickering aside to form the New Popular Front, a nod to an alliance founded in 1936 to combat fascism. Analysts say Le Pen's yearslong efforts to clean up the image of a party co-founded by a former Waffen SS member have paid off. The party has promised to bolster purchasing power, curb immigration, and boost law and order. "Victory is within our grasp, so let's seize this historic opportunity and get out and vote!" Le Pen wrote on X Friday. Under Macron, France has been one of Ukraine's main Western backers since Russia invaded in 2022. But Le Pen and Bardella have said they would scale down French support for Ukraine, by ruling out the deployment of ground troops and long-range missiles.

BVNK launches Layer1 to simplify stablecoin payments for businesses

Stablecoin payment platform BVNK has introduced Layer1, a self-custody digital asset infrastructure, according to a June 27 statement shared with CryptoSlate. This platform helps businesses launch Layer1 BVNK aims to streamline blockchain payments through its Layer1 solution. This initiative tackles infrastructure challenges, enabling businesses to quickly implement digital asset payments globally, even without extensive technical knowledge. Layer1 specifically targets critical issues in current digital asset solutions. It accelerates time to market, provides blockchain abstraction, enhances data privacy and control, and integrates with existing systems. Some of the solution's automated functionalities include wallet creation, reconciliation, asset management, and integration with third-party services. It also supports automated consolidation, multi-venue trading, and comprehensive treasury management. BVNK CTO and co-founder Donald Jackson said the product was designed to meet the increasing demand for blockchain products. He stated: "Layer1 is the culmination of our learnings and it means that other businesses can launch digital asset payments without needing to be blockchain experts, to know how this or that network behaves, or when the next hard fork is coming – and without needing to deploy an entire engineering team to develop software for two years." Stablecoin payments Layer1's debut arrives amid robust expansion in the stablecoin sector. Between 2019 and 2023, annual stablecoin transactions surged 18-fold, reaching approximately $7 billion. During this period, stablecoin holders peaked at 100 million, with the total market capitalization of assets in the sector reaching $160 billion, mostly made up of USDT. The industry has also attracted strong interest from traditional financial payment institutions like Visa and Jesse Hemson-Struthers, BVNK CEO, highlighted this rising appetite among various entities—from major financial institutions to trading firms and crypto enterprises—for self-hosted solutions in response to this growth. He said: "With Layer1, we've built a product that allows these firms to access core stablecoin payments infrastructure, so they can spend their time instead on building differentiated products." Oluwapelumi values Bitcoin's potential. He imparts insights on a range of topics like DeFi, hacks, mining and culture, underlining transformative power. Senior Editor at CryptoSlate Also known as "Akiba," Liam is a reporter, editor and podcast producer at CryptoSlate. He believes that decentralized technology has the potential to make widespread positive change.

crypto

BVNK launches Layer1 to simplify stablecoin payments for businesses. Stablecoin payment platform BVNK has introduced Layer1, a self-custody digital asset infrastructure, according to a June 27 statement shared with CryptoSlate. This platform helps businesses launch Layer1 BVNK aims to streamline blockchain payments through its Layer1 solution. This initiative tackles infrastructure challenges, enabling businesses to quickly implement digital asset payments globally, even without extensive technical knowledge. Layer1 specifically targets critical issues in current digital asset solutions. It accelerates time to market, provides blockchain abstraction, enhances data privacy and control, and integrates with existing systems. Some of the solution's automated functionalities include wallet creation, reconciliation, asset management, and integration with third-party services. It also supports automated consolidation, multi-venue trading, and comprehensive treasury management. BVNK CTO and co-founder Donald Jackson said the product was designed to meet the increasing demand for blockchain products. He stated: "Layer1 is the culmination of our learnings and it means that other businesses can launch digital asset payments without needing to be blockchain experts, to know how this or that network behaves, or when the next hard fork is coming – and without needing to deploy an entire engineering team to develop software for two years." Stablecoin payments Layer1's debut arrives amid robust expansion in the stablecoin sector. Between 2019 and 2023, annual stablecoin transactions surged 18-fold, reaching approximately $7 billion. During this period, stablecoin holders peaked at 100 million, with the total market capitalization of assets in the sector reaching $160 billion, mostly made up of USDT. The industry has also attracted strong interest from traditional financial payment institutions like Visa and Jesse Hemson-Struthers, BVNK CEO, highlighted this rising appetite among various entities—from major financial institutions to trading firms and crypto enterprises—for self-hosted solutions in response to this growth. He said: "With Layer1, we've built a product that allows these firms to access core stablecoin payments infrastructure, so they can spend their time instead on building differentiated products." Oluwapelumi values Bitcoin's potential. He imparts insights on a range of topics like DeFi, hacks, mining and culture, underlining transformative power. Senior Editor at CryptoSlate Also known as "Akiba," Liam is a reporter, editor and podcast producer at CryptoSlate. He believes that decentralized technology has the potential to make widespread positive change.

Joey Chestnut to compete in a July 4th hot dog eating contest after all

Joey Chestnut reacts after being banned from Nathan's hot dog eating contest: 'I was gutted' OutKick host Dan Dakich joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss his reaction to Chestnut's ban and Caitlin Clark being left off Team USA. Joey Chestnut will still be eating hot dogs on the Fourth of July. It just won't happen in Coney Island. Chestnut will compete against soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas, after his fallout with Nathan's Famous due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods. Chestnut will not compete in the hot dog eating contest because of his deal with the company. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Joey Chestnut, winner of the 2021 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, poses for photos in Coney Island's Maimonides Park July 4, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File) Chestnut, who ate a record-setting 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes during the 2021 event, said he was "gutted" when he learned he couldn't compete in the event. He said he loves the atmosphere at the event and the fans who come out to see the competition. Chestnut will match up against hungry soldiers on America's Independence Day. "If they (each) break ten, that'd be pretty good," he told The Associated Press. He said he'd do a practice round Friday, then ingest oils to "make sure there's a clean highway, there won't be any traffic jams" in his digestive system. JOEY CHESTNUT'S RIVAL SAYS WINNER OF NATHAN'S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST THIS YEAR WILL HAVE 'HUGE ASTERISK' Competitive eater Joey Chestnut poses with his mustard yellow championship belt during a game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ball State Cardinals at Sanford Stadium Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images) Chestnut said he hopes to be back in the Nathan's competition next year, though the obstacle with Major League Eating will have to be overcome. "I feel bullied," he said. "If I'm ever going to work with them again, they're going to have to apologize," Chestnut said. Major League Eating spokesman George Shea told AP the sponsorship deal was an issue. "Unfortunately, this was not enough to get us to an agreement," the statement said. "We think this is a powerful tribute to our armed forces, and we wish Joey the best of luck at his event." Joey Chestnut stuffs his mouth with hot dogs during the men's competition of Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest, July 4, 2019, in New York's Coney Island.

sports

Joey Chestnut to compete in a July 4th hot dog eating contest after all. Joey Chestnut reacts after being banned from Nathan's hot dog eating contest: 'I was gutted' OutKick host Dan Dakich joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss his reaction to Chestnut's ban and Caitlin Clark being left off Team USA. Joey Chestnut will still be eating hot dogs on the Fourth of July. It just won't happen in Coney Island. Chestnut will compete against soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas, after his fallout with Nathan's Famous due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods. Chestnut will not compete in the hot dog eating contest because of his deal with the company. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Joey Chestnut, winner of the 2021 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, poses for photos in Coney Island's Maimonides Park July 4, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File) Chestnut, who ate a record-setting 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes during the 2021 event, said he was "gutted" when he learned he couldn't compete in the event. He said he loves the atmosphere at the event and the fans who come out to see the competition. Chestnut will match up against hungry soldiers on America's Independence Day. "If they (each) break ten, that'd be pretty good," he told The Associated Press. He said he'd do a practice round Friday, then ingest oils to "make sure there's a clean highway, there won't be any traffic jams" in his digestive system. JOEY CHESTNUT'S RIVAL SAYS WINNER OF NATHAN'S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST THIS YEAR WILL HAVE 'HUGE ASTERISK' Competitive eater Joey Chestnut poses with his mustard yellow championship belt during a game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ball State Cardinals at Sanford Stadium Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images) Chestnut said he hopes to be back in the Nathan's competition next year, though the obstacle with Major League Eating will have to be overcome. "I feel bullied," he said. "If I'm ever going to work with them again, they're going to have to apologize," Chestnut said. Major League Eating spokesman George Shea told AP the sponsorship deal was an issue. "Unfortunately, this was not enough to get us to an agreement," the statement said. "We think this is a powerful tribute to our armed forces, and we wish Joey the best of luck at his event." Joey Chestnut stuffs his mouth with hot dogs during the men's competition of Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest, July 4, 2019, in New York's Coney Island.

B.C. coroner says 11 people died of heat injuries in 2023, urges residents to prepare

Eleven people died from suspected heat-related injuries in British Columbia last year, according to the latest data from the provincial coroners service, which is urging residents to prepare for more unusually high temperatures this summer. The updated heat-death statistics released Wednesday show all of the 2023 fatalities occurred between the months of May and August, with more than 80 per cent recorded in July and August. Among the dead were eight men and three women. All but one victim were aged 50 or older, while one was under 30 years old, according to the B.C. Coroners Service. Five heat-related deaths last year happened in the Interior region, four were recorded on Vancouver Island and two were identified in the Fraser region. The coroner defines a heat-related fatality as one in which the victim's body temperature, or the area around the body, is high enough to indicate hyperthermia, or there is medical evidence or other evidence at the scene suggesting heat played a role in the death. The coroner says the 2023 data on heat-related deaths is still preliminary as its investigations continue. "These data were compiled by date of death, which may differ from the date of injury," the agency noted in a statement Wednesday. "In some cases, the death may occur months or years after injury." In 2022, 16 people – mostly over the age of 60 – died from heat injuries in B.C., with all the deaths recorded in July and August. During the summer heat dome of 2021, which set record-high temperatures in Western Canada, a staggering 619 people in B.C. died from heat-related causes in the months of June and July, according to the coroner. A subsequent death review panel found most of those who died during the heat dome were elderly, had a disability, lived in lower-income neighbourhoods or lived alone. As the province prepares for more extreme heat, the coroners service is advising residents to check on friends and family members, especially those who live alone, during high temperatures; stay hydrated; and visit air-conditioned public spaces, such as community centres, libraries and shopping malls if air conditioning is not available at home. Last year, the B.C. government put up $10 million through the provincial hydro utility to provide up to 8,000 free air-conditioning units to vulnerable and low-income residents, following on one of the key recommendations of the death review panel. B.C. residents who qualify for the no-cost portable air conditioners can apply through the BC Hydro Are car dealership employees linked to auto thefts in Canada? CTV News investigates Lawyers looking for thousands of families owed money by Veterans Affairs The suit was launched after the Office of the Veterans Ombud found the government had been improperly calculating the disability benefits and pensions of its clients starting in 2003. 'Why did I have this surgery?' Ont. mother seeks answers after son's tonsil surgery 'Why did I have this surgery?' Ont. mother seeks answers after son's tonsil surgery Companies face confusion as they prepare for Quebec's new language rules next year

canada

B.C. coroner says 11 people died of heat injuries in 2023, urges residents to prepare. Eleven people died from suspected heat-related injuries in British Columbia last year, according to the latest data from the provincial coroners service, which is urging residents to prepare for more unusually high temperatures this summer. The updated heat-death statistics released Wednesday show all of the 2023 fatalities occurred between the months of May and August, with more than 80 per cent recorded in July and August. Among the dead were eight men and three women. All but one victim were aged 50 or older, while one was under 30 years old, according to the B.C. Coroners Service. Five heat-related deaths last year happened in the Interior region, four were recorded on Vancouver Island and two were identified in the Fraser region. The coroner defines a heat-related fatality as one in which the victim's body temperature, or the area around the body, is high enough to indicate hyperthermia, or there is medical evidence or other evidence at the scene suggesting heat played a role in the death. The coroner says the 2023 data on heat-related deaths is still preliminary as its investigations continue. "These data were compiled by date of death, which may differ from the date of injury," the agency noted in a statement Wednesday. "In some cases, the death may occur months or years after injury." In 2022, 16 people – mostly over the age of 60 – died from heat injuries in B.C., with all the deaths recorded in July and August. During the summer heat dome of 2021, which set record-high temperatures in Western Canada, a staggering 619 people in B.C. died from heat-related causes in the months of June and July, according to the coroner. A subsequent death review panel found most of those who died during the heat dome were elderly, had a disability, lived in lower-income neighbourhoods or lived alone. As the province prepares for more extreme heat, the coroners service is advising residents to check on friends and family members, especially those who live alone, during high temperatures; stay hydrated; and visit air-conditioned public spaces, such as community centres, libraries and shopping malls if air conditioning is not available at home. Last year, the B.C. government put up $10 million through the provincial hydro utility to provide up to 8,000 free air-conditioning units to vulnerable and low-income residents, following on one of the key recommendations of the death review panel. B.C. residents who qualify for the no-cost portable air conditioners can apply through the BC Hydro Are car dealership employees linked to auto thefts in Canada? CTV News investigates Lawyers looking for thousands of families owed money by Veterans Affairs The suit was launched after the Office of the Veterans Ombud found the government had been improperly calculating the disability benefits and pensions of its clients starting in 2003. 'Why did I have this surgery?' Ont. mother seeks answers after son's tonsil surgery 'Why did I have this surgery?' Ont. mother seeks answers after son's tonsil surgery Companies face confusion as they prepare for Quebec's new language rules next year

Add a Mexican flair to Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen!

One of Mexico City’s top-rated Japanese restaurants is Asai Kaiseki Cuisine, an intimate establishment tucked away from Polanco’s usual hustle and bustle. You might recognize Chef Yasuo Asai from TV — in 2022 he was invited to host an episode of MasterChef Mexico — but the truth is, you’ll usually find him behind the sushi bar, whipping up food that will transport you from Mexico to his native Japan, if only for a few hours. Chef Asai is known for running two very successful ventures: First, one of the most authentic Japanese kitchens in the capital, with an outpost in Mérida. Second, an engaging TikTok account where he experiments with new recipes, using fresh ingredients from the local tianguis and imports from Japan. His dishes are a fascinating fusion of beloved Mexican classics like blue corn, mole, nopales, and dried chiles, incorporated with Japanese wagyu, miso, and sushi. Chef Yasuo Asai, best known for his appearance on Mexican MasterChef, has spent his career combining the flavors of Mexico with those of his native Japan.  (Facebook) A scroll through his social media accounts takes you down a mouthwatering rabbit hole of his personal kitchen “experiments,” filmed in quick succession, taste tested by the king himself, and then rated. Not normally one to keep entertained by reels or TikTok, I found myself glued to the screen. I spent far too long watching him effortlessly concoct colorful plates of blue corn shrimp tempura served with lime and salt (which he proceeded to rate a measly 3 out of 5, leaving me to feel relatively sure that we do not have similar palettes) and lime ramen with chicken whose decadent-looking broth sparkled with freshly squeezed lime and an anchovy base (which he rated 5 out of 5). Chef Asai also tested a spring roll stuffed with huitlacoche and topped with salsa verde (rated 3.5 out of 5), and his version of Mole Tokatsu, fried pork stuffed with nopales and Oaxacan cheese, smothered in a miso-mole sauce (which he rated a 6 out of 5 and described as “a toda madre”, aka freaking awesome). Every once in a while, a recipe will be deemed good enough to carve a permanent spot on the restaurant’s menu, delighting repeat diners who swear by his culinary magic. But despite Asai Kaiseki Cuisine’s current popularity, it wasn’t always an easy ride. Bringing Japanese food to Mexico “I started by offering just a tasting menu and the diners weren’t expecting that. They wanted California rolls.” Asai notes, adding that introducing Mexico to authentic Japanese food was (and still often is) a challenge. Consumers are looking for dragon rolls, salmon and avocado rolls, and all sorts of maki rolls with cream cheese — bites that really don’t exist in Japan. To top it off, traditional Japanese ingredients are either difficult to find or incredibly expensive to import. This may have partly influenced Japanese cuisine chefs to incorporate Mexican flavors into their menus. Chef Asai commonly uses nopales, sal de chapulín, and sal de jamaica to spice things up. The Asai Kaiseki Cuisine at their Polanco restaurant. (Facebook) The Japanese-Mexican fusion trend doesn’t cease to exist outside the walls of Chef Asai’s coveted culinary coves. Santo in Roma Norte includes seared hamachi & Oaxacan chocolate nigiri on the menu. Crudo in Oaxaca City serves nori-wrapped tacos. North of Los Cabos, visitors can chow down on a teriyaki chicken and pineapple roll wrapped in a Baja-sourced basil leaf at Noah. And you can do the same, right in your kitchen. Using inspiration from various Japanese restaurants in Mexico City and food blogs, I’ve compiled a short list of easy-to-make gastronomic delights that will whisk you away to a vibrant izakaya in Osaka for a few blissful moments before zipping you back to a lively square in Guadalajara. Nopal nigiri (inspired by Asai Kasai Cuisine) Japan’s most iconic foodstuff meets Mexico’s staple ingredient in this simple (but delicious) recipe. (Facebook) Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice (bought or homemade with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt) cooled to room temperature 2 – 3 nopal cactus paddles Wasabi (paste or freshly grated) Soy Sauce Instructions: Scrape nopales free of thorns and rinse. Boil until tender and the slimy texture has evaporated. Let cool and slice into strips about 2 inches long and 0.75 inches thick. Shape sushi rice into 12 mounds about 1.5 inches long and 0.5 inches thick. Put a dash of wasabi on top of each rice mound. Wrap a strip of nopal over the rice mound. Optional: If desired, add a slice of sushi-grade white fish or cooked shrimp rubbed with chili on top of the nopal. Serve with soy sauce for dipping. Miso and Chile Poblano Sauce It wouldn’t be “Mexican fusion” if it wasn’t a bit spicy, right? (Dan Dealmeida/Unsplash) Ingredients: 2 poblano peppers 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt to taste Water (as needed) Instructions: Preheat the broiler in your oven. Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and blistered. Transfer roasted peppers into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for about 10 minutes. Peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and chop flesh into tiny pieces. In a blender or food processor, combine peppers, miso paste, rice vinegar, honey or agave nectar, minced garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed. Serve over grilled meat or roasted vegetables. Chicken Teriyaki (recipe by Chef Asai) The oriental classic meets North American snacking in a match made in heaven. (Freepik) Ingredients: 1 chicken breast Flour for dusting 1 tsp Oil Salt and pepper 60ml sake 60ml soy sauce 40g sugar Instructions: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Coat with flour and sauté in a little oil. When half cooked, add the sake, soy sauce, and sugar, and continue cooking until caramelized. Japanese Tuna Tacos Tacos. Sushi. Heaven. (Freepik) Ingredients: 1.5lb sushi-grade tuna 1/4 cup ponzu sauce 1 tbsp vegetable oil Ponzu-wasabi mayo 12 — 14 corn tortillas Limes to taste Optional: shredded cabbage, carrot, and lettuce slaw Instructions: In a plastic bag, marinate raw tuna in ponzu sauce and chill for 1 hour Grill or sear fish for about 3 minutes or until cooked on the outside and rare on the inside. Turn once. Make ponzu-wasabi mayo by mixing 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp ponzu, and 1 tsp wasabi paste. Serve on warm tortillas with a drizzle of ponzu wasabi mayo. Squeeze lime and add slaw if desired. Have you thought of a way for Mexico to reinvent Japanese food? Let us know in the comments! Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog , or follow her on Instagram . The post Add a Mexican flair to Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen! appeared first on Mexico News Daily

lifestyle,mexico

Add a Mexican flair to Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen!. One of Mexico City’s top-rated Japanese restaurants is Asai Kaiseki Cuisine, an intimate establishment tucked away from Polanco’s usual hustle and bustle. You might recognize Chef Yasuo Asai from TV — in 2022 he was invited to host an episode of MasterChef Mexico — but the truth is, you’ll usually find him behind the sushi bar, whipping up food that will transport you from Mexico to his native Japan, if only for a few hours. Chef Asai is known for running two very successful ventures: First, one of the most authentic Japanese kitchens in the capital, with an outpost in Mérida. Second, an engaging TikTok account where he experiments with new recipes, using fresh ingredients from the local tianguis and imports from Japan. His dishes are a fascinating fusion of beloved Mexican classics like blue corn, mole, nopales, and dried chiles, incorporated with Japanese wagyu, miso, and sushi. Chef Yasuo Asai, best known for his appearance on Mexican MasterChef, has spent his career combining the flavors of Mexico with those of his native Japan.  (Facebook) A scroll through his social media accounts takes you down a mouthwatering rabbit hole of his personal kitchen “experiments,” filmed in quick succession, taste tested by the king himself, and then rated. Not normally one to keep entertained by reels or TikTok, I found myself glued to the screen. I spent far too long watching him effortlessly concoct colorful plates of blue corn shrimp tempura served with lime and salt (which he proceeded to rate a measly 3 out of 5, leaving me to feel relatively sure that we do not have similar palettes) and lime ramen with chicken whose decadent-looking broth sparkled with freshly squeezed lime and an anchovy base (which he rated 5 out of 5). Chef Asai also tested a spring roll stuffed with huitlacoche and topped with salsa verde (rated 3.5 out of 5), and his version of Mole Tokatsu, fried pork stuffed with nopales and Oaxacan cheese, smothered in a miso-mole sauce (which he rated a 6 out of 5 and described as “a toda madre”, aka freaking awesome). Every once in a while, a recipe will be deemed good enough to carve a permanent spot on the restaurant’s menu, delighting repeat diners who swear by his culinary magic. But despite Asai Kaiseki Cuisine’s current popularity, it wasn’t always an easy ride. Bringing Japanese food to Mexico “I started by offering just a tasting menu and the diners weren’t expecting that. They wanted California rolls.” Asai notes, adding that introducing Mexico to authentic Japanese food was (and still often is) a challenge. Consumers are looking for dragon rolls, salmon and avocado rolls, and all sorts of maki rolls with cream cheese — bites that really don’t exist in Japan. To top it off, traditional Japanese ingredients are either difficult to find or incredibly expensive to import. This may have partly influenced Japanese cuisine chefs to incorporate Mexican flavors into their menus. Chef Asai commonly uses nopales, sal de chapulín, and sal de jamaica to spice things up. The Asai Kaiseki Cuisine at their Polanco restaurant. (Facebook) The Japanese-Mexican fusion trend doesn’t cease to exist outside the walls of Chef Asai’s coveted culinary coves. Santo in Roma Norte includes seared hamachi & Oaxacan chocolate nigiri on the menu. Crudo in Oaxaca City serves nori-wrapped tacos. North of Los Cabos, visitors can chow down on a teriyaki chicken and pineapple roll wrapped in a Baja-sourced basil leaf at Noah. And you can do the same, right in your kitchen. Using inspiration from various Japanese restaurants in Mexico City and food blogs, I’ve compiled a short list of easy-to-make gastronomic delights that will whisk you away to a vibrant izakaya in Osaka for a few blissful moments before zipping you back to a lively square in Guadalajara. Nopal nigiri (inspired by Asai Kasai Cuisine) Japan’s most iconic foodstuff meets Mexico’s staple ingredient in this simple (but delicious) recipe. (Facebook) Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice (bought or homemade with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt) cooled to room temperature 2 – 3 nopal cactus paddles Wasabi (paste or freshly grated) Soy Sauce Instructions: Scrape nopales free of thorns and rinse. Boil until tender and the slimy texture has evaporated. Let cool and slice into strips about 2 inches long and 0.75 inches thick. Shape sushi rice into 12 mounds about 1.5 inches long and 0.5 inches thick. Put a dash of wasabi on top of each rice mound. Wrap a strip of nopal over the rice mound. Optional: If desired, add a slice of sushi-grade white fish or cooked shrimp rubbed with chili on top of the nopal. Serve with soy sauce for dipping. Miso and Chile Poblano Sauce It wouldn’t be “Mexican fusion” if it wasn’t a bit spicy, right? (Dan Dealmeida/Unsplash) Ingredients: 2 poblano peppers 2 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt to taste Water (as needed) Instructions: Preheat the broiler in your oven. Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and blistered. Transfer roasted peppers into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for about 10 minutes. Peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and chop flesh into tiny pieces. In a blender or food processor, combine peppers, miso paste, rice vinegar, honey or agave nectar, minced garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed. Serve over grilled meat or roasted vegetables. Chicken Teriyaki (recipe by Chef Asai) The oriental classic meets North American snacking in a match made in heaven. (Freepik) Ingredients: 1 chicken breast Flour for dusting 1 tsp Oil Salt and pepper 60ml sake 60ml soy sauce 40g sugar Instructions: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Coat with flour and sauté in a little oil. When half cooked, add the sake, soy sauce, and sugar, and continue cooking until caramelized. Japanese Tuna Tacos Tacos. Sushi. Heaven. (Freepik) Ingredients: 1.5lb sushi-grade tuna 1/4 cup ponzu sauce 1 tbsp vegetable oil Ponzu-wasabi mayo 12 — 14 corn tortillas Limes to taste Optional: shredded cabbage, carrot, and lettuce slaw Instructions: In a plastic bag, marinate raw tuna in ponzu sauce and chill for 1 hour Grill or sear fish for about 3 minutes or until cooked on the outside and rare on the inside. Turn once. Make ponzu-wasabi mayo by mixing 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp ponzu, and 1 tsp wasabi paste. Serve on warm tortillas with a drizzle of ponzu wasabi mayo. Squeeze lime and add slaw if desired. Have you thought of a way for Mexico to reinvent Japanese food? Let us know in the comments! Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog , or follow her on Instagram . The post Add a Mexican flair to Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen! appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Pearcey on Darwin and Huxley: Philosophy, Not Evidence, Drove Them to Their Conclusions

"You Guys Lost! Is Design a Closed Issue?". Here, Pearcey explains what historians know, but few of the rest of us do: If anything, Charles Darwin's science grew out of his naturalistic philosophy, not the other way around. "He started with a philosophical conviction," says Pearcey, "and then started looking for a theory to validate it." Pearcey also discusses one of Darwin's fiercest defenders, his "bulldog" T.H. Huxley, who liked Darwinism more for its philosophy than its science. And even Darwin admitted the evidence wasn't all it could or should be. A closer examination of Darwin's ideas, and his frank and honest acknowledgements about his own theory, shows he wasn't nearly as dogmatic as many of his followers. This is an important thing to remember as we continue to evaluate the legacy of Darwin's arguments today. Listen to Part 1 of this discussion Scientists agree that our universe is finely tuned for the existence of life. But is the fine-tuning a happy accident or the result of foresight? On this ID The Future, host Brian Miller continues his conversation with Rabbi Elie Feder and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the Physics to God podcast. Feder has a PhD in mathematics and has published articles on graph theory. Zimmer has training in physics, and has studied mathematics, philosophy, and psychology. Both men also have extensive rabbinical training. Through their podcast, Feder and Zimmer invite both secular and religious listeners on a journey through modern physics as they offer rational arguments for an intelligent cause of the universe. In the conclusion to their discussion, Feder and Zimmer explain why the cosmological constant is one of their favorite examples of fine-tuning. They also share the importance of exploring the teleological causes, or purposes, of natural phenomena. To help listeners grasp the difference between efficient causes and teleological causes, they give the example of a carpenter who builds a table. Is the carpenter the cause of the existence of the table? Or is the idea of the table in the carpenter's mind the cause? Or both? Using modern physics, say Feder and Zimmer, an objective justification for the purpose of the universe can be made. Enjoy this provocative and illuminating discussion! Don't miss Part 1 of the conversation, available here: Next Post How Life Leverages the Laws of Nature to Survive Left to their own devices, the natural result of physics and chemistry is death, not life. So how are we still breathing? On this ID The Future, host Eric Anderson concludes his conversation with physician Howard Glicksman about some of the remarkable engineering challenges that have to be solved to produce and maintain living organisms such as ourselves. Glicksman is co-author with systems engineer Steve Laufmann of the recent book Your Designed Body, an exploration of the extraordinary system of systems that encompasses thousands of ingenious and interdependent engineering solutions to keep us alive and ticking. In the "just so" stories of the Darwinian narrative, these engineering solutions simply evolved. They emerged and got conserved. Voila! But it takes more than the laws of nature to keep us from dying. In Part 1, Glicksman discussed how two laws of nature - diffusion and osmosis - must be innovated by living systems to avoid cell death. In this episode, Glicksman provides another example: how we regulate the flow of water and blood through our bodies without the excess leakage or shrinkage that can lead to cell death. The protein albumin is crucial. Along with helping to transport minerals and hormones, albumin vitally maintains blood volume by regulating the water flow in and out of the capillaries. How does our liver know how to make albumin, or how much of it to make? Can a gradual Darwinian process be credited with these essential innovations? Or do they bear hallmarks of design? Listen in as Dr. Glicksman explains this remarkable system, just one of many engineering feats our bodies perform every day to keep us alive.

science

Pearcey on Darwin and Huxley: Philosophy, Not Evidence, Drove Them to Their Conclusions. "You Guys Lost! Is Design a Closed Issue?". Here, Pearcey explains what historians know, but few of the rest of us do: If anything, Charles Darwin's science grew out of his naturalistic philosophy, not the other way around. "He started with a philosophical conviction," says Pearcey, "and then started looking for a theory to validate it." Pearcey also discusses one of Darwin's fiercest defenders, his "bulldog" T.H. Huxley, who liked Darwinism more for its philosophy than its science. And even Darwin admitted the evidence wasn't all it could or should be. A closer examination of Darwin's ideas, and his frank and honest acknowledgements about his own theory, shows he wasn't nearly as dogmatic as many of his followers. This is an important thing to remember as we continue to evaluate the legacy of Darwin's arguments today. Listen to Part 1 of this discussion Scientists agree that our universe is finely tuned for the existence of life. But is the fine-tuning a happy accident or the result of foresight? On this ID The Future, host Brian Miller continues his conversation with Rabbi Elie Feder and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the Physics to God podcast. Feder has a PhD in mathematics and has published articles on graph theory. Zimmer has training in physics, and has studied mathematics, philosophy, and psychology. Both men also have extensive rabbinical training. Through their podcast, Feder and Zimmer invite both secular and religious listeners on a journey through modern physics as they offer rational arguments for an intelligent cause of the universe. In the conclusion to their discussion, Feder and Zimmer explain why the cosmological constant is one of their favorite examples of fine-tuning. They also share the importance of exploring the teleological causes, or purposes, of natural phenomena. To help listeners grasp the difference between efficient causes and teleological causes, they give the example of a carpenter who builds a table. Is the carpenter the cause of the existence of the table? Or is the idea of the table in the carpenter's mind the cause? Or both? Using modern physics, say Feder and Zimmer, an objective justification for the purpose of the universe can be made. Enjoy this provocative and illuminating discussion! Don't miss Part 1 of the conversation, available here: Next Post How Life Leverages the Laws of Nature to Survive Left to their own devices, the natural result of physics and chemistry is death, not life. So how are we still breathing? On this ID The Future, host Eric Anderson concludes his conversation with physician Howard Glicksman about some of the remarkable engineering challenges that have to be solved to produce and maintain living organisms such as ourselves. Glicksman is co-author with systems engineer Steve Laufmann of the recent book Your Designed Body, an exploration of the extraordinary system of systems that encompasses thousands of ingenious and interdependent engineering solutions to keep us alive and ticking. In the "just so" stories of the Darwinian narrative, these engineering solutions simply evolved. They emerged and got conserved. Voila! But it takes more than the laws of nature to keep us from dying. In Part 1, Glicksman discussed how two laws of nature - diffusion and osmosis - must be innovated by living systems to avoid cell death. In this episode, Glicksman provides another example: how we regulate the flow of water and blood through our bodies without the excess leakage or shrinkage that can lead to cell death. The protein albumin is crucial. Along with helping to transport minerals and hormones, albumin vitally maintains blood volume by regulating the water flow in and out of the capillaries. How does our liver know how to make albumin, or how much of it to make? Can a gradual Darwinian process be credited with these essential innovations? Or do they bear hallmarks of design? Listen in as Dr. Glicksman explains this remarkable system, just one of many engineering feats our bodies perform every day to keep us alive.

Russian-Made Turboshafts Handed Over For Ansat Flight Tests.

aerospace,military

Russian-Made Turboshafts Handed Over For Ansat Flight Tests..

XSOOH Announces its New High-Speed Hair Dryer

XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer is designed to address the most common challenges faced by consumers: time-consuming drying sessions and heat damage. Traditional hair dryers often struggle to balance speed with hair health, leaving users with dry, frizzy hair. The XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer, however, leverages advanced technology to deliver quick, safe, and effective results. The XSOOH hair dryer has a ground-breaking 110,000 RPM brushless DC motor and wind speeds up to 22 m /s so that blow-drying time can be significantly reduced. Hair that takes 20 minutes to dry with a traditional hair dryer can be dried in just 5 minutes with the XSOOH hair dryer. XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer prioritizes healthy hair with intelligent heat control technology. Unlike conventional dryers that can overheat and damage hair, the XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer constantly monitors air temperature, ensuring a safe and gentle drying experience. XSOOH is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge hair care solutions that combine innovation, quality, and affordability. With a team of experts and a commitment to excellence, XSOOH continues to push boundaries and shape the future of haircare.

tech,lifestyle

XSOOH Announces its New High-Speed Hair Dryer. XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer is designed to address the most common challenges faced by consumers: time-consuming drying sessions and heat damage. Traditional hair dryers often struggle to balance speed with hair health, leaving users with dry, frizzy hair. The XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer, however, leverages advanced technology to deliver quick, safe, and effective results. The XSOOH hair dryer has a ground-breaking 110,000 RPM brushless DC motor and wind speeds up to 22 m /s so that blow-drying time can be significantly reduced. Hair that takes 20 minutes to dry with a traditional hair dryer can be dried in just 5 minutes with the XSOOH hair dryer. XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer prioritizes healthy hair with intelligent heat control technology. Unlike conventional dryers that can overheat and damage hair, the XSOOH High-Speed Hair Dryer constantly monitors air temperature, ensuring a safe and gentle drying experience. XSOOH is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge hair care solutions that combine innovation, quality, and affordability. With a team of experts and a commitment to excellence, XSOOH continues to push boundaries and shape the future of haircare.

Robert F Kennedy Jr brushes off sexual assault allegation: ‘I am who I am’

Robert F Kennedy Jr has responded to an allegation that he sexually assaulted an employee by stating: "I am not a church boy," as scrutiny grows over his long-shot run for the presidency. The independent candidate, who is seen as a threat by both the Biden and Trump campaigns, made the statement after his former babysitter told Vanity Fair that Kennedy assaulted her at his home in 1998. Eliza Cooney, who worked for Kennedy and his then wife as a live-in nanny at the family's home in Mount Kisco, New York, said Kennedy touched her leg at a business meeting and later appeared shirtless in her bedroom before asking her to rub lotion on his back. A few months later, Kennedy blocked Cooney in the kitchen "and began groping her", Vanity Fair reported. Cooney told the magazine that Kennedy touched her inappropriately. "My back was to the door of the pantry, and he came up behind me," Cooney said. "I was frozen. Shocked." The assault was interrupted, Cooney said, when a male worker entered the kitchen. Asked about the sexual assault allegation on the Breaking Points podcast, Kennedy said: "The [Vanity Fair] article is a lot of garbage." He added: "Listen, I have said this from the beginning. I am not a church boy. I am not running like that. "I said in my … I had a very, very rambunctious youth. I said in my announcement speech that I have so many skeletons in my closet that if, if they could all vote, I could run for king of the world. "So, you know, Vanity Fair is recycling 30-year-old stories. And, I'm not, you know, going to comment on the details of any of them. But it's, you know, I am who I am." Asked if he was denying that he assaulted Cooney, Kennedy said: "I'm not going to comment on it." The Kennedy campaign did not respond to a Guardian request for comment. Cooney said she kept the alleged assault secret until the #MeToo movement prompted many women to come forward with stories of abuse in 2017. She told her mother, and after Kennedy announced his campaign for the presidency in 2023, Cooney told two friends and a lawyer, Elizabeth Geddes. Geddes did not respond to a request for comment. Kennedy, 70, initially ran against Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination before launching a campaign RFK Jr claims Republicans, Democrats and CNN conspired to exclude him from debate Read more As the son of Robert F Kennedy, the US senator for New York who was assassinated in 1968, and the nephew of John F Kennedy, who was assassinated while serving as president in 1963, Kennedy's campaign drew widespread attention but has been littered with controversies. In July 2023, a video surfaced of Kennedy making false claims that Covid-19 was "ethnically targeted" to attack Black people and white people while sparing Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people, while Kennedy has also claimed that wifi causes "leaky brain". linked antidepressants to school shootings, and in 2023 he claimed that chemicals in water are making children transgender. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, is polling at 9.1% of the national vote, according to FiveThirtyEight's average, and is highly unlikely to win the presidency.

world

Robert F Kennedy Jr brushes off sexual assault allegation: ‘I am who I am’. Robert F Kennedy Jr has responded to an allegation that he sexually assaulted an employee by stating: "I am not a church boy," as scrutiny grows over his long-shot run for the presidency. The independent candidate, who is seen as a threat by both the Biden and Trump campaigns, made the statement after his former babysitter told Vanity Fair that Kennedy assaulted her at his home in 1998. Eliza Cooney, who worked for Kennedy and his then wife as a live-in nanny at the family's home in Mount Kisco, New York, said Kennedy touched her leg at a business meeting and later appeared shirtless in her bedroom before asking her to rub lotion on his back. A few months later, Kennedy blocked Cooney in the kitchen "and began groping her", Vanity Fair reported. Cooney told the magazine that Kennedy touched her inappropriately. "My back was to the door of the pantry, and he came up behind me," Cooney said. "I was frozen. Shocked." The assault was interrupted, Cooney said, when a male worker entered the kitchen. Asked about the sexual assault allegation on the Breaking Points podcast, Kennedy said: "The [Vanity Fair] article is a lot of garbage." He added: "Listen, I have said this from the beginning. I am not a church boy. I am not running like that. "I said in my … I had a very, very rambunctious youth. I said in my announcement speech that I have so many skeletons in my closet that if, if they could all vote, I could run for king of the world. "So, you know, Vanity Fair is recycling 30-year-old stories. And, I'm not, you know, going to comment on the details of any of them. But it's, you know, I am who I am." Asked if he was denying that he assaulted Cooney, Kennedy said: "I'm not going to comment on it." The Kennedy campaign did not respond to a Guardian request for comment. Cooney said she kept the alleged assault secret until the #MeToo movement prompted many women to come forward with stories of abuse in 2017. She told her mother, and after Kennedy announced his campaign for the presidency in 2023, Cooney told two friends and a lawyer, Elizabeth Geddes. Geddes did not respond to a request for comment. Kennedy, 70, initially ran against Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination before launching a campaign RFK Jr claims Republicans, Democrats and CNN conspired to exclude him from debate Read more As the son of Robert F Kennedy, the US senator for New York who was assassinated in 1968, and the nephew of John F Kennedy, who was assassinated while serving as president in 1963, Kennedy's campaign drew widespread attention but has been littered with controversies. In July 2023, a video surfaced of Kennedy making false claims that Covid-19 was "ethnically targeted" to attack Black people and white people while sparing Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people, while Kennedy has also claimed that wifi causes "leaky brain". linked antidepressants to school shootings, and in 2023 he claimed that chemicals in water are making children transgender. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, is polling at 9.1% of the national vote, according to FiveThirtyEight's average, and is highly unlikely to win the presidency.

Japanese-Texas fusion hotel will cater to Toyota HQ visitors

The Miyako Hotel, shown in a rendering, is designed in part to give Japanese executives visiting Toyota's campus in Plano, Texas, and nearby suppliers a comfortable oasis reminiscent of home. A hotel blending Japanese style and sophistication with Texas hospitality is slated to rise near Toyota Motor North America's headquarters in suburban Dallas. The 217-room Miyako Hotel is designed in part to give Japanese executives visiting Toyota's campus in Plano, Texas, and nearby suppliers a comfortable oasis reminiscent of home. The project was announced in 2019 but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction is now expected to begin in 2025, with the 14-story hotel opening by mid-2027. Planned amenities include a rooftop teppanyaki bar with panoramic views of the Texas prairie, outdoor steam rooms and a bakery serving artistic Japanese pastries. A garden will mix cherry blossom trees and Japanese maples with native north Texas plants, while exterior lighting will resemble paper lanterns. Rooms will have traditional Japanese teapots and tatami mats, while the decor will incorporate shoji screens and wallpaper with Japanese motifs. "Everything tries to have a little nod to the Japanese aesthetic," Alejandro Guerrero, from design firm Gensler, told the Dallas Business Journal. The hotel will be operated by Kintetsu Enterprises Co. of America, which manages 6,000 rooms in the U.S. and Japan. It already has hotels near Toyota's former North American headquarters in Torrance, Calif., and in Los Angeles. Toyota moved to Texas in 2017. "When Toyota moved to Plano, [Kintetsu] was asked if they would be interested in doing a hotel here, not just to serve the Japanese employees and executives from Toyota, but to bring a Japanese aesthetic, service and harmony to north Texas," Stephen Galbreath, chief development officer for developer Garfield Public/Private, privacy policy, for purposes that may include site operation, analytics, enhanced user experience, or advertising. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies or manage your own preferences.

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Japanese-Texas fusion hotel will cater to Toyota HQ visitors. The Miyako Hotel, shown in a rendering, is designed in part to give Japanese executives visiting Toyota's campus in Plano, Texas, and nearby suppliers a comfortable oasis reminiscent of home. A hotel blending Japanese style and sophistication with Texas hospitality is slated to rise near Toyota Motor North America's headquarters in suburban Dallas. The 217-room Miyako Hotel is designed in part to give Japanese executives visiting Toyota's campus in Plano, Texas, and nearby suppliers a comfortable oasis reminiscent of home. The project was announced in 2019 but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction is now expected to begin in 2025, with the 14-story hotel opening by mid-2027. Planned amenities include a rooftop teppanyaki bar with panoramic views of the Texas prairie, outdoor steam rooms and a bakery serving artistic Japanese pastries. A garden will mix cherry blossom trees and Japanese maples with native north Texas plants, while exterior lighting will resemble paper lanterns. Rooms will have traditional Japanese teapots and tatami mats, while the decor will incorporate shoji screens and wallpaper with Japanese motifs. "Everything tries to have a little nod to the Japanese aesthetic," Alejandro Guerrero, from design firm Gensler, told the Dallas Business Journal. The hotel will be operated by Kintetsu Enterprises Co. of America, which manages 6,000 rooms in the U.S. and Japan. It already has hotels near Toyota's former North American headquarters in Torrance, Calif., and in Los Angeles. Toyota moved to Texas in 2017. "When Toyota moved to Plano, [Kintetsu] was asked if they would be interested in doing a hotel here, not just to serve the Japanese employees and executives from Toyota, but to bring a Japanese aesthetic, service and harmony to north Texas," Stephen Galbreath, chief development officer for developer Garfield Public/Private, privacy policy, for purposes that may include site operation, analytics, enhanced user experience, or advertising. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies or manage your own preferences.

Prescriptions for weight loss, diabetes drugs for young people leaped 600% since 2020, study says

The number of young people in the U.S. who are prescribed GLP-1 agonist drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes soared 594.4 per cent in just three years, according to new research. Demand for these drugs has skyrocketed for people of all ages recently, but the study, which was published Wednesday in the journal JAMA, found that between 2020 and 2023, the number of prescriptions written for people ages 12 to 25 increased from 8,722 to 60,567. Young women and adolescent girls had the biggest increase in the number of prescriptions. The study looked information from a database that reports prescriptions from more than 93 per cent of retail pharmacies in the United States, although the data cannot capture what exactly the prescriptions were intended to treat and whether the patient actually used the medications. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories For context, the study authors also looked at prescription trends for other medications and found that there was a three per cent decrease in the prescription of other drugs for this age category during this same time period. The study looked at Ozempic (which uses the active ingredient semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Byetta (exenatide), which are approved to treat type 2 diabetes and can help with weight loss, and Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), which are approved for weight management. Each can be prescribed for children as young as 10 or 12. Tirzepatide, sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro, is approved only for adults. The authors from the University of Michigan Medical School and Yale University said that, given how many young people are being prescribed these medications, efforts to promote safe and appropriate prescribing should include endocrinologists, doctors who practice family medicine and nurse practitioners. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are affecting an increasing number of young people. The number of people ages 10 to 19 with type 2 diabetes doubled just over the past two decades in the U.S., a 2023 study found. The study predicted that by 2060, the number of young people with type 2 diabetes will increase 673 per cent. Obesity is also a significant problem for young people in the U.S., where the average young adult is now overweight, according to a 2023 study. About one in six adolescents is overweight, and almost one in five has obesity, studies show. Obesity alone affects 14.4 million children and teens in the U.S. Having obesity as a young person significantly increases a person's chance of weight problems when they are older, research shows. Obesity and overweight can also be a significant risk factor for other health conditions like heart disease, kidney problems and even cancer, studies show, in additional to mental health conditions. Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado who has been working with this class of medication in clinical trials with children for almost a decade, says the drugs have been a game-changer not just to help kids lose weight and lower blood sugar, but also to lower liver fat and improve cardiac and kidney function – "all of those conditions that go with type 2 diabetes." "So it's not only that they're lowering blood sugars. It's that they appear to be decreasing the complications that we see from type 2 diabetes, so that they're really affecting multiple aspects," said Cree, who was not involved with the new study. "They're really changing the face of what diabetes looks like in an individual and in the field of diabetes across the board." The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for managing obesity last year and said that, in addition to behaviour and lifestyle treatments for the whole family, the use of weight loss medications is appropriate for children 12 and over. Cree said she sees few downsides to these drugs. Some of her patients have had to stop taking them or can't take as much because of side effects like nausea, and she'd like to see more research on that topic. When her patients can get access, Cree said, the positive changes have been significant. Many have experienced "profound" weight loss, she said, transforming their lives. The most significant downsides have nothing to do with the physical impact of the medications; rather, it's that the medicine can be expensive and many of her patients can't get insurance to cover the cost, particularly if they're used for weight loss. Additionally, many patients have had a hard time filling prescriptions because of drug shortages. One parent of a child who lost a significant amount of weight told Cree that the medicine gave her her daughter back. "I had another girl who, after some weight loss, went to prom last fall, and it was the first dance she had ever gone to, because it was the first time she felt comfortable wearing a dress," Cree said. "So really, really poignant stories from these adolescents. I just feel privileged to be a part of their life and be able to share in these transformations and moments with them." 1 dead, 3 in hospital after flying wheel crashes into bus windshield on QEW Prosecutors seek to bar Trump in classified files case from public statements endangering law enforcement Federal prosecutors on Friday asked the judge overseeing the classified documents case against Donald Trump to bar the former president from public statements that 'pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents' participating in the prosecution. Uvalde families sue Meta and 'Call of Duty' maker on 2nd anniversary of school attack Families in Uvalde took more legal action Friday on the second anniversary of the Robb Elementary School attack, suing Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram, and the maker of the video game 'Call of Duty' over claims the companies bear responsibility for products used by the teenage gunman. Car bomb in the Syrian capital kills one. Drone strike near Lebanon border targets two vehicles Warnings were issued about high winds before deadly Mexico stage collapse, but they went unheeded Warnings were issued well before a campaign event about high winds that caused a deadly Mexico stage collapse this week, raising questions about why those alerts went unheeded. Emergency convoy delivers provisions to survivors of devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea Survivors searched through tons of earth and rubble by hand looking for missing relatives while a first emergency convoy delivered food, water and other provisions Saturday at the site of a landslide that devastated a remote village in the mountains of Papua New Guinea and was feared to have buried scores of people, officials said. What we know about the young missionaries and religious leader killed in Haiti Border intelligence program needs improved training, analytical tools: evaluation Boeing's 1st astronaut flight now set for June after a review of small leak on new capsule OpenAI to start using news content from News Corp. as part of a multi-year deal Before Michael Stipe was known the world over as the lead singer and lyricist for the multimillion-selling rock band R.E.M., he was taking pictures. And while his outsized music career has since overshadowed his visual pursuits, the 64-year-old set a personal sales record earlier this month at a private art auction in Vancouver. Judge denies motion to dismiss indictment against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' shooting case New lawsuit accuses Sean 'Diddy' Combs of sexually abusing college student in the 1990s Pomp, circumstance, and Crocs: Barrie, Ont. couple's unforgettable day at Buckingham Palace When one is extended an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in London, England, there's undoubtedly no shortage of pomp and circumstance. Barrie, Ont. natives Megan Kirk Chang and her husband Brandon experienced just that as they entered the prestigious event hosted at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans? An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. 'Near and dear to all filmmakers': Return of Regina's discount theatre bodes well for fans, movie makers alike 'We bring grit and heart': Powerful Knights get stronger with return of 2 veterans The federal government is providing a low-interest loan of $25 million for new rental units in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Canadian soldiers and government officials arrived in northeastern France this week for a historic mission: returning an unknown Newfoundland soldier back home. Newfoundland grandmothers can wail on the accordion. A historian wants them on stage 79-year-old Madonna Wilkinson has been playing the accordion since she was 15, when she picked one up that had been left behind at one of her parents' rollicking parties in the oceanside town about 25 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L. She has played Sunday masses and St. Patrick's Day parties, and community events of all kinds. The latest advice for expecting parents? Sign up for child care as soon as you're pregnant

health

Prescriptions for weight loss, diabetes drugs for young people leaped 600% since 2020, study says. The number of young people in the U.S. who are prescribed GLP-1 agonist drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes soared 594.4 per cent in just three years, according to new research. Demand for these drugs has skyrocketed for people of all ages recently, but the study, which was published Wednesday in the journal JAMA, found that between 2020 and 2023, the number of prescriptions written for people ages 12 to 25 increased from 8,722 to 60,567. Young women and adolescent girls had the biggest increase in the number of prescriptions. The study looked information from a database that reports prescriptions from more than 93 per cent of retail pharmacies in the United States, although the data cannot capture what exactly the prescriptions were intended to treat and whether the patient actually used the medications. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories For context, the study authors also looked at prescription trends for other medications and found that there was a three per cent decrease in the prescription of other drugs for this age category during this same time period. The study looked at Ozempic (which uses the active ingredient semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Byetta (exenatide), which are approved to treat type 2 diabetes and can help with weight loss, and Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), which are approved for weight management. Each can be prescribed for children as young as 10 or 12. Tirzepatide, sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro, is approved only for adults. The authors from the University of Michigan Medical School and Yale University said that, given how many young people are being prescribed these medications, efforts to promote safe and appropriate prescribing should include endocrinologists, doctors who practice family medicine and nurse practitioners. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are affecting an increasing number of young people. The number of people ages 10 to 19 with type 2 diabetes doubled just over the past two decades in the U.S., a 2023 study found. The study predicted that by 2060, the number of young people with type 2 diabetes will increase 673 per cent. Obesity is also a significant problem for young people in the U.S., where the average young adult is now overweight, according to a 2023 study. About one in six adolescents is overweight, and almost one in five has obesity, studies show. Obesity alone affects 14.4 million children and teens in the U.S. Having obesity as a young person significantly increases a person's chance of weight problems when they are older, research shows. Obesity and overweight can also be a significant risk factor for other health conditions like heart disease, kidney problems and even cancer, studies show, in additional to mental health conditions. Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado who has been working with this class of medication in clinical trials with children for almost a decade, says the drugs have been a game-changer not just to help kids lose weight and lower blood sugar, but also to lower liver fat and improve cardiac and kidney function – "all of those conditions that go with type 2 diabetes." "So it's not only that they're lowering blood sugars. It's that they appear to be decreasing the complications that we see from type 2 diabetes, so that they're really affecting multiple aspects," said Cree, who was not involved with the new study. "They're really changing the face of what diabetes looks like in an individual and in the field of diabetes across the board." The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for managing obesity last year and said that, in addition to behaviour and lifestyle treatments for the whole family, the use of weight loss medications is appropriate for children 12 and over. Cree said she sees few downsides to these drugs. Some of her patients have had to stop taking them or can't take as much because of side effects like nausea, and she'd like to see more research on that topic. When her patients can get access, Cree said, the positive changes have been significant. Many have experienced "profound" weight loss, she said, transforming their lives. The most significant downsides have nothing to do with the physical impact of the medications; rather, it's that the medicine can be expensive and many of her patients can't get insurance to cover the cost, particularly if they're used for weight loss. Additionally, many patients have had a hard time filling prescriptions because of drug shortages. One parent of a child who lost a significant amount of weight told Cree that the medicine gave her her daughter back. "I had another girl who, after some weight loss, went to prom last fall, and it was the first dance she had ever gone to, because it was the first time she felt comfortable wearing a dress," Cree said. "So really, really poignant stories from these adolescents. I just feel privileged to be a part of their life and be able to share in these transformations and moments with them." 1 dead, 3 in hospital after flying wheel crashes into bus windshield on QEW Prosecutors seek to bar Trump in classified files case from public statements endangering law enforcement Federal prosecutors on Friday asked the judge overseeing the classified documents case against Donald Trump to bar the former president from public statements that 'pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents' participating in the prosecution. Uvalde families sue Meta and 'Call of Duty' maker on 2nd anniversary of school attack Families in Uvalde took more legal action Friday on the second anniversary of the Robb Elementary School attack, suing Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram, and the maker of the video game 'Call of Duty' over claims the companies bear responsibility for products used by the teenage gunman. Car bomb in the Syrian capital kills one. Drone strike near Lebanon border targets two vehicles Warnings were issued about high winds before deadly Mexico stage collapse, but they went unheeded Warnings were issued well before a campaign event about high winds that caused a deadly Mexico stage collapse this week, raising questions about why those alerts went unheeded. Emergency convoy delivers provisions to survivors of devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea Survivors searched through tons of earth and rubble by hand looking for missing relatives while a first emergency convoy delivered food, water and other provisions Saturday at the site of a landslide that devastated a remote village in the mountains of Papua New Guinea and was feared to have buried scores of people, officials said. What we know about the young missionaries and religious leader killed in Haiti Border intelligence program needs improved training, analytical tools: evaluation Boeing's 1st astronaut flight now set for June after a review of small leak on new capsule OpenAI to start using news content from News Corp. as part of a multi-year deal Before Michael Stipe was known the world over as the lead singer and lyricist for the multimillion-selling rock band R.E.M., he was taking pictures. And while his outsized music career has since overshadowed his visual pursuits, the 64-year-old set a personal sales record earlier this month at a private art auction in Vancouver. Judge denies motion to dismiss indictment against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' shooting case New lawsuit accuses Sean 'Diddy' Combs of sexually abusing college student in the 1990s Pomp, circumstance, and Crocs: Barrie, Ont. couple's unforgettable day at Buckingham Palace When one is extended an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in London, England, there's undoubtedly no shortage of pomp and circumstance. Barrie, Ont. natives Megan Kirk Chang and her husband Brandon experienced just that as they entered the prestigious event hosted at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans? An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. 'Near and dear to all filmmakers': Return of Regina's discount theatre bodes well for fans, movie makers alike 'We bring grit and heart': Powerful Knights get stronger with return of 2 veterans The federal government is providing a low-interest loan of $25 million for new rental units in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Canadian soldiers and government officials arrived in northeastern France this week for a historic mission: returning an unknown Newfoundland soldier back home. Newfoundland grandmothers can wail on the accordion. A historian wants them on stage 79-year-old Madonna Wilkinson has been playing the accordion since she was 15, when she picked one up that had been left behind at one of her parents' rollicking parties in the oceanside town about 25 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L. She has played Sunday masses and St. Patrick's Day parties, and community events of all kinds. The latest advice for expecting parents? Sign up for child care as soon as you're pregnant

NYC firefighters perform daring rescues during apartment fire that left 1 dead, 17 injured

The New York Fire Department performed three rope rescues with assistance from the NYPD Special Ops Aviation Unit to get those trapped inside their apartments out of the building. Credit: @NYPDnews on X Join Fox News for access to this content Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. New York firefighters performed a series of daring rescues during a fire at an apartment building that left one person dead Friday and injured more than a dozen others, as people were seen hanging out of windows and fire escapes to get away from the flames and one jumped onto the ground. The two-alarm blaze broke out just after 2 p.m. on the third floor of a six-story building located at 149th Street and St. Nicholas Place in Harlem. The flames had spread into the hallways and trapped people in the floors above, fire officials said. When firefighters arrived, there were "numerous" people on the fire escapes, the New York Fire Department said. POLICE: MISSOURI FIRE THAT KILLED A WOMAN AND HER FOUR CHILDREN WAS MURDER-SUICIDE People were trapped in an apartment fire at a Harlem building Friday, leaving one person dead and 17 others injured. (WNYW) "It was so dangerous that firefighters had to make three rope rescues, which is something very unusual for us to do at one fire," an FDNY official said at a news conference. The department performs one rope rescue per year on average, said FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens, citing the severity of the blaze. He said one person jumped out of a window as the flames and smoke spread throughout the building. "Unfortunately, due to the severity of this fire, one of the victims had to basically jump out of the window," he said. "They were hanging there for a little bit and they couldn't hold on any longer and fell." A witness, Michelle Paradis, told FOX 5 NY that she saw the window jumper. 2 DEAD IN FIRE AT LONG ISLAND SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEX "They were on the window sill, and they were trying to escape, but it's all the way on the top floor … they were hanging onto the window," she said. "I guess they couldn't hang on for long, and they fell to the ground." Overall, 18 people were injured. Twelve of them were taken to area hospitals. Five of those victims are in critical condition. It was not clear if the person who died was the one who jumped out of a window. To save those hanging outside of windows because of the heavy smoke, firefighters performed the rope rescue – where a firefighter is attached to a rope being held from the roof and lowered off the side of a building. the firefighter grabs the person trapped and both are lowered to the ground with assistance from the NYPD Special Ops Aviation Unit. "A very heroic action," FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens said of the firefighters' actions Friday.

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NYC firefighters perform daring rescues during apartment fire that left 1 dead, 17 injured. The New York Fire Department performed three rope rescues with assistance from the NYPD Special Ops Aviation Unit to get those trapped inside their apartments out of the building. Credit: @NYPDnews on X Join Fox News for access to this content Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. New York firefighters performed a series of daring rescues during a fire at an apartment building that left one person dead Friday and injured more than a dozen others, as people were seen hanging out of windows and fire escapes to get away from the flames and one jumped onto the ground. The two-alarm blaze broke out just after 2 p.m. on the third floor of a six-story building located at 149th Street and St. Nicholas Place in Harlem. The flames had spread into the hallways and trapped people in the floors above, fire officials said. When firefighters arrived, there were "numerous" people on the fire escapes, the New York Fire Department said. POLICE: MISSOURI FIRE THAT KILLED A WOMAN AND HER FOUR CHILDREN WAS MURDER-SUICIDE People were trapped in an apartment fire at a Harlem building Friday, leaving one person dead and 17 others injured. (WNYW) "It was so dangerous that firefighters had to make three rope rescues, which is something very unusual for us to do at one fire," an FDNY official said at a news conference. The department performs one rope rescue per year on average, said FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens, citing the severity of the blaze. He said one person jumped out of a window as the flames and smoke spread throughout the building. "Unfortunately, due to the severity of this fire, one of the victims had to basically jump out of the window," he said. "They were hanging there for a little bit and they couldn't hold on any longer and fell." A witness, Michelle Paradis, told FOX 5 NY that she saw the window jumper. 2 DEAD IN FIRE AT LONG ISLAND SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEX "They were on the window sill, and they were trying to escape, but it's all the way on the top floor … they were hanging onto the window," she said. "I guess they couldn't hang on for long, and they fell to the ground." Overall, 18 people were injured. Twelve of them were taken to area hospitals. Five of those victims are in critical condition. It was not clear if the person who died was the one who jumped out of a window. To save those hanging outside of windows because of the heavy smoke, firefighters performed the rope rescue – where a firefighter is attached to a rope being held from the roof and lowered off the side of a building. the firefighter grabs the person trapped and both are lowered to the ground with assistance from the NYPD Special Ops Aviation Unit. "A very heroic action," FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens said of the firefighters' actions Friday.

German police intervene to stem clashes between England and Serbia fans ahead of Euro 2024 match

England soccer fans cheer in front of police ahead the Group C match between Serbia and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, June 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany - Police rushed to separate brawling fans of the England and Serbia soccer teams on Sunday ahead of their match at the European Championships soccer tournament in Germany. Social media footage showed men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant festooned with Serbian flags in the western city of Gelsenkirchen. One group beat a hasty retreat as riot police arrived and wrestled at least one man to the ground. A Serbian fan told The Associated Press that a group of people had thrown glasses and stones at the area outside the restaurant where he and others were sitting together drinking beer. "There was a clash and we are fine. So that's it, we are going to the game, we hope we will win. This is about football," said the man, who identified himself only as Vladimir and said he was from the Serbian capital Belgrade. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories Reporters who arrived shortly after the incident found the street littered with broken glass and tables as several dozen police officers stood by. A spokesman for Gelsenkirchen police said the officers had separated a group of England fans from a group of Serbian fans and brought the situation under control. The spokesman, who commented on condition of anonymity in line with police policy, said he had no information on injuries or arrests. The match on Sunday evening between England and Serbia has been tagged high risk by police over concerns about potential fan violence. Both sets of supporters have a reputation for causing trouble before and during matches. About 20,000 England fans and 10,000 from Serbia were expected to converge on the city for the game. Only low-alcohol beer is being served in the Gelsenkirchen stadium in an attempt to reduce the potential for problems. Less than 10 per cent of homeless shelters N.S. promised last year currently in place Nova Scotia has installed fewer than 10 per cent of the 200 shelters it promised to set up for the province's homeless residents more than eight months after first making the pledge. Prince William shares childhood photo of him and King Charles III for Father's Day Prince William on Sunday shared a photograph showing him as a child with his father, King Charles III, to mark Father's Day in the United Kingdom this year. Clooney and Roberts help Biden raise US$30 million-plus at a star-studded Hollywood gala Some of Hollywood's brightest stars headlined a fundraiser for U.S. President Joe Biden that took in a record US$30 million-plus for a Democratic candidate, according to his campaign, in hopes of energizing would-be supporters for a White House contest they said may rank among the most consequential in U.S. history. No injuries reported after camper engulfed in flames in parking garage: Regina fire A fire in an underground parking facility in Regina led to no injuries, according to the city's fire department. 78 countries at Swiss conference agree Ukraine's territorial integrity must be basis of any peace Less than 10 per cent of homeless shelters N.S. promised last year currently in place Nova Scotia has installed fewer than 10 per cent of the 200 shelters it promised to set up for the province's homeless residents more than eight months after first making the pledge. 'Dismantled' human smuggling group tied to dead migrants in St. Lawrence River: RCMP East Coast authorities working on warning signs for great white sharks 7 shot when gunfire erupts at a pop-up party in Massachusetts 2 killed, 6 wounded in shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in a Texas park A shooting in a Texas park left two people dead and six wounded, including two children, on Saturday, authorities said. German police shot a man allegedly threatening them with a hammer in Euro 2024 host city Hamburg German police said Sunday they shot and wounded a man who was threatening them with a pick hammer and a Molotov cocktail in the northern city of Hamburg, hours before it hosted a match in the European Championship soccer tournament. American tourist found dead on small Greek island west of Corfu. 3 other tourists are missing German police intervene to stem clashes between England and Serbia fans ahead of Euro 2024 match Singh 'more alarmed than before' after reading full foreign interference report Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he is 'even more alarmed than before' after reading the un-redacted report alleging there are MPs and senators who are participating to some degree in foreign interference efforts. Foreign Affairs Minister insists there are no 'traitors' in Liberal caucus Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly insists there are no "traitors" in the Liberal caucus, after a report from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) alleged there are MPs and senators who are "semi-witting or witting participants" in foreign interference efforts. Trudeau calls into question findings of stunning watchdog foreign interference report Some hawking stem cells say they can treat almost anything. They can't Polar-grizzly bear interbreeding still rare, but expected to increase as habitats overlap: new report Prince William shares childhood photo of him and King Charles III for Father's Day Euro 2024: Wout Weghorst breaks Poland's hearts with late winning goal for the Netherlands Maker of Jeep and Dodge plans to kill chrome on cars, citing risks to those who make it Tesla shareholders approve CEO Musk's US$56 billion pay, company's move to Texas 'Historic' handshake of Canadian and U.S. ironworkers as Gordie Howe bridge connects 'If they can run, I can run': 87-year-old set to complete 10th Manitoba Marathon race Forgotten soldier's name added to Almonte, Ont. cenotaph thanks to Grade 6 class It has taken more than 100 years, but Almonte's forgotten soldier, George B. Monterville has had his name etched back into history. Toronto politicians, advocates and other prominent figures share important lesson imparted by their fathers Moncton bakery owner celebrates 35 years with 220-foot flatbread Fancy Pokket owner Mike Timani has decided to create a 220-foot long flat bread to celebrate its 35th anniversary. 'Too much warming': Polar bears in Hudson Bay could go extinct by 2030s if global temperatures continue to increase If certain goals that are in the Paris Climate Accord aren't met, the existence of polar bears in the Hudson Bay may come to an end. Swift Current offers to temporarily rename itself if Taylor Swift returns to Sask. Adult dogs, puppies arrive in Moncton from Manitoba in search of forever homes Climate disasters require emergency plans for dialysis patients, experts say Toronto politicians, advocates and other prominent figures share important lesson imparted by their fathers For Father's Day, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca reached out to local politicians, community advocates, and other prominent figures in the city to ask them to share what important lesson they have learned from their dads. Global study ranks two Canadians cities high on list of most expensive places to buy a home Strong majority of LCBO workers vote to back strike if needed, union says 'If they can run, I can run': 87-year-old set to complete 10th Manitoba Marathon race At least 10 animals left in vehicles in Waterloo region this month: police The City of Windsor has named a new commissioner of infrastructure services. Most glassware at Mexican Village stolen by customers: WindsorEats owner Ahead of the start of the 2024 Carrousel of the Nations festival, WindsorEats — where the Mexican Village is being held — wanted to use creatively-designed glassware to serve drinks. But, according to the owner, 80 per cent of those glasses were taken home by customers during the village's opening night. Victoria pulls cash from its financial reserve to help its most vulnerable citizens Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto says city council wants to prevent some of the issues faced by its most vulnerable citizens, rather than simply dealing with the aftermath, even if it means stepping outside of what's normally seen as a local government responsibility. Basketball ban at townhouse complex upheld by B.C. tribunal Images released of suspect who allegedly hit Victoria mall employee in the face with skateboard

sports

German police intervene to stem clashes between England and Serbia fans ahead of Euro 2024 match. England soccer fans cheer in front of police ahead the Group C match between Serbia and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, June 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany - Police rushed to separate brawling fans of the England and Serbia soccer teams on Sunday ahead of their match at the European Championships soccer tournament in Germany. Social media footage showed men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant festooned with Serbian flags in the western city of Gelsenkirchen. One group beat a hasty retreat as riot police arrived and wrestled at least one man to the ground. A Serbian fan told The Associated Press that a group of people had thrown glasses and stones at the area outside the restaurant where he and others were sitting together drinking beer. "There was a clash and we are fine. So that's it, we are going to the game, we hope we will win. This is about football," said the man, who identified himself only as Vladimir and said he was from the Serbian capital Belgrade. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories Reporters who arrived shortly after the incident found the street littered with broken glass and tables as several dozen police officers stood by. A spokesman for Gelsenkirchen police said the officers had separated a group of England fans from a group of Serbian fans and brought the situation under control. The spokesman, who commented on condition of anonymity in line with police policy, said he had no information on injuries or arrests. The match on Sunday evening between England and Serbia has been tagged high risk by police over concerns about potential fan violence. Both sets of supporters have a reputation for causing trouble before and during matches. About 20,000 England fans and 10,000 from Serbia were expected to converge on the city for the game. Only low-alcohol beer is being served in the Gelsenkirchen stadium in an attempt to reduce the potential for problems. Less than 10 per cent of homeless shelters N.S. promised last year currently in place Nova Scotia has installed fewer than 10 per cent of the 200 shelters it promised to set up for the province's homeless residents more than eight months after first making the pledge. Prince William shares childhood photo of him and King Charles III for Father's Day Prince William on Sunday shared a photograph showing him as a child with his father, King Charles III, to mark Father's Day in the United Kingdom this year. Clooney and Roberts help Biden raise US$30 million-plus at a star-studded Hollywood gala Some of Hollywood's brightest stars headlined a fundraiser for U.S. President Joe Biden that took in a record US$30 million-plus for a Democratic candidate, according to his campaign, in hopes of energizing would-be supporters for a White House contest they said may rank among the most consequential in U.S. history. No injuries reported after camper engulfed in flames in parking garage: Regina fire A fire in an underground parking facility in Regina led to no injuries, according to the city's fire department. 78 countries at Swiss conference agree Ukraine's territorial integrity must be basis of any peace Less than 10 per cent of homeless shelters N.S. promised last year currently in place Nova Scotia has installed fewer than 10 per cent of the 200 shelters it promised to set up for the province's homeless residents more than eight months after first making the pledge. 'Dismantled' human smuggling group tied to dead migrants in St. Lawrence River: RCMP East Coast authorities working on warning signs for great white sharks 7 shot when gunfire erupts at a pop-up party in Massachusetts 2 killed, 6 wounded in shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in a Texas park A shooting in a Texas park left two people dead and six wounded, including two children, on Saturday, authorities said. German police shot a man allegedly threatening them with a hammer in Euro 2024 host city Hamburg German police said Sunday they shot and wounded a man who was threatening them with a pick hammer and a Molotov cocktail in the northern city of Hamburg, hours before it hosted a match in the European Championship soccer tournament. American tourist found dead on small Greek island west of Corfu. 3 other tourists are missing German police intervene to stem clashes between England and Serbia fans ahead of Euro 2024 match Singh 'more alarmed than before' after reading full foreign interference report Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he is 'even more alarmed than before' after reading the un-redacted report alleging there are MPs and senators who are participating to some degree in foreign interference efforts. Foreign Affairs Minister insists there are no 'traitors' in Liberal caucus Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly insists there are no "traitors" in the Liberal caucus, after a report from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) alleged there are MPs and senators who are "semi-witting or witting participants" in foreign interference efforts. Trudeau calls into question findings of stunning watchdog foreign interference report Some hawking stem cells say they can treat almost anything. They can't Polar-grizzly bear interbreeding still rare, but expected to increase as habitats overlap: new report Prince William shares childhood photo of him and King Charles III for Father's Day Euro 2024: Wout Weghorst breaks Poland's hearts with late winning goal for the Netherlands Maker of Jeep and Dodge plans to kill chrome on cars, citing risks to those who make it Tesla shareholders approve CEO Musk's US$56 billion pay, company's move to Texas 'Historic' handshake of Canadian and U.S. ironworkers as Gordie Howe bridge connects 'If they can run, I can run': 87-year-old set to complete 10th Manitoba Marathon race Forgotten soldier's name added to Almonte, Ont. cenotaph thanks to Grade 6 class It has taken more than 100 years, but Almonte's forgotten soldier, George B. Monterville has had his name etched back into history. Toronto politicians, advocates and other prominent figures share important lesson imparted by their fathers Moncton bakery owner celebrates 35 years with 220-foot flatbread Fancy Pokket owner Mike Timani has decided to create a 220-foot long flat bread to celebrate its 35th anniversary. 'Too much warming': Polar bears in Hudson Bay could go extinct by 2030s if global temperatures continue to increase If certain goals that are in the Paris Climate Accord aren't met, the existence of polar bears in the Hudson Bay may come to an end. Swift Current offers to temporarily rename itself if Taylor Swift returns to Sask. Adult dogs, puppies arrive in Moncton from Manitoba in search of forever homes Climate disasters require emergency plans for dialysis patients, experts say Toronto politicians, advocates and other prominent figures share important lesson imparted by their fathers For Father's Day, CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca reached out to local politicians, community advocates, and other prominent figures in the city to ask them to share what important lesson they have learned from their dads. Global study ranks two Canadians cities high on list of most expensive places to buy a home Strong majority of LCBO workers vote to back strike if needed, union says 'If they can run, I can run': 87-year-old set to complete 10th Manitoba Marathon race At least 10 animals left in vehicles in Waterloo region this month: police The City of Windsor has named a new commissioner of infrastructure services. Most glassware at Mexican Village stolen by customers: WindsorEats owner Ahead of the start of the 2024 Carrousel of the Nations festival, WindsorEats — where the Mexican Village is being held — wanted to use creatively-designed glassware to serve drinks. But, according to the owner, 80 per cent of those glasses were taken home by customers during the village's opening night. Victoria pulls cash from its financial reserve to help its most vulnerable citizens Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto says city council wants to prevent some of the issues faced by its most vulnerable citizens, rather than simply dealing with the aftermath, even if it means stepping outside of what's normally seen as a local government responsibility. Basketball ban at townhouse complex upheld by B.C. tribunal Images released of suspect who allegedly hit Victoria mall employee in the face with skateboard

West Virginia school bus rolls over on highway, driver charged with DUI

Illinois school bus crash leaves 4 students and driver injured, some flown to hospital A school bus crash in Illinois on Thursday left four students plus the driver injured, with some people being flown to nearby hospitals. (Credit: Ashley Ridgeway) A West Virginia bus driver was arrested Monday for driving under the influence after a crash that sent multiple injured students to the hospital, state police said. Jeffrey Brannon, 54, was charged with multiple counts of driving while intoxicated and child neglect resulting in injury, State Police Capt. Robert Maddy said in a Tuesday press release. Police were called to the scene of a school bus crash at 6 p.m. Monday on West Virginia Route 16 in Calhoun County, according to Maddy. Brannon lost control of the bus off the right edge of the roadway and overcorrected, causing the bus to roll over on its side in the middle of Route 16, officials said. VIRGINIA SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT INJURES 8 CHILDREN Nineteen students were on the Calhoun County school system bus at the time. Several were transported to area hospitals to be treated for injuries, Maddy said. One child suffered a vertebrae fracture and another had a concussion, according to a criminal complaint filed in Calhoun County Magistrate Court. The full number and extent of injuries is not known. A West Virginia man was arrested for driving under the influence after he lost control of a school bus and crashed, sending multiple students to the hospital. Brannon was inside the bus when state police arrived and "began yelling and acting aggressive," Trooper Cpl. Brian Young wrote in the complaint. When Young went to take Brannon's statement, he said he smelled alcohol on Brannon's breath and asked if he'd been drinking. Brannon said yes, according to Young. A field breath test produced a 0.161% blood alcohol level. Another test at the Grantsville State Police Detachment showed a blood alcohol level of 0.127%. The legal limit in West Virginia is 0.08%. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Bond at Calhoun County Magistrate Court was set for $250,000 and Brannon was transported to the Central Regional Jail, Maddy said. Contact information for Brannon was not immediately available Tuesday. It was unclear in court records whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

usa

West Virginia school bus rolls over on highway, driver charged with DUI. Illinois school bus crash leaves 4 students and driver injured, some flown to hospital A school bus crash in Illinois on Thursday left four students plus the driver injured, with some people being flown to nearby hospitals. (Credit: Ashley Ridgeway) A West Virginia bus driver was arrested Monday for driving under the influence after a crash that sent multiple injured students to the hospital, state police said. Jeffrey Brannon, 54, was charged with multiple counts of driving while intoxicated and child neglect resulting in injury, State Police Capt. Robert Maddy said in a Tuesday press release. Police were called to the scene of a school bus crash at 6 p.m. Monday on West Virginia Route 16 in Calhoun County, according to Maddy. Brannon lost control of the bus off the right edge of the roadway and overcorrected, causing the bus to roll over on its side in the middle of Route 16, officials said. VIRGINIA SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT INJURES 8 CHILDREN Nineteen students were on the Calhoun County school system bus at the time. Several were transported to area hospitals to be treated for injuries, Maddy said. One child suffered a vertebrae fracture and another had a concussion, according to a criminal complaint filed in Calhoun County Magistrate Court. The full number and extent of injuries is not known. A West Virginia man was arrested for driving under the influence after he lost control of a school bus and crashed, sending multiple students to the hospital. Brannon was inside the bus when state police arrived and "began yelling and acting aggressive," Trooper Cpl. Brian Young wrote in the complaint. When Young went to take Brannon's statement, he said he smelled alcohol on Brannon's breath and asked if he'd been drinking. Brannon said yes, according to Young. A field breath test produced a 0.161% blood alcohol level. Another test at the Grantsville State Police Detachment showed a blood alcohol level of 0.127%. The legal limit in West Virginia is 0.08%. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Bond at Calhoun County Magistrate Court was set for $250,000 and Brannon was transported to the Central Regional Jail, Maddy said. Contact information for Brannon was not immediately available Tuesday. It was unclear in court records whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Canada 'very closely' monitoring top court's push to prosecute Gaza war crimes: Joly

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada is "very closely" following a push from the International Criminal Court to prosecute the Israeli prime minister and Hamas leaders over the war in the Gaza Strip. The court's chief prosecutor requested arrest warrants Monday for Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence minister and senior Hamas leaders. Ottawa has so far avoided supporting or denouncing the idea of charges, and ministers are only weighing in a day after peer countries took clearer stances. On Monday, the U.S. rejected the move to implicate Israel alongside Hamas, while France and Belgium supported the decision and Germany said it respects the court's independence. Complete coverage of the Israel-Hamas war Joly says no equivalence can be drawn between Israel and Hamas, but she also says the court decided upon different charges against the leaders from each side of the conflict. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has yet to make a statement, though a handful of vocal Liberal MPs are taking more defined stances. "We respect the independence of the ICC. All parties must make sure that they abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. We've been calling all parties to do so for months now, and so therefore we are closely monitoring the process," Joly told reporters Tuesday afternoon on Parliament Hill. "Of course there's no equivalency because one organization's a terrorist organization; the other one is a state. That being said, (the) charges that have been laid are different." Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was repeatedly asked for Canada's position on the developments earlier Tuesday at an unrelated press conference. "It is entirely inappropriate to equate the terrorist leaders of a terrorist organization with the democratically elected leaders of a democracy," she said. But Freeland would not comment on whether or not Ottawa supports the request for warrants to be issued, characterizing that as "preliminary" and "hypothetical." Iqra Khalid said in a post on X that Canada must respect the ICC and its independence. Anthony Housefather argued the decision was drawing a moral equivalency between terrorist leaders and democratically elected politicians — language Freeland would later echo. Their colleague Salma Zahid said Ottawa should support the ICC's legal process, arguing its role is "not to judge moral equivalence, but to impartially consider the evidence." Another Liberal MP, Sameer Zuberi, added in his own social-media post that Canada must await the result of the request, while noting that "no party to an armed conflict is above the law." The Liberals and NDP passed a parliamentary motion in March that called on Canada to "support the work of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court." NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in a social-media post that Trudeau "must respect his promise to Canadians." UN halts all food distribution in Rafah after running out of supplies in the southern Gaza city 'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan Trump campaign calls 'The Apprentice' 'blatantly false,' director offers to screen it for him 'Another pair of eyes watching over me:' How a B.C. woman's service dog saved her from drowning 79-year-old Madonna Wilkinson has been playing the accordion since she was 15, when she picked one up that had been left behind at one of her parents' rollicking parties in the oceanside town about 25 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L. She has played Sunday masses and St. Patrick's Day parties, and community events of all kinds.

politics

Canada 'very closely' monitoring top court's push to prosecute Gaza war crimes: Joly. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada is "very closely" following a push from the International Criminal Court to prosecute the Israeli prime minister and Hamas leaders over the war in the Gaza Strip. The court's chief prosecutor requested arrest warrants Monday for Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence minister and senior Hamas leaders. Ottawa has so far avoided supporting or denouncing the idea of charges, and ministers are only weighing in a day after peer countries took clearer stances. On Monday, the U.S. rejected the move to implicate Israel alongside Hamas, while France and Belgium supported the decision and Germany said it respects the court's independence. Complete coverage of the Israel-Hamas war Joly says no equivalence can be drawn between Israel and Hamas, but she also says the court decided upon different charges against the leaders from each side of the conflict. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has yet to make a statement, though a handful of vocal Liberal MPs are taking more defined stances. "We respect the independence of the ICC. All parties must make sure that they abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. We've been calling all parties to do so for months now, and so therefore we are closely monitoring the process," Joly told reporters Tuesday afternoon on Parliament Hill. "Of course there's no equivalency because one organization's a terrorist organization; the other one is a state. That being said, (the) charges that have been laid are different." Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was repeatedly asked for Canada's position on the developments earlier Tuesday at an unrelated press conference. "It is entirely inappropriate to equate the terrorist leaders of a terrorist organization with the democratically elected leaders of a democracy," she said. But Freeland would not comment on whether or not Ottawa supports the request for warrants to be issued, characterizing that as "preliminary" and "hypothetical." Iqra Khalid said in a post on X that Canada must respect the ICC and its independence. Anthony Housefather argued the decision was drawing a moral equivalency between terrorist leaders and democratically elected politicians — language Freeland would later echo. Their colleague Salma Zahid said Ottawa should support the ICC's legal process, arguing its role is "not to judge moral equivalence, but to impartially consider the evidence." Another Liberal MP, Sameer Zuberi, added in his own social-media post that Canada must await the result of the request, while noting that "no party to an armed conflict is above the law." The Liberals and NDP passed a parliamentary motion in March that called on Canada to "support the work of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court." NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in a social-media post that Trudeau "must respect his promise to Canadians." UN halts all food distribution in Rafah after running out of supplies in the southern Gaza city 'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan Trump campaign calls 'The Apprentice' 'blatantly false,' director offers to screen it for him 'Another pair of eyes watching over me:' How a B.C. woman's service dog saved her from drowning 79-year-old Madonna Wilkinson has been playing the accordion since she was 15, when she picked one up that had been left behind at one of her parents' rollicking parties in the oceanside town about 25 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L. She has played Sunday masses and St. Patrick's Day parties, and community events of all kinds.

France heading to the polls in high-stakes snap parliamentary election

France are heading to the polls in the first round of high stakes, snap parliamentary elections that could see the far-right party of Marine Le Pen form a government in a historic first. While polls suggest support for Le Pen's far-right, anti-immigrant National Rally (RN) has strengthened in recent days, the outcome of the two-round election, called three weeks ago by the president, Emmanuel Macron, following the crushing defeat of his allies in the European parliamentary elections, remains highly uncertain. Macron told 'people detest you' as far-right bids to be biggest party in France Polls suggest the New Popular Front (NFP), a broad but fragile leftwing alliance, could receive 28% of the vote while Macron's centrist bloc trails behind at 20%. Official campaigning for the first-round vote ended at midnight on Friday. Following Sunday's vote, campaigning will resume on Monday for another five days before voters are called back to the polls for a final, decisive second-round ballot on 7 July. French nationals vote at the Centre Mont Royal during the first round of French legislative elections in Montreal, Canada. Photograph: Andrej Ivanov/AFP/Getty Images In recent days candidates from the leftwing coalition and Macron's centrist alliance have scrambled to remind voters that the RN, launched in the early 1970s as the National Front, once included in its ranks former members of a Waffen-SS military unit under Nazi command during the second world war. The party was long seen as rife with antisemitic, homophobic and racist views, and widely regarded as a danger to democracy that needed to be kept out of mainstream politics. While Marine Le Pen, Jean-Marie Le Pen's daughter, has spent much of the past decade working to soften the party's image, its core message remains one of deep hostility to immigration and the so-called Islamisation of society. The party has vowed to drastically slash immigration and bar dual nationals from certain state jobs, along with promises to cut taxes on energy, exempt people under the age of 30 from income tax and work towards abolishing Macron's pension reform. Ahead of Sunday's first round, Le Pen urged voters to go out and vote. "Victory is within our grasp, so let's seize this historic opportunity and get out and vote!" she wrote on social media. Most analysts suggest the most likely outcome is a polarised parliament, where consensus between the larger far-right and leftwing blocs, and a smaller number of Macron's allies would be nearly impossible, leading to political paralysis. skip past newsletter promotion Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google after newsletter promotion If National Rally wins a majority, party chief Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen's 28-year-old protege, who has no governing experience, could become prime minister. Photograph: Mohammed Badra/EPA Following Sunday's first-round vote, Macron is planning to convene a government meeting to decide the further course of action, government sources told AFP. The president's shock decision to call parliamentary elections has sparked dissent among his allies and cast Europe's second-biggest economy into uncertainty. Even so, Macron has stood by his decision, reportedly hoping it would force voters to confront whether they were ready to allow the far-right to tighten its grip on power. In the lead-up to Sunday's first round vote, Macron sought to hammer home this point, warning that France risks

world

France heading to the polls in high-stakes snap parliamentary election. France are heading to the polls in the first round of high stakes, snap parliamentary elections that could see the far-right party of Marine Le Pen form a government in a historic first. While polls suggest support for Le Pen's far-right, anti-immigrant National Rally (RN) has strengthened in recent days, the outcome of the two-round election, called three weeks ago by the president, Emmanuel Macron, following the crushing defeat of his allies in the European parliamentary elections, remains highly uncertain. Macron told 'people detest you' as far-right bids to be biggest party in France Polls suggest the New Popular Front (NFP), a broad but fragile leftwing alliance, could receive 28% of the vote while Macron's centrist bloc trails behind at 20%. Official campaigning for the first-round vote ended at midnight on Friday. Following Sunday's vote, campaigning will resume on Monday for another five days before voters are called back to the polls for a final, decisive second-round ballot on 7 July. French nationals vote at the Centre Mont Royal during the first round of French legislative elections in Montreal, Canada. Photograph: Andrej Ivanov/AFP/Getty Images In recent days candidates from the leftwing coalition and Macron's centrist alliance have scrambled to remind voters that the RN, launched in the early 1970s as the National Front, once included in its ranks former members of a Waffen-SS military unit under Nazi command during the second world war. The party was long seen as rife with antisemitic, homophobic and racist views, and widely regarded as a danger to democracy that needed to be kept out of mainstream politics. While Marine Le Pen, Jean-Marie Le Pen's daughter, has spent much of the past decade working to soften the party's image, its core message remains one of deep hostility to immigration and the so-called Islamisation of society. The party has vowed to drastically slash immigration and bar dual nationals from certain state jobs, along with promises to cut taxes on energy, exempt people under the age of 30 from income tax and work towards abolishing Macron's pension reform. Ahead of Sunday's first round, Le Pen urged voters to go out and vote. "Victory is within our grasp, so let's seize this historic opportunity and get out and vote!" she wrote on social media. Most analysts suggest the most likely outcome is a polarised parliament, where consensus between the larger far-right and leftwing blocs, and a smaller number of Macron's allies would be nearly impossible, leading to political paralysis. skip past newsletter promotion Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google after newsletter promotion If National Rally wins a majority, party chief Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen's 28-year-old protege, who has no governing experience, could become prime minister. Photograph: Mohammed Badra/EPA Following Sunday's first-round vote, Macron is planning to convene a government meeting to decide the further course of action, government sources told AFP. The president's shock decision to call parliamentary elections has sparked dissent among his allies and cast Europe's second-biggest economy into uncertainty. Even so, Macron has stood by his decision, reportedly hoping it would force voters to confront whether they were ready to allow the far-right to tighten its grip on power. In the lead-up to Sunday's first round vote, Macron sought to hammer home this point, warning that France risks

Apple could face billions in fines under European Union law

Billions of dollars in fines could be imposed on Apple following an accusation of noncompliance from the European Commission on Monday. Apple is accused of breaking the European Union's Digital Marketing Act (DMA) rules on digital competition via its app store by inhibiting app makers from promoting cheaper alternatives. The European Commission claimed in a preliminary review that the app store "prevent[s] app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content." The commission cited a "core technology fee" on the App Store as cause for a potential DMA violation. The fee charges 54 cents to app developers every time their app is downloaded from somewhere outside the Apple-owned digital marketplace. There is concern that the fee will dissuade developers from using other apps. To expand competition in the EU's 27 nations the DMA requires some of the biggest tech companies in the world, also referred to as "gatekeepers," to expand competition. Apple is the first tech firm to be formally accused by the commission under the law, which went into effect on March 7. The commission also opened probes against Google and Meta in March. The DMA would allow the commission to impose daily penalties of up to 5% of Apple's global revenues. The commission could also enforce fines of up to 10% of the tech company's overall worldwide turnover. For repeat offenders, the 10% fine could increase to as much as 20%. In extreme cases of violation, the commission has the authority to break up companies. Apple claims to have made changes to comply with feedback from the European Commission and said it would continue. Due to the probe, the commission announced the closing of an antitrust case opened against Apple in 2020 into whether the tech firm violated Brussels' antitrust rules. The commission said it shut down that case "to avoid multiple investigations into the very same conduct." The commission will have a decision on Apple's compliance by March of 2025. The outcome of the probe could change how the App Store functions within the EU.

tech

Apple could face billions in fines under European Union law. Billions of dollars in fines could be imposed on Apple following an accusation of noncompliance from the European Commission on Monday. Apple is accused of breaking the European Union's Digital Marketing Act (DMA) rules on digital competition via its app store by inhibiting app makers from promoting cheaper alternatives. The European Commission claimed in a preliminary review that the app store "prevent[s] app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content." The commission cited a "core technology fee" on the App Store as cause for a potential DMA violation. The fee charges 54 cents to app developers every time their app is downloaded from somewhere outside the Apple-owned digital marketplace. There is concern that the fee will dissuade developers from using other apps. To expand competition in the EU's 27 nations the DMA requires some of the biggest tech companies in the world, also referred to as "gatekeepers," to expand competition. Apple is the first tech firm to be formally accused by the commission under the law, which went into effect on March 7. The commission also opened probes against Google and Meta in March. The DMA would allow the commission to impose daily penalties of up to 5% of Apple's global revenues. The commission could also enforce fines of up to 10% of the tech company's overall worldwide turnover. For repeat offenders, the 10% fine could increase to as much as 20%. In extreme cases of violation, the commission has the authority to break up companies. Apple claims to have made changes to comply with feedback from the European Commission and said it would continue. Due to the probe, the commission announced the closing of an antitrust case opened against Apple in 2020 into whether the tech firm violated Brussels' antitrust rules. The commission said it shut down that case "to avoid multiple investigations into the very same conduct." The commission will have a decision on Apple's compliance by March of 2025. The outcome of the probe could change how the App Store functions within the EU.

India’s supreme court to rule on new penal code permitting marital rape

Campaigners angry that marital rape is not to be criminalised under India's long-awaited new penal code have been promised a ruling on the issue by the supreme court next month. Human rights organisations, including the All India Democratic Women's Association, have been petitioning India's supreme court to make it a criminal offence. The court has in turn asked the government for a response. The new code is due to come into effect on 1 July. The court has the power to ask for a legal amendment if it disagrees with the government's argument that to criminalise marital rape would violate the "sanctity of marriage". Three new laws will replace the penal code inherited from the British colonial era, which was drafted under Lord Macaulay from the 1830s and enacted in 1860. The home minister, Amit Shah, promised widespread reform of the penal code last August. He said the criminal justice system was informed by Victorian-era ideas of morality, particularly in relation to homosexuality (which was decriminalised in India in 2018) and marital rape. India needed laws untainted by imperialism and reflecting modern aspirations and realities, such as the altered status of women, Shah said. The new laws have a particular focus on crimes against women, though some critics say their scope has been exaggerated and that the changes are largely superficial. The act of obtaining sex by promising marriage to a woman will be treated as a crime for the first time and will carry a 10-year sentence. The new law also specifically defines the notion of consent. Protesters in Kolkata call for marital rape to be criminalised in 2016. Photograph: S Paul/Getty Ntasha Bhardwaj, a gender scholar, said: "It makes no sense. Not making marital rape a crime is nothing but Victorian thinking. It grants a man unlimited access to his wife's body after marriage. This conflicts with the constitution, which protects women against violence and grants them equality." Bhardwaj suggested the government felt that more conservative voters may not be ready to accept marital rape as a crime. Social conservatism was the reason given to the supreme court last year in relation to same-sex marriages when the Ministry of Law and Justice said that such marriages were " not compatible with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife and children". Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google But Bhardwaj noted that other harmful practices rooted in tradition, such as child marriage, had been criminalised. "The cultural argument was invoked over child marriage – it was a very old and deep-rooted custom. But did that stop us from banning it?" she said. The various petitions before the court – the exact number is unclear – also challenge another provision of the new laws, which stipulates imprisonment ranging from two to seven years for married men who rape wives from whom they have separated – lower than the mandatory minimum 10-year sentence otherwise applicable in cases of rape. Why is India dragging its heels over the criminalisation of marital rape? | KumKum Dasgupta Narendra Modi, has often called for "women-led development". But for many women, the new penal code undermines this aspiration. Modi has spoken frequently of women being at the centre of India's transition to becoming a developed nation, torchbearers of economic growth through their empowerment, though India is among the bottom five countries in the world for economic participation, and 129th out of 146 countries for overall gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum's

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India’s supreme court to rule on new penal code permitting marital rape. Campaigners angry that marital rape is not to be criminalised under India's long-awaited new penal code have been promised a ruling on the issue by the supreme court next month. Human rights organisations, including the All India Democratic Women's Association, have been petitioning India's supreme court to make it a criminal offence. The court has in turn asked the government for a response. The new code is due to come into effect on 1 July. The court has the power to ask for a legal amendment if it disagrees with the government's argument that to criminalise marital rape would violate the "sanctity of marriage". Three new laws will replace the penal code inherited from the British colonial era, which was drafted under Lord Macaulay from the 1830s and enacted in 1860. The home minister, Amit Shah, promised widespread reform of the penal code last August. He said the criminal justice system was informed by Victorian-era ideas of morality, particularly in relation to homosexuality (which was decriminalised in India in 2018) and marital rape. India needed laws untainted by imperialism and reflecting modern aspirations and realities, such as the altered status of women, Shah said. The new laws have a particular focus on crimes against women, though some critics say their scope has been exaggerated and that the changes are largely superficial. The act of obtaining sex by promising marriage to a woman will be treated as a crime for the first time and will carry a 10-year sentence. The new law also specifically defines the notion of consent. Protesters in Kolkata call for marital rape to be criminalised in 2016. Photograph: S Paul/Getty Ntasha Bhardwaj, a gender scholar, said: "It makes no sense. Not making marital rape a crime is nothing but Victorian thinking. It grants a man unlimited access to his wife's body after marriage. This conflicts with the constitution, which protects women against violence and grants them equality." Bhardwaj suggested the government felt that more conservative voters may not be ready to accept marital rape as a crime. Social conservatism was the reason given to the supreme court last year in relation to same-sex marriages when the Ministry of Law and Justice said that such marriages were " not compatible with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife and children". Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google But Bhardwaj noted that other harmful practices rooted in tradition, such as child marriage, had been criminalised. "The cultural argument was invoked over child marriage – it was a very old and deep-rooted custom. But did that stop us from banning it?" she said. The various petitions before the court – the exact number is unclear – also challenge another provision of the new laws, which stipulates imprisonment ranging from two to seven years for married men who rape wives from whom they have separated – lower than the mandatory minimum 10-year sentence otherwise applicable in cases of rape. Why is India dragging its heels over the criminalisation of marital rape? | KumKum Dasgupta Narendra Modi, has often called for "women-led development". But for many women, the new penal code undermines this aspiration. Modi has spoken frequently of women being at the centre of India's transition to becoming a developed nation, torchbearers of economic growth through their empowerment, though India is among the bottom five countries in the world for economic participation, and 129th out of 146 countries for overall gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum's

Foodservice Market size in UK is set to grow by USD 28.19 billion from 2024-2028, Rise of food delivery apps and online ordering platforms to boost the market growth, Technavio

June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The foodservice market size in UK is estimated to grow by USD 28.19 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period. Rise of food delivery apps and online ordering platforms is driving market growth, with a trend towards virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens gaining traction. However, labor shortages in foodservice sector poses a challenge. Key market players include Bid Corp. Ltd., Compass Group Plc, Cooperatie Koninklijke Cosun UA, Creed Foodservice, Elior Group SA, Greggs Plc, Hannah Food Service, JJ Food Service Ltd., JMP Foodservice, Kitwave Group plc, McDonald Corp., Mitchells and Butlers plc, MKG Foods, Nandos Group, Nestle SA, PepsiCo Inc., PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd., The Coca Cola Co., The Restaurant Group PLC, and Whitbread PLC. Continue Reading Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Foodservice Market in UK 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Type (Fast foodservice, Cafes and bars, Restaurants, Delivery and takeaway, and Others ), Application (Conventional, Centralized, Ready prepared, and Assembly serve ), Sector (Commercial and Non-commercial ), and Geography (Europe) Key companies profiled Bid Corp. Ltd., Compass Group Plc, Cooperatie Koninklijke Cosun UA, Creed Foodservice, Elior Group SA, Greggs Plc, Hannah Food Service, JJ Food Service Ltd., JMP Foodservice, Kitwave Group plc, McDonald Corp., Mitchells and Butlers plc, MKG Foods, Nandos Group, Nestle SA, PepsiCo Inc., PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd., The Coca Cola Co., The Restaurant Group PLC, and Whitbread PLC Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens in the UK foodservice market offer cost savings by eliminating the need for physical dining spaces. With the growing popularity of food delivery apps and online ordering, these businesses focus solely on preparing food for off-premise consumption. Lower entry barriers enable new food concepts to emerge, catering to changing consumer preferences for diverse cuisines and healthier options. Technological advancements further support their growth, making virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens key players in the UK foodservice market. The foodservice industry is experiencing significant trends, with a focus on convenience and delivery. Consumers want quick and easy meals, leading to the growth of food delivery services and meal kit programs. Technology plays a key role, with contactless ordering and payment systems becoming increasingly popular. Sustainability is also a trend, with many businesses adopting eco-friendly practices and sourcing local ingredients. Another trend is customization, with consumers seeking personalized meal options. Finally, convenience stores and gas stations are expanding their food offerings to cater to the growing demand for on-the-go meals. Overall, the foodservice market is evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges The foodservice market in the UK faces challenges due to labor shortages. Low-paying jobs with limited career advancement opportunities make the sector less appealing. Declining workforce numbers result from job insecurity and lack of benefits like sick leave and health insurance. These issues hinder businesses from filling open positions, leading to understaffing, increased workloads, and decreased service quality and efficiency. Consequently, longer wait times, decreased customer satisfaction, and negative revenue impacts are likely during the forecast period. In the foodservice market, several challenges exist for businesses. One major challenge is the increasing cost of ingredients, particularly for perishable items like fruits and vegetables. Another challenge is the need to cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. Technology plays a role in addressing these challenges, with tools like inventory management systems and online ordering platforms helping to streamline operations and reduce waste. Additionally, competition is fierce, requiring businesses to offer high-quality food and excellent customer service to stand out. Consumer expectations for convenience and fast delivery also add to the complexity of the foodservice industry. Overall, businesses must adapt to these challenges to thrive in the foodservice market. For more insights on driver and challenges - 1.1 Fast foodservice- The UK foodservice market's fastest-growing segment is fast food. Fast food establishments provide quick, affordable dining options, making them popular among busy individuals, commuters, and families. With a wide range of menu choices, including burgers, fries, pizza, sandwiches, and salads, fast food caters to diverse tastes. International chains like McDonald's offer consistency and reliability, while customization options cater to specific dietary needs. Due to convenience, affordability, and evolving lifestyles, fast food's dominance in the UK foodservice market is expected to continue. For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report Research Analysis The Foodservice Market encompasses various sectors including child care centers, restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Within the restaurant industry, there are full-service and quick-service establishments. E-commerce and online ordering systems have significantly impacted the industry, enabling consumers to purchase food from the comfort of their homes. Health and wellness trends have led to an increase in demand for plant-based options such as vegan diet, and food technology innovations like sous-vide cooking and advanced kitchen equipment. Data analytics play a crucial role in optimizing operations and enhancing customer experience. Shopping malls house cafes and specialty beverage outlets, adding to the market's diversity. Fast food consumption continues to be a significant contributor to the market, with fast food restaurants catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Market Research Overview The Foodservice Market encompasses a broad spectrum of businesses that provide food and drinks to consumers outside of their homes. This includes restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. The market is characterized by its diversity, with various cuisines, price points, and service models catering to different consumer preferences and needs. The Foodservice industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. Key trends in the market include the increasing popularity of healthy and sustainable food options, the adoption of technology to enhance the customer experience, and the growing demand for convenience and customization. The market is also subject to various regulations and challenges, such as food safety concerns, labor costs, and supply chain complexities. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Fast Foodservice Cafes And Bars Restaurants Delivery And Takeaway Others Application Conventional Centralized Ready Prepared Assembly Serve Sector Commercial Non-commercial Geography Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

business,lifestyle

Foodservice Market size in UK is set to grow by USD 28.19 billion from 2024-2028, Rise of food delivery apps and online ordering platforms to boost the market growth, Technavio. June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The foodservice market size in UK is estimated to grow by USD 28.19 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period. Rise of food delivery apps and online ordering platforms is driving market growth, with a trend towards virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens gaining traction. However, labor shortages in foodservice sector poses a challenge. Key market players include Bid Corp. Ltd., Compass Group Plc, Cooperatie Koninklijke Cosun UA, Creed Foodservice, Elior Group SA, Greggs Plc, Hannah Food Service, JJ Food Service Ltd., JMP Foodservice, Kitwave Group plc, McDonald Corp., Mitchells and Butlers plc, MKG Foods, Nandos Group, Nestle SA, PepsiCo Inc., PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd., The Coca Cola Co., The Restaurant Group PLC, and Whitbread PLC. Continue Reading Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Foodservice Market in UK 2024-2028 Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Type (Fast foodservice, Cafes and bars, Restaurants, Delivery and takeaway, and Others ), Application (Conventional, Centralized, Ready prepared, and Assembly serve ), Sector (Commercial and Non-commercial ), and Geography (Europe) Key companies profiled Bid Corp. Ltd., Compass Group Plc, Cooperatie Koninklijke Cosun UA, Creed Foodservice, Elior Group SA, Greggs Plc, Hannah Food Service, JJ Food Service Ltd., JMP Foodservice, Kitwave Group plc, McDonald Corp., Mitchells and Butlers plc, MKG Foods, Nandos Group, Nestle SA, PepsiCo Inc., PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd., The Coca Cola Co., The Restaurant Group PLC, and Whitbread PLC Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens in the UK foodservice market offer cost savings by eliminating the need for physical dining spaces. With the growing popularity of food delivery apps and online ordering, these businesses focus solely on preparing food for off-premise consumption. Lower entry barriers enable new food concepts to emerge, catering to changing consumer preferences for diverse cuisines and healthier options. Technological advancements further support their growth, making virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens key players in the UK foodservice market. The foodservice industry is experiencing significant trends, with a focus on convenience and delivery. Consumers want quick and easy meals, leading to the growth of food delivery services and meal kit programs. Technology plays a key role, with contactless ordering and payment systems becoming increasingly popular. Sustainability is also a trend, with many businesses adopting eco-friendly practices and sourcing local ingredients. Another trend is customization, with consumers seeking personalized meal options. Finally, convenience stores and gas stations are expanding their food offerings to cater to the growing demand for on-the-go meals. Overall, the foodservice market is evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details- Download a Sample Report Market Challenges The foodservice market in the UK faces challenges due to labor shortages. Low-paying jobs with limited career advancement opportunities make the sector less appealing. Declining workforce numbers result from job insecurity and lack of benefits like sick leave and health insurance. These issues hinder businesses from filling open positions, leading to understaffing, increased workloads, and decreased service quality and efficiency. Consequently, longer wait times, decreased customer satisfaction, and negative revenue impacts are likely during the forecast period. In the foodservice market, several challenges exist for businesses. One major challenge is the increasing cost of ingredients, particularly for perishable items like fruits and vegetables. Another challenge is the need to cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. Technology plays a role in addressing these challenges, with tools like inventory management systems and online ordering platforms helping to streamline operations and reduce waste. Additionally, competition is fierce, requiring businesses to offer high-quality food and excellent customer service to stand out. Consumer expectations for convenience and fast delivery also add to the complexity of the foodservice industry. Overall, businesses must adapt to these challenges to thrive in the foodservice market. For more insights on driver and challenges - 1.1 Fast foodservice- The UK foodservice market's fastest-growing segment is fast food. Fast food establishments provide quick, affordable dining options, making them popular among busy individuals, commuters, and families. With a wide range of menu choices, including burgers, fries, pizza, sandwiches, and salads, fast food caters to diverse tastes. International chains like McDonald's offer consistency and reliability, while customization options cater to specific dietary needs. Due to convenience, affordability, and evolving lifestyles, fast food's dominance in the UK foodservice market is expected to continue. For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report Research Analysis The Foodservice Market encompasses various sectors including child care centers, restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Within the restaurant industry, there are full-service and quick-service establishments. E-commerce and online ordering systems have significantly impacted the industry, enabling consumers to purchase food from the comfort of their homes. Health and wellness trends have led to an increase in demand for plant-based options such as vegan diet, and food technology innovations like sous-vide cooking and advanced kitchen equipment. Data analytics play a crucial role in optimizing operations and enhancing customer experience. Shopping malls house cafes and specialty beverage outlets, adding to the market's diversity. Fast food consumption continues to be a significant contributor to the market, with fast food restaurants catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Market Research Overview The Foodservice Market encompasses a broad spectrum of businesses that provide food and drinks to consumers outside of their homes. This includes restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. The market is characterized by its diversity, with various cuisines, price points, and service models catering to different consumer preferences and needs. The Foodservice industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. Key trends in the market include the increasing popularity of healthy and sustainable food options, the adoption of technology to enhance the customer experience, and the growing demand for convenience and customization. The market is also subject to various regulations and challenges, such as food safety concerns, labor costs, and supply chain complexities. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Fast Foodservice Cafes And Bars Restaurants Delivery And Takeaway Others Application Conventional Centralized Ready Prepared Assembly Serve Sector Commercial Non-commercial Geography Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Confused by all the TikTok trends? This glossary might help

1:19 FILE - This combination of ten images shows, top row from left, American actor Madelaine Petsch, French influencer Paola Locatelli, Meta's Global Head of Luxury Morin Oluwole, Thai model-actor Nychaa and Thai actor-singer PP Krit, bottom row from left, German influencer Jacob Rott, German model Caroline Daur, American real estate broker Christine Quinn, German fashion influencer Leonie Hanne and American singer-songwriter Erykah Badu wearing hot pink at the Valentino ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2023 fashion collection presented in Paris on Oct. 2, 2022. According to the fashion company LYST, the "Barbiecore" trend began after pictures of a pink-clad Margot Robbie surfaced online in June 2022. (Photos by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File) The Associated Press Anyone who shops or uses the internet probably has encountered a TikTok trend - whether they know it or not. Since the social media platform made its U.S. debut almost six years ago, short videos posted there have created a rapidly changing menu of food and fashion fads. Many of these latest rages have gone on to inspire sales of countless products and to shape news coverage despite having names that can confuse people who are not chronically online. TikTok also has popularized phrases like "I'm looking for a man in finance" - from a satirical song about searching for a tall, wealthy man who works in the finance industry and "the ick" - an expression of disgust or repulsion, as Merriam-Webster puts it. Here are a few of the more ubiquitous trends the platform has spawned - or helped spread - so far: Barbiecore: Barbie is known for pink, and so is Barbiecore. The color crept into fashion, beauty and food in 2022, and was even recommended by The Associated Press for holiday gifts that year. According to the fashion company LYST, the trend began after pictures of a pink-clad Margot Robbie surfaced online in June 2022, a year before the actor's "Barbie" movie came out and toy maker Mattel launched its own marketing blitz to promote the color. Barbiecore was a heavy hit both on Instagram and TikTok, where more than 72,000 videos have been posted with the trend's name as a hashtag. Coastal grandma: A beachfront, white linen-clad fashion look that incorporates light blue and loose clothing in a way that subtly communicates a peaceful and carefree lifestyle. Lex Nicoleta, a TikTok creator who has 325,000 followers on the platform, coined the term. Cottagecore: This style captures colors and patterns from countryside meadows. Think greenery, long flowery dresses and the aesthetic of Middle-earth, the planet's mythological past as imagined in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." Mob wives: An aesthetic that incorporates the bold cheetah prints, fur and big (often teased-out) hair seen on women in mafia-themed films and TV shows. The term appears to have been coined by TikTok creator Kayla Trivieri, who posted a video on the platform early last year saying: "Clean girl is out, mob wife era is in." Office siren: Corporate clothing with form-fitting pieces like pencil skirts and cinched blazers. It's often paired with slim Bayonetta glasses that resemble the pair model Gisele Bündchen's character, Serena, wore in the 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada." Y2K fashion: An umbrella term that describes various trends from the early-2000s, such as cargo pants, mesh tops and baguette bags. TikTok has helped resurrect such turn of the century styles. They overlap with the so-called McBling era, which emphasizes flashier items personified by brands like Juicy Couture and designer Kimora Lee Simmons' Baby Phat. Clean girl aesthetic: A no-makeup makeup look that often typically features glistening, hydrated skin and glossy lips. Oftentimes, it's paired with slicked-back buns and minimalist clothing such as a white t-shirt, gold jewelry and jeans. Critics say components of the trend have been embraced for decades in Black and Hispanic communities. Cold girl makeup: This look attempts to recreate what happens to many people when they get cold. Think red or pink blush for rosy-flushed cheeks and nose, combined with sheer lipstick or gloss. TikTok creator Zoe Kim Kenealy posted the term and the look in 2022. Latte makeup: What color is a latte? This look incorporates smoky shades of brown and nude tones. The term was coined by TikTok creator Rachel Rigler, who was - in part - inspired by a 2018 makeup look from Australian makeup artist Tanielle Jai. Strawberry makeup: Model and trend-setter Hailey Bieber named this makeup look, which incorporates components of latte makeup but focuses on pink and red hues. Bieber first posted the look on Instagram last August and followed up with a video tutorial on TikTok, where there are currently nearly 35,000 posts with the hashtag "strawberrymakeup." Chopped Italian sandwich: An Italian sub that includes chopped meats and toppings, such as salami, lettuce and banana peppers. Girl dinner: Girl dinners can be anything, but are popularly known as a snack plate that requires less cooking and cleaning up than a typical evening meal. The phrase is credited to TikTok creator Olivia Maher. McDonald's Grimace shake: A berry-flavored milkshake that went viral on TikTok after some creators posted videos of themselves drinking it and then ending up on the ground in a messy pool of purple - or having some sort of seemingly paranormal experience. The limited-time purple shake, which is named after McDonald's fuzzy mascot, boosted sales at the fast food chain during the second quarter of 2023. Smash burger taco: A burger fried with a tortilla on top. Burger tacos aren't a new thing. But they went viral last year when TikTok creator Brad Prose posted a video about it.

business

Confused by all the TikTok trends? This glossary might help. 1:19 FILE - This combination of ten images shows, top row from left, American actor Madelaine Petsch, French influencer Paola Locatelli, Meta's Global Head of Luxury Morin Oluwole, Thai model-actor Nychaa and Thai actor-singer PP Krit, bottom row from left, German influencer Jacob Rott, German model Caroline Daur, American real estate broker Christine Quinn, German fashion influencer Leonie Hanne and American singer-songwriter Erykah Badu wearing hot pink at the Valentino ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2023 fashion collection presented in Paris on Oct. 2, 2022. According to the fashion company LYST, the "Barbiecore" trend began after pictures of a pink-clad Margot Robbie surfaced online in June 2022. (Photos by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File) The Associated Press Anyone who shops or uses the internet probably has encountered a TikTok trend - whether they know it or not. Since the social media platform made its U.S. debut almost six years ago, short videos posted there have created a rapidly changing menu of food and fashion fads. Many of these latest rages have gone on to inspire sales of countless products and to shape news coverage despite having names that can confuse people who are not chronically online. TikTok also has popularized phrases like "I'm looking for a man in finance" - from a satirical song about searching for a tall, wealthy man who works in the finance industry and "the ick" - an expression of disgust or repulsion, as Merriam-Webster puts it. Here are a few of the more ubiquitous trends the platform has spawned - or helped spread - so far: Barbiecore: Barbie is known for pink, and so is Barbiecore. The color crept into fashion, beauty and food in 2022, and was even recommended by The Associated Press for holiday gifts that year. According to the fashion company LYST, the trend began after pictures of a pink-clad Margot Robbie surfaced online in June 2022, a year before the actor's "Barbie" movie came out and toy maker Mattel launched its own marketing blitz to promote the color. Barbiecore was a heavy hit both on Instagram and TikTok, where more than 72,000 videos have been posted with the trend's name as a hashtag. Coastal grandma: A beachfront, white linen-clad fashion look that incorporates light blue and loose clothing in a way that subtly communicates a peaceful and carefree lifestyle. Lex Nicoleta, a TikTok creator who has 325,000 followers on the platform, coined the term. Cottagecore: This style captures colors and patterns from countryside meadows. Think greenery, long flowery dresses and the aesthetic of Middle-earth, the planet's mythological past as imagined in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." Mob wives: An aesthetic that incorporates the bold cheetah prints, fur and big (often teased-out) hair seen on women in mafia-themed films and TV shows. The term appears to have been coined by TikTok creator Kayla Trivieri, who posted a video on the platform early last year saying: "Clean girl is out, mob wife era is in." Office siren: Corporate clothing with form-fitting pieces like pencil skirts and cinched blazers. It's often paired with slim Bayonetta glasses that resemble the pair model Gisele Bündchen's character, Serena, wore in the 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada." Y2K fashion: An umbrella term that describes various trends from the early-2000s, such as cargo pants, mesh tops and baguette bags. TikTok has helped resurrect such turn of the century styles. They overlap with the so-called McBling era, which emphasizes flashier items personified by brands like Juicy Couture and designer Kimora Lee Simmons' Baby Phat. Clean girl aesthetic: A no-makeup makeup look that often typically features glistening, hydrated skin and glossy lips. Oftentimes, it's paired with slicked-back buns and minimalist clothing such as a white t-shirt, gold jewelry and jeans. Critics say components of the trend have been embraced for decades in Black and Hispanic communities. Cold girl makeup: This look attempts to recreate what happens to many people when they get cold. Think red or pink blush for rosy-flushed cheeks and nose, combined with sheer lipstick or gloss. TikTok creator Zoe Kim Kenealy posted the term and the look in 2022. Latte makeup: What color is a latte? This look incorporates smoky shades of brown and nude tones. The term was coined by TikTok creator Rachel Rigler, who was - in part - inspired by a 2018 makeup look from Australian makeup artist Tanielle Jai. Strawberry makeup: Model and trend-setter Hailey Bieber named this makeup look, which incorporates components of latte makeup but focuses on pink and red hues. Bieber first posted the look on Instagram last August and followed up with a video tutorial on TikTok, where there are currently nearly 35,000 posts with the hashtag "strawberrymakeup." Chopped Italian sandwich: An Italian sub that includes chopped meats and toppings, such as salami, lettuce and banana peppers. Girl dinner: Girl dinners can be anything, but are popularly known as a snack plate that requires less cooking and cleaning up than a typical evening meal. The phrase is credited to TikTok creator Olivia Maher. McDonald's Grimace shake: A berry-flavored milkshake that went viral on TikTok after some creators posted videos of themselves drinking it and then ending up on the ground in a messy pool of purple - or having some sort of seemingly paranormal experience. The limited-time purple shake, which is named after McDonald's fuzzy mascot, boosted sales at the fast food chain during the second quarter of 2023. Smash burger taco: A burger fried with a tortilla on top. Burger tacos aren't a new thing. But they went viral last year when TikTok creator Brad Prose posted a video about it.

NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER LEADS EFFORT TO MAKE THE BALD EAGLE AMERICA'S OFFICIAL BIRD

June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN and a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives are leading the effort to make the bald eagle the country's national bird. "While most people assume the bald eagle is our nation's official bird, the fact is our country doesn't have an official bird," said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. "The bison is the national mammal, the rose is the national flower, and the oak is the national tree. It's time the bald eagle, long revered as our national symbol, finds its rightful place as our country's official national bird." There is confusion on this issue because on June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress installed the bald eagle on the front of the Great Seal. Since then, the bald eagle has been a favored representative of the country, second only to the American flag. While there is no record of what was said in Congress on the day the Seal was approved, it remains a fact that the bald eagle was not identified as the national bird. The legislative effort is being led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN). The initiative also has the support of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, which represents 36 indigenous nations and four tribal organizations. "The bald eagle is a symbol of our country's freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we are proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha," said Klobuchar. "My bipartisan legislation will officially designate the bald eagle as our country's National Bird." "There is nothing more American than a bald eagle soaring across the Wyoming sky," said Lummis. "These majestic creatures have long been viewed as the official bird of this country and it is past time we made it official without costing taxpayers a single cent. As we approach the Fourth of July, I am thrilled to partner with Senator Amy Klobuchar to make the bald eagle the National Bird of the United States." "Since the founding of our nation, the bald eagle has existed as a symbol of our country's independence, strength, and freedom," said Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-01). "I am proud to introduce this legislation which will officially classify the bald eagle as the national bird – its proper place of honor as an integral part of our national identity." Symbol of America "By officially designating the Bald Eagle as our national bird, Congress would reaffirm our nation's dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship while honoring a symbol that holds a special place in the hearts of Americans nationwide, said John Wodele, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center "Through concerted conservation measures and the enactment of legislation such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Bald Eagle population has rebounded, symbolizing our commitment to preserving our natural heritage for future generations, " said Jack Davis, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. the United States and 120 foreign countries since 1999. All of this takes place in

lifestyle

NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER LEADS EFFORT TO MAKE THE BALD EAGLE AMERICA'S OFFICIAL BIRD. June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN and a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives are leading the effort to make the bald eagle the country's national bird. "While most people assume the bald eagle is our nation's official bird, the fact is our country doesn't have an official bird," said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. "The bison is the national mammal, the rose is the national flower, and the oak is the national tree. It's time the bald eagle, long revered as our national symbol, finds its rightful place as our country's official national bird." There is confusion on this issue because on June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress installed the bald eagle on the front of the Great Seal. Since then, the bald eagle has been a favored representative of the country, second only to the American flag. While there is no record of what was said in Congress on the day the Seal was approved, it remains a fact that the bald eagle was not identified as the national bird. The legislative effort is being led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN). The initiative also has the support of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, which represents 36 indigenous nations and four tribal organizations. "The bald eagle is a symbol of our country's freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we are proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha," said Klobuchar. "My bipartisan legislation will officially designate the bald eagle as our country's National Bird." "There is nothing more American than a bald eagle soaring across the Wyoming sky," said Lummis. "These majestic creatures have long been viewed as the official bird of this country and it is past time we made it official without costing taxpayers a single cent. As we approach the Fourth of July, I am thrilled to partner with Senator Amy Klobuchar to make the bald eagle the National Bird of the United States." "Since the founding of our nation, the bald eagle has existed as a symbol of our country's independence, strength, and freedom," said Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-01). "I am proud to introduce this legislation which will officially classify the bald eagle as the national bird – its proper place of honor as an integral part of our national identity." Symbol of America "By officially designating the Bald Eagle as our national bird, Congress would reaffirm our nation's dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship while honoring a symbol that holds a special place in the hearts of Americans nationwide, said John Wodele, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center "Through concerted conservation measures and the enactment of legislation such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Bald Eagle population has rebounded, symbolizing our commitment to preserving our natural heritage for future generations, " said Jack Davis, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. the United States and 120 foreign countries since 1999. All of this takes place in

FBI agents raided the office and business of a Mississippi prosecutor, but no one is saying why

The FBI on Wednesday raided a local prosecutor's office and business in Mississippi's capital city, although officials declined to say whether Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens is suspected of wrongdoing. FBI agents spent hours searching a cigar bar owned by Owens in downtown Jackson. They also removed items from his office in the Hinds County Courthouse. JUDGE UNSEALS FBI FILES IN TRUMP CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS CASE, INCLUDING DETAILED TIMELINE OF MAR-A-LAGO RAID Marshay Lawson, the spokesperson for the FBI's office in Jackson, said the reason for the search remains secret. "The FBI is executing federal search warrants at multiple locations," Lawson said. "The affidavit in support of the search warrants has been sealed by the court and so I am prohibited from commenting further." Owens also didn't say what the raid was about. FBI Evidence Response Team members photograph the front of a business owned by Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, in downtown Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The business was one of several businesses in Jackson that were raided by the FBI's Jackson office on Wednesday morning. Officials declined after the raids to say whether Owens is suspected of wrongdoing. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) "This morning, FBI agents came to our offices," the second-term district attorney said in a statement. "We are fully cooperating with their efforts. The Hinds County District Attorney's Office is fully functioning and continues its work on behalf of the citizens of Hinds County." Owens is listed as the manager and sole member of the company that owns the Downtown Cigar Co., which agents also searched. The business also has a state permit to act as a bar selling alcohol. Before first being elected as district attorney in 2019, Owens had been the lead attorney in Mississippi for the Southern Poverty Law Center, a liberal-leaning group known for bringing lawsuits over issues including civil rights. Owens ran as a criminal justice reformer, saying he would focus on prosecuting violent crime while looking for alternatives to jail and prison for nonviolent offenders. But Jackson has been challenged by the nation's highest murder rate by some accounts, and Owens received more funding from Republican lawmakers to hire more prosecutors. Republicans have expanded the state-run Capitol Police controlled by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to patrol all of Jackson and created a state-run court with judges that are appointed rather than elected. Many Democrats have said those moves represent a white takeover of an overwhelming Black city and that more resources should be used for crime prevention. The law was upheld in federal court after an NAACP lawsuit, and the conflict has quieted somewhat in recent months. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

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FBI agents raided the office and business of a Mississippi prosecutor, but no one is saying why. The FBI on Wednesday raided a local prosecutor's office and business in Mississippi's capital city, although officials declined to say whether Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens is suspected of wrongdoing. FBI agents spent hours searching a cigar bar owned by Owens in downtown Jackson. They also removed items from his office in the Hinds County Courthouse. JUDGE UNSEALS FBI FILES IN TRUMP CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS CASE, INCLUDING DETAILED TIMELINE OF MAR-A-LAGO RAID Marshay Lawson, the spokesperson for the FBI's office in Jackson, said the reason for the search remains secret. "The FBI is executing federal search warrants at multiple locations," Lawson said. "The affidavit in support of the search warrants has been sealed by the court and so I am prohibited from commenting further." Owens also didn't say what the raid was about. FBI Evidence Response Team members photograph the front of a business owned by Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, in downtown Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The business was one of several businesses in Jackson that were raided by the FBI's Jackson office on Wednesday morning. Officials declined after the raids to say whether Owens is suspected of wrongdoing. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) "This morning, FBI agents came to our offices," the second-term district attorney said in a statement. "We are fully cooperating with their efforts. The Hinds County District Attorney's Office is fully functioning and continues its work on behalf of the citizens of Hinds County." Owens is listed as the manager and sole member of the company that owns the Downtown Cigar Co., which agents also searched. The business also has a state permit to act as a bar selling alcohol. Before first being elected as district attorney in 2019, Owens had been the lead attorney in Mississippi for the Southern Poverty Law Center, a liberal-leaning group known for bringing lawsuits over issues including civil rights. Owens ran as a criminal justice reformer, saying he would focus on prosecuting violent crime while looking for alternatives to jail and prison for nonviolent offenders. But Jackson has been challenged by the nation's highest murder rate by some accounts, and Owens received more funding from Republican lawmakers to hire more prosecutors. Republicans have expanded the state-run Capitol Police controlled by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to patrol all of Jackson and created a state-run court with judges that are appointed rather than elected. Many Democrats have said those moves represent a white takeover of an overwhelming Black city and that more resources should be used for crime prevention. The law was upheld in federal court after an NAACP lawsuit, and the conflict has quieted somewhat in recent months. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A photo that sunk a political career

That was in part the case for former Progressive Conservative leader Robert Stanfield playing football at North Bay Airport, during an election campaign stopover, May 30, 1974. File photo by The Canadian Press/Doug Ball While the Opposition leader caught some tosses, the photo most news outlets chose for their front page showed him with his hands clasped, brows furled, lips pursed and knees buckled as a football dropped to the ground in front of him. The Globe and Mail wrote that it appeared "this football is too hot for Conservative leader Robert Stanfield to handle," while others commented on his age. Ball said the photo editor for one publication seemed to make the wrinkles on Stanfield's forehead appear more pronounced. "It was kind of the feel of the election at the time that Stanfield was probably not going to become prime minister," Ball said. "And so, they went with that." A political picture is worth a thousand words — and, sometimes, a career. #CDNPoli #PoliticalPictures #PoliticalImages Stanfield ultimately lost the election to Pierre Trudeau, and Ball said he's always understood that images hold power. The video footage and photos of a boxing match then-MP Justin Trudeau fought with Conservative Sen. Patrick Brazeau in 2012, along with media descriptions of the event, seemed to markedly sway public opinion about the Liberal MP. A jubilant Trudeau was pictured standing on top of the ring with his glove in the air after his victory. Another photo showed him kissing his then-wife in triumph. Elise Maiolino, a researcher who eventually went on to work for the Prime Minister's Office, analyzed 222 national newspaper articles published about the match. She found that Trudeau appeared to be more "masculine" than people previously believed, and, in turn, that aided his transformation into someone seen as a suitable leader for the Liberal party. Canadian political history is full of momentous imagery, from professional photography to a new age of memes: — The portrait of Winston Churchill: Nicknamed "The Roaring Lion," a stern 1941 portrait of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in the Speaker's Chamber of the House of Commons became one of the most iconic of the 20 th century. Karsh snapped the photo after Churchill delivered his historic "some chicken, some neck" speech on the Second World War to Canadian parliamentarians. — Pierre Trudeau's pirouette: A photo of Pierre Elliott Trudeau pirouetting at Buckingham Palace during a visit in 1977 would make its way across the world. Trudeau was standing feet away from what appeared to be Queen Elizabeth II — her back toward the camera — while his right arm was lifted above his head, his legs in slight movement. Ball, the one who took the picture, said the woman in the image was actually Princess Margaret. — The 'Shamrock Summit': A 1985 Quebec City meeting between Mulroney and U.S. President Ronald Reagan — both of Irish descent — was seen to be a turning point in relations between the two countries. CP photographer Paul Chiasson captured a joyful Mulroney walking side-by-side with Regan down a red carpet as he landed at the Quebec City airport, and TV broadcasts showed the two singing "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" together — a much-repeated anecdote in the decades since. — The 'Shawinigan handshake': In 1996, former prime minister Jean Chrétien was leaving an event when he was approached by protesters angry about cuts his government was making to unemployment insurance. One of them got in his way. Chrétien took labour activist Bill Clennett by the neck in what was nicknamed a "Shawinigan handshake." Clennett did not press charges, and Chrétien defended his actions, later joking about them. — Premier Kenney fills up with gas: Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney staged a photo-op in 2022 to announce temporary measures to the gas tax as his popularity was plummeting, and as he was facing a leadership review — but it didn't go as planned. Kenney attempted to fill his blue Dodge Ram with gasoline, but repeatedly failed to pull the pump's nozzle from its gas tank and had trouble paying with his credit card. It became a meme, and months later, Kenney stepped down. — Premier Kinew changes a tire: A photo of Manitoba Premier

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A photo that sunk a political career. That was in part the case for former Progressive Conservative leader Robert Stanfield playing football at North Bay Airport, during an election campaign stopover, May 30, 1974. File photo by The Canadian Press/Doug Ball While the Opposition leader caught some tosses, the photo most news outlets chose for their front page showed him with his hands clasped, brows furled, lips pursed and knees buckled as a football dropped to the ground in front of him. The Globe and Mail wrote that it appeared "this football is too hot for Conservative leader Robert Stanfield to handle," while others commented on his age. Ball said the photo editor for one publication seemed to make the wrinkles on Stanfield's forehead appear more pronounced. "It was kind of the feel of the election at the time that Stanfield was probably not going to become prime minister," Ball said. "And so, they went with that." A political picture is worth a thousand words — and, sometimes, a career. #CDNPoli #PoliticalPictures #PoliticalImages Stanfield ultimately lost the election to Pierre Trudeau, and Ball said he's always understood that images hold power. The video footage and photos of a boxing match then-MP Justin Trudeau fought with Conservative Sen. Patrick Brazeau in 2012, along with media descriptions of the event, seemed to markedly sway public opinion about the Liberal MP. A jubilant Trudeau was pictured standing on top of the ring with his glove in the air after his victory. Another photo showed him kissing his then-wife in triumph. Elise Maiolino, a researcher who eventually went on to work for the Prime Minister's Office, analyzed 222 national newspaper articles published about the match. She found that Trudeau appeared to be more "masculine" than people previously believed, and, in turn, that aided his transformation into someone seen as a suitable leader for the Liberal party. Canadian political history is full of momentous imagery, from professional photography to a new age of memes: — The portrait of Winston Churchill: Nicknamed "The Roaring Lion," a stern 1941 portrait of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in the Speaker's Chamber of the House of Commons became one of the most iconic of the 20 th century. Karsh snapped the photo after Churchill delivered his historic "some chicken, some neck" speech on the Second World War to Canadian parliamentarians. — Pierre Trudeau's pirouette: A photo of Pierre Elliott Trudeau pirouetting at Buckingham Palace during a visit in 1977 would make its way across the world. Trudeau was standing feet away from what appeared to be Queen Elizabeth II — her back toward the camera — while his right arm was lifted above his head, his legs in slight movement. Ball, the one who took the picture, said the woman in the image was actually Princess Margaret. — The 'Shamrock Summit': A 1985 Quebec City meeting between Mulroney and U.S. President Ronald Reagan — both of Irish descent — was seen to be a turning point in relations between the two countries. CP photographer Paul Chiasson captured a joyful Mulroney walking side-by-side with Regan down a red carpet as he landed at the Quebec City airport, and TV broadcasts showed the two singing "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" together — a much-repeated anecdote in the decades since. — The 'Shawinigan handshake': In 1996, former prime minister Jean Chrétien was leaving an event when he was approached by protesters angry about cuts his government was making to unemployment insurance. One of them got in his way. Chrétien took labour activist Bill Clennett by the neck in what was nicknamed a "Shawinigan handshake." Clennett did not press charges, and Chrétien defended his actions, later joking about them. — Premier Kenney fills up with gas: Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney staged a photo-op in 2022 to announce temporary measures to the gas tax as his popularity was plummeting, and as he was facing a leadership review — but it didn't go as planned. Kenney attempted to fill his blue Dodge Ram with gasoline, but repeatedly failed to pull the pump's nozzle from its gas tank and had trouble paying with his credit card. It became a meme, and months later, Kenney stepped down. — Premier Kinew changes a tire: A photo of Manitoba Premier

No more fizz? How a steelworks strike puts carbonated beverage production at risk

Mexico is facing a shortage of food-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) used in the production of soft drinks and beer — and it’s all because of a strike at a steelworks in Michoacán. Workers at the ArcelorMittal steelworks in the Pacific coast port city of Lázaro Cárdenas have been on strike since late May as they seek a greater share of the Luxembourg-based company’s profits and the payment of an additional bonus. The ArcelorMittal steel mill in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán. (ArcelorMittal Mexico) Steel production at the plant has stopped, and as a result ArcelorMittal is not supplying CO2 to beverage companies, according to a report by the El Financiero newspaper. CO2 is normally produced as a byproduct at the plant through a steelmaking process called HyL Direct Reduction. Unnamed beverage industry sources told El Financiero there is a significant shortfall of liquid CO2 in the market due to the strike at the Lázaro Cárdenas steelworks. “The shortage of raw carbon dioxide prevents the processing to achieve the production of food-grade liquid carbon dioxide,” the sources said. “This lack of raw material causes a disruption in the supply of at least 30% of the carbon dioxide needs in agro-industry, the food industry, hospitals and the bottled beverages industry,” they said. Soda companies use CO2 to make their beverages fizzy, while breweries often add CO2 to beer , usually after filtration. While El Financiero’s sources noted that the CO2 shortage is affecting hospitals and industries beyond beverages, the president of the National Small Business Association (ANPEC) said that bottlers are suffering the most. “Carbon dioxide is used in the production of both soda and beer so if this issue [the ArcelorMittal strike] isn’t sorted out soon, it will create a big problem for the production of beverages at the time of highest demand due to the heat,” Cuauhtémoc Rivera said. “… According to what we’ve been told, the situation at the steelworks is starting to place the production of carbonated beverages at risk,” the ANPEC chief added. Rivera said that Coca-Cola Femsa’s decision to raise beverage prices last week was a sign of the CO2 shortage, although the company also increased prices for non-carbonated drinks. The ArcelorMittal strike According to the Expansión news website, ArcelorMittal employs 8,000 people in Lázaro Cárdenas, but the strike — which began May 24 — is being led by 3,500 workers affiliated with the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers, whose president is Senator Napoleón Gómez Urrutia . The 3,500 workers on strike are affiliated with the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers, led by Napoleón Gómez Urrutia (right). (Cuartoscuro) “These workers are demanding a higher profit-sharing payment and a special bonus,” Expansión said. ArcelorMittal has said it isn’t in a position to meet the workers’ demands because steel prices have declined 15% over the past year and the raw materials it requires have become more expensive. Expansión reported that a solution to the standoff between the steelmaker and its workers “doesn’t appear to be close.” It also reported that more than 672,000 tonnes of steel that would have been produced at the plant have not been made due to the strike, which is now in its 41st day. The Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) put the figure at a somewhat lower but still substantial 500,000 tonnes. Concamin told El Financiero that the strike was affecting supply chains in sectors including the construction and automotive industries. It noted that ArcelorMittal , which also has plants in Guanajuato and Sonora, is Mexico’s largest exporter of semifinished metal products, sending 1.5 million tonnes of such goods to automotive companies in the United States on an annual basis. David Martínez, president of the Michoacán Industrial Association, said that the strike is already affecting “many industries.” “… Every day we learn of new impacts on different industries,” he said. “We need the authorities to intervene to resolve this conflict to avoid more industries being hit by this illegal strike,” Martínez said, With reports from El Financiero and Expansión The post No more fizz? How a steelworks strike puts carbonated beverage production at risk appeared first on Mexico News Daily

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No more fizz? How a steelworks strike puts carbonated beverage production at risk. Mexico is facing a shortage of food-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) used in the production of soft drinks and beer — and it’s all because of a strike at a steelworks in Michoacán. Workers at the ArcelorMittal steelworks in the Pacific coast port city of Lázaro Cárdenas have been on strike since late May as they seek a greater share of the Luxembourg-based company’s profits and the payment of an additional bonus. The ArcelorMittal steel mill in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán. (ArcelorMittal Mexico) Steel production at the plant has stopped, and as a result ArcelorMittal is not supplying CO2 to beverage companies, according to a report by the El Financiero newspaper. CO2 is normally produced as a byproduct at the plant through a steelmaking process called HyL Direct Reduction. Unnamed beverage industry sources told El Financiero there is a significant shortfall of liquid CO2 in the market due to the strike at the Lázaro Cárdenas steelworks. “The shortage of raw carbon dioxide prevents the processing to achieve the production of food-grade liquid carbon dioxide,” the sources said. “This lack of raw material causes a disruption in the supply of at least 30% of the carbon dioxide needs in agro-industry, the food industry, hospitals and the bottled beverages industry,” they said. Soda companies use CO2 to make their beverages fizzy, while breweries often add CO2 to beer , usually after filtration. While El Financiero’s sources noted that the CO2 shortage is affecting hospitals and industries beyond beverages, the president of the National Small Business Association (ANPEC) said that bottlers are suffering the most. “Carbon dioxide is used in the production of both soda and beer so if this issue [the ArcelorMittal strike] isn’t sorted out soon, it will create a big problem for the production of beverages at the time of highest demand due to the heat,” Cuauhtémoc Rivera said. “… According to what we’ve been told, the situation at the steelworks is starting to place the production of carbonated beverages at risk,” the ANPEC chief added. Rivera said that Coca-Cola Femsa’s decision to raise beverage prices last week was a sign of the CO2 shortage, although the company also increased prices for non-carbonated drinks. The ArcelorMittal strike According to the Expansión news website, ArcelorMittal employs 8,000 people in Lázaro Cárdenas, but the strike — which began May 24 — is being led by 3,500 workers affiliated with the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers, whose president is Senator Napoleón Gómez Urrutia . The 3,500 workers on strike are affiliated with the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers, led by Napoleón Gómez Urrutia (right). (Cuartoscuro) “These workers are demanding a higher profit-sharing payment and a special bonus,” Expansión said. ArcelorMittal has said it isn’t in a position to meet the workers’ demands because steel prices have declined 15% over the past year and the raw materials it requires have become more expensive. Expansión reported that a solution to the standoff between the steelmaker and its workers “doesn’t appear to be close.” It also reported that more than 672,000 tonnes of steel that would have been produced at the plant have not been made due to the strike, which is now in its 41st day. The Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) put the figure at a somewhat lower but still substantial 500,000 tonnes. Concamin told El Financiero that the strike was affecting supply chains in sectors including the construction and automotive industries. It noted that ArcelorMittal , which also has plants in Guanajuato and Sonora, is Mexico’s largest exporter of semifinished metal products, sending 1.5 million tonnes of such goods to automotive companies in the United States on an annual basis. David Martínez, president of the Michoacán Industrial Association, said that the strike is already affecting “many industries.” “… Every day we learn of new impacts on different industries,” he said. “We need the authorities to intervene to resolve this conflict to avoid more industries being hit by this illegal strike,” Martínez said, With reports from El Financiero and Expansión The post No more fizz? How a steelworks strike puts carbonated beverage production at risk appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center First in Tennessee to Adopt New Cardiac Angiogram Technology

Tennessee to adopt revolutionary diagnostic technology that provides clinicians with a patient's physiology results in just a few minutes. Coronary heart disease is one of the top killers of adults in the U.S. and particularly the Southeast. Quick diagnosis and intervention are key to treating cardiac patients who are suffering from heart disease, heart attack, or other events causing blockages in arteries that can be life-threatening. Fort Sanders Regional's cardiac catheterization lab is staffed around the clock, 24/7, treating both heart patients who have been admitted to the hospital and those who are having outpatient procedures. When a patient presents with a potential artery blockage, the heart team at Fort Sanders Regional can use a new tool that shows doctors exactly what percentage of an artery is blocked. The CathWorks FFRangio ® System is a computer-based technology that uses routine angiograms (images) of a patient's heart structure to create a 3D model showing the location and degree of any blockages and their coronary arteries. This helps providers more quickly diagnose and intervene as needed, including determining whether the patient needs a stent and where the stent should be placed in the heart structure. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a diagnostic measurement that evaluates the physiologic impact of coronary artery narrowing due to cholesterol plaque. It is an important part of the decision-making process to decide if a stent placement is indicated and the length of the stent when managing patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In contrast to traditional FFR, the FFRangio System combines artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computational science to obtain quick and reliable FFRangio values from routine angiograms, eliminating the need for drug stimulation and invasive pressure wires. The system provides physicians intraprocedural FFRangio values for all coronary arteries. Josh Todd, MD, interventional cardiologist at Fort Sanders Regional, said, "With this new tool, interventional cardiologists can perform clinical assessments quicker, more comprehensively, without medications, and in a way that's seamless and more efficient to the patient. This cutting-edge technology will transform how cardiovascular disease is diagnosed and treated."

health

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center First in Tennessee to Adopt New Cardiac Angiogram Technology. Tennessee to adopt revolutionary diagnostic technology that provides clinicians with a patient's physiology results in just a few minutes. Coronary heart disease is one of the top killers of adults in the U.S. and particularly the Southeast. Quick diagnosis and intervention are key to treating cardiac patients who are suffering from heart disease, heart attack, or other events causing blockages in arteries that can be life-threatening. Fort Sanders Regional's cardiac catheterization lab is staffed around the clock, 24/7, treating both heart patients who have been admitted to the hospital and those who are having outpatient procedures. When a patient presents with a potential artery blockage, the heart team at Fort Sanders Regional can use a new tool that shows doctors exactly what percentage of an artery is blocked. The CathWorks FFRangio ® System is a computer-based technology that uses routine angiograms (images) of a patient's heart structure to create a 3D model showing the location and degree of any blockages and their coronary arteries. This helps providers more quickly diagnose and intervene as needed, including determining whether the patient needs a stent and where the stent should be placed in the heart structure. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a diagnostic measurement that evaluates the physiologic impact of coronary artery narrowing due to cholesterol plaque. It is an important part of the decision-making process to decide if a stent placement is indicated and the length of the stent when managing patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In contrast to traditional FFR, the FFRangio System combines artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computational science to obtain quick and reliable FFRangio values from routine angiograms, eliminating the need for drug stimulation and invasive pressure wires. The system provides physicians intraprocedural FFRangio values for all coronary arteries. Josh Todd, MD, interventional cardiologist at Fort Sanders Regional, said, "With this new tool, interventional cardiologists can perform clinical assessments quicker, more comprehensively, without medications, and in a way that's seamless and more efficient to the patient. This cutting-edge technology will transform how cardiovascular disease is diagnosed and treated."

Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Facilities as President Zelenskyy Joins Leaders at D-Day Events in France

Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a fuel depot in Russian border regions, officials in the targeted areas said Thursday, in Kyiv's ongoing effort to disrupt the Kremlin's war machine and as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought further Western support in Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. Zelenskyy was due to join world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, at D-Day commemorations in France on Thursday. On Friday, he was due to meet with French officials. Zelenskyy's trip came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could provide long-range weapons to other countries so that they could strike Western targets. That threat came after NATO allies said they would allow Ukraine to use weapons they deliver to Kyiv to attack Russian territory. Ukraine's army is fighting to hold back a recent Russian push in eastern areas, including the border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk, that seeks to exploit Kyiv's shortages of ammunition and troops along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line after more than two years of war. Biden countered Putin's threat with an insistence that Washington has imposed restrictions on how Ukraine can use American-supplied weapons inside Russia. "We're not talking about giving (Ukraine) weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin," Biden told ABC News during an interview that aired Thursday. Ukraine has received authorization to use the weapons "just across the border where they're receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians," Biden said. Biden admitted he was "concerned" by Putin's behavior and called him "a dictator." Moscow officials were unconvinced by Western arguments. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, said that Putin's comments Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Russia, amounted to "a quite significant shift in our foreign policy." "Let the U.S. and its allies feel the impact of direct use of Russian weapons by others," Medvedev wrote on his messaging app channel. Putin deliberately didn't name potential recipient countries of Russian weapons, Medvedev said. They could go to anyone who considers the U.S. and its allies their enemies, he said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday the use of Western weapons against Russia "can't be left without consequences, and those consequences will certainly follow." Putin claimed that using some Western-supplied weapons involves military personnel of those countries controlling the missiles and selecting targets, and therefore he said that Moscow could take "asymmetrical" steps elsewhere in the world. The U.S. military said that it doesn't control the missiles it provides to Ukraine or the targets, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that the alliance has no plans to deploy forces to Ukraine. "We are focusing on how we can establish a stronger framework for our support, with an institutionalized framework for the support to Ukraine and how to establish an agreed long-term financial commitment to ensure that we stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes," Stoltenberg said in Finland. An overnight drone attack hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia's Rostov region and started a fire, Rostov Gov. Vasily Golubev said. Firefighters had to pull out briefly because of a second attack, he said. The extent of the damage to the facility wasn't immediately clear. Golubev said that there were no casualties. In Belgorod, another border region, a drone hit an oil depot overnight, Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. It caused an explosion and a fire in one of the oil reservoirs. The blaze was quickly extinguished and there were no casualties, Gladkov said. It wasn't immediately possible to verify the reports. Refineries, fuel depots and oil terminals have been targets of increasingly sophisticated Ukrainian drone attacks that have reached deep into Russia. The attacks deny Moscow revenue, and Western sanctions have added to the pressure on Russia's energy sector. Russia, meanwhile, has been attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. The apparent goal is to sap public morale and affect military manufacturing plants.

military

Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Facilities as President Zelenskyy Joins Leaders at D-Day Events in France. Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a fuel depot in Russian border regions, officials in the targeted areas said Thursday, in Kyiv's ongoing effort to disrupt the Kremlin's war machine and as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought further Western support in Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. Zelenskyy was due to join world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, at D-Day commemorations in France on Thursday. On Friday, he was due to meet with French officials. Zelenskyy's trip came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could provide long-range weapons to other countries so that they could strike Western targets. That threat came after NATO allies said they would allow Ukraine to use weapons they deliver to Kyiv to attack Russian territory. Ukraine's army is fighting to hold back a recent Russian push in eastern areas, including the border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk, that seeks to exploit Kyiv's shortages of ammunition and troops along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line after more than two years of war. Biden countered Putin's threat with an insistence that Washington has imposed restrictions on how Ukraine can use American-supplied weapons inside Russia. "We're not talking about giving (Ukraine) weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin," Biden told ABC News during an interview that aired Thursday. Ukraine has received authorization to use the weapons "just across the border where they're receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians," Biden said. Biden admitted he was "concerned" by Putin's behavior and called him "a dictator." Moscow officials were unconvinced by Western arguments. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, said that Putin's comments Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Russia, amounted to "a quite significant shift in our foreign policy." "Let the U.S. and its allies feel the impact of direct use of Russian weapons by others," Medvedev wrote on his messaging app channel. Putin deliberately didn't name potential recipient countries of Russian weapons, Medvedev said. They could go to anyone who considers the U.S. and its allies their enemies, he said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday the use of Western weapons against Russia "can't be left without consequences, and those consequences will certainly follow." Putin claimed that using some Western-supplied weapons involves military personnel of those countries controlling the missiles and selecting targets, and therefore he said that Moscow could take "asymmetrical" steps elsewhere in the world. The U.S. military said that it doesn't control the missiles it provides to Ukraine or the targets, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that the alliance has no plans to deploy forces to Ukraine. "We are focusing on how we can establish a stronger framework for our support, with an institutionalized framework for the support to Ukraine and how to establish an agreed long-term financial commitment to ensure that we stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes," Stoltenberg said in Finland. An overnight drone attack hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia's Rostov region and started a fire, Rostov Gov. Vasily Golubev said. Firefighters had to pull out briefly because of a second attack, he said. The extent of the damage to the facility wasn't immediately clear. Golubev said that there were no casualties. In Belgorod, another border region, a drone hit an oil depot overnight, Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. It caused an explosion and a fire in one of the oil reservoirs. The blaze was quickly extinguished and there were no casualties, Gladkov said. It wasn't immediately possible to verify the reports. Refineries, fuel depots and oil terminals have been targets of increasingly sophisticated Ukrainian drone attacks that have reached deep into Russia. The attacks deny Moscow revenue, and Western sanctions have added to the pressure on Russia's energy sector. Russia, meanwhile, has been attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. The apparent goal is to sap public morale and affect military manufacturing plants.

B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta border: RCMP

This Aug. 12, 2009 photo shows a grizzly bear traveling across the Porcupine River Tundra in the Yukon Territories, Canada. B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Rick Bowmer A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon. Mounties said they were called at about 3 p.m. about a bear attack near the industrial park west of Highway 43. According to police, two men were tracking a bear with dogs when a 36-year-old was attacked. "The man suffered numerous injuries, including broken bones and lacerations to his body during the attack," Mounties said in a news release. "The man was able to defend himself with his firearm and the bear ran off. The other man, his father, called for help." As the incident happened on a steep mountainside, multiple agencies responded, including conservation officers, RCMP, local search-and-rescue teams and paramedics. A long-line helicopter rescue was conducted after the injured man was moved about 200 metres down the mountain. Highway 43 was temporarily closed Thursday to prepare a landing spot for an air ambulance and the man was taken to Calgary Foothills Hospital. He was in stable condition when he left the scene, police said. "All remaining personnel (were) able to exit the location without other contact with the animal, which remained at large," Mounties said in their statement. Conservation officers searched the area for the injured bear, which was eventually found dead near the original scene. Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta border: RCMP World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition

canada

B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta border: RCMP. This Aug. 12, 2009 photo shows a grizzly bear traveling across the Porcupine River Tundra in the Yukon Territories, Canada. B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Rick Bowmer A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon. Mounties said they were called at about 3 p.m. about a bear attack near the industrial park west of Highway 43. According to police, two men were tracking a bear with dogs when a 36-year-old was attacked. "The man suffered numerous injuries, including broken bones and lacerations to his body during the attack," Mounties said in a news release. "The man was able to defend himself with his firearm and the bear ran off. The other man, his father, called for help." As the incident happened on a steep mountainside, multiple agencies responded, including conservation officers, RCMP, local search-and-rescue teams and paramedics. A long-line helicopter rescue was conducted after the injured man was moved about 200 metres down the mountain. Highway 43 was temporarily closed Thursday to prepare a landing spot for an air ambulance and the man was taken to Calgary Foothills Hospital. He was in stable condition when he left the scene, police said. "All remaining personnel (were) able to exit the location without other contact with the animal, which remained at large," Mounties said in their statement. Conservation officers searched the area for the injured bear, which was eventually found dead near the original scene. Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta border: RCMP World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition

5 tips for talking to kids about their weight

It is no secret that a growing percentage of Americans can be considered overweight or obese, and that includes children. The number of kids between the ages of 2 and 19 who can be categorized as obese has now grown to 20 per cent, or one in five. "Essentially, from the 1970s to the '90s, there was a huge increase in the number of kids who are considered to have obesity … too high a body weight for their own good," Dr. Jack Yanovski, a pediatric endocrinologist at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his podcast Chasing Life. With children, doctors define obesity a bit differently than they do with adults. Children's body mass index — imperfect as the measurement is — is calculated in the same way (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), but the threshold for obesity is not a BMI of 30 or above. Instead, kids are compared with others of the same age and gender. If their BMI is equal to or greater than the 95th percentile (if they are bigger than 95 out of 100 other kids their age and gender), then they are considered to have obesity. Severe obesity is having a BMI equal to or greater than the 120th percentile. In addition to the social stigma — being considered heavy is one of the most common reasons that kids are bullied at school — carrying around extra weight can lead to present and future health problems. "Most people who are heavy by the age of five or six will tend to continue to have problems with body weight throughout adolescence and into adulthood," Yanovski said. Top health headlines, all in one place 5 Things to Know newsletter: Sign up to start your day with the top stories The negative health effects will have a chance to build up. "We know that those individuals will therefore accrue the greatest risks from their higher body (fat) because they're going to continue to have high body weight throughout the years," he said. Think it's time to discuss weight with your child? Talking to a child of any age about weight is a delicate matter for parents and pediatricians. After all, children are growing, their bodies are changing, and they are supposed to gain weight as they grow. Knowing what is healthy and appropriate, and socially and personally acceptable, can feel subjective to a parent and child. "Generally, you should start with your health care provider," Yanovski said. "Remember, kids come in all different sizes and shapes. And their caloric demands will be very different based on where they are in their growth cycle. So have them measure and examine your child (to) see if they think it's a medically important condition." If parents come down too hard, kids can get depressed or resentful, feel stigmatized or singled out; some might even develop eating disorders to lose weight. "Parents have to be alert and responsive to their children," Yanovski said, "and mostly not shaming them about their relationships with food to try to avoid these problems." Here are Yanovski's top five tips: Tread lightly Don't come in like a bulldozer with a "parent knows best" attitude. "Be humble and mindful of how you speak because there's often bias and weight stigma," Yanovski said. "Your children should feel comfortable and safe sharing their concerns or struggles. If you need to make changes or consider therapies, keep in mind that decision-making is a shared process." There's no one 'right' body size Children are a work in progress, and growth spurts are normal. "Remember there's a range of healthy weights and that children are supposed to grow, especially during puberty," Yanovski said. "Your child's health care providers can discuss with you what's appropriate for your child." Hit the easy button Make healthy choices the default. "Create a healthy environment by considering what foods and snacks are available in the home," Yanovski said. "For example, when children come home hungry from school, offer a plate of fresh fruit and vegetables. For meals, don't offer a family-style serving at the table, but plate everyone's portions in the kitchen." Don't use cake as a carrot Food should not be used as an incentive. "Don't make food the ultimate reward for behavior, grades or chores," Yanovski said. "Don't make highly palatable foods the reward for celebrations. You can substitute activities or other nonfood rewards." Steady as they grow A child's body is in a constant state of flux, but parents' attitudes should aim to be stable. "Be consistent with your expectations," Yanovski said. "When you're inconsistent, switching between lax and overly severe, that's a problem." Trump says his criminal indictments boosted his appeal to Black voters Former U.S. president Donald Trump claimed Friday that his four criminal indictments have boosted his support among Black Americans because they see him as a victim of discrimination, comparing his legal jeopardy to the historic legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the U.S. legal system. U.S. and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen answer militants' surge in Red Sea attacks on ships 'An angel on Earth': Vigil held for father of 4 killed in Toronto bus stop shooting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says 'weakling' Putin executed Navalny to crush dissent In Quebec's strawberry fields, a tiny insect may forecast big climate impacts: study Trump says his criminal indictments boosted his appeal to Black voters Former U.S. president Donald Trump claimed Friday that his four criminal indictments have boosted his support among Black Americans because they see him as a victim of discrimination, comparing his legal jeopardy to the historic legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the U.S. legal system. The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been handed over to his mother, aide says U.S. and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen answer militants' surge in Red Sea attacks on ships Ahead of South Carolina primary, Trump says he strongly supports IVF after Alabama court ruling Trudeau visits Kyiv, predicts victory for Ukraine on invasion's two-year anniversary

health

5 tips for talking to kids about their weight. It is no secret that a growing percentage of Americans can be considered overweight or obese, and that includes children. The number of kids between the ages of 2 and 19 who can be categorized as obese has now grown to 20 per cent, or one in five. "Essentially, from the 1970s to the '90s, there was a huge increase in the number of kids who are considered to have obesity … too high a body weight for their own good," Dr. Jack Yanovski, a pediatric endocrinologist at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his podcast Chasing Life. With children, doctors define obesity a bit differently than they do with adults. Children's body mass index — imperfect as the measurement is — is calculated in the same way (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), but the threshold for obesity is not a BMI of 30 or above. Instead, kids are compared with others of the same age and gender. If their BMI is equal to or greater than the 95th percentile (if they are bigger than 95 out of 100 other kids their age and gender), then they are considered to have obesity. Severe obesity is having a BMI equal to or greater than the 120th percentile. In addition to the social stigma — being considered heavy is one of the most common reasons that kids are bullied at school — carrying around extra weight can lead to present and future health problems. "Most people who are heavy by the age of five or six will tend to continue to have problems with body weight throughout adolescence and into adulthood," Yanovski said. Top health headlines, all in one place 5 Things to Know newsletter: Sign up to start your day with the top stories The negative health effects will have a chance to build up. "We know that those individuals will therefore accrue the greatest risks from their higher body (fat) because they're going to continue to have high body weight throughout the years," he said. Think it's time to discuss weight with your child? Talking to a child of any age about weight is a delicate matter for parents and pediatricians. After all, children are growing, their bodies are changing, and they are supposed to gain weight as they grow. Knowing what is healthy and appropriate, and socially and personally acceptable, can feel subjective to a parent and child. "Generally, you should start with your health care provider," Yanovski said. "Remember, kids come in all different sizes and shapes. And their caloric demands will be very different based on where they are in their growth cycle. So have them measure and examine your child (to) see if they think it's a medically important condition." If parents come down too hard, kids can get depressed or resentful, feel stigmatized or singled out; some might even develop eating disorders to lose weight. "Parents have to be alert and responsive to their children," Yanovski said, "and mostly not shaming them about their relationships with food to try to avoid these problems." Here are Yanovski's top five tips: Tread lightly Don't come in like a bulldozer with a "parent knows best" attitude. "Be humble and mindful of how you speak because there's often bias and weight stigma," Yanovski said. "Your children should feel comfortable and safe sharing their concerns or struggles. If you need to make changes or consider therapies, keep in mind that decision-making is a shared process." There's no one 'right' body size Children are a work in progress, and growth spurts are normal. "Remember there's a range of healthy weights and that children are supposed to grow, especially during puberty," Yanovski said. "Your child's health care providers can discuss with you what's appropriate for your child." Hit the easy button Make healthy choices the default. "Create a healthy environment by considering what foods and snacks are available in the home," Yanovski said. "For example, when children come home hungry from school, offer a plate of fresh fruit and vegetables. For meals, don't offer a family-style serving at the table, but plate everyone's portions in the kitchen." Don't use cake as a carrot Food should not be used as an incentive. "Don't make food the ultimate reward for behavior, grades or chores," Yanovski said. "Don't make highly palatable foods the reward for celebrations. You can substitute activities or other nonfood rewards." Steady as they grow A child's body is in a constant state of flux, but parents' attitudes should aim to be stable. "Be consistent with your expectations," Yanovski said. "When you're inconsistent, switching between lax and overly severe, that's a problem." Trump says his criminal indictments boosted his appeal to Black voters Former U.S. president Donald Trump claimed Friday that his four criminal indictments have boosted his support among Black Americans because they see him as a victim of discrimination, comparing his legal jeopardy to the historic legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the U.S. legal system. U.S. and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen answer militants' surge in Red Sea attacks on ships 'An angel on Earth': Vigil held for father of 4 killed in Toronto bus stop shooting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says 'weakling' Putin executed Navalny to crush dissent In Quebec's strawberry fields, a tiny insect may forecast big climate impacts: study Trump says his criminal indictments boosted his appeal to Black voters Former U.S. president Donald Trump claimed Friday that his four criminal indictments have boosted his support among Black Americans because they see him as a victim of discrimination, comparing his legal jeopardy to the historic legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the U.S. legal system. The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been handed over to his mother, aide says U.S. and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen answer militants' surge in Red Sea attacks on ships Ahead of South Carolina primary, Trump says he strongly supports IVF after Alabama court ruling Trudeau visits Kyiv, predicts victory for Ukraine on invasion's two-year anniversary

Hottest February marks ninth new monthly record

Last month was the world's warmest February in modern times, the EU's climate service says, extending the run of monthly records to nine in a row. Each month since June 2023 has seen new temperature highs for the time of year. The world's sea surface is at its hottest on record, while Antarctic sea-ice has again reached extreme lows. Temperatures are still being boosted by the Pacific's El Niño weather event, but human-caused climate change is by far the main driver of the warmth. "Heat-trapping greenhouse gases are unequivocally the main culprit," stresses Prof Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization. Carbon dioxide concentrations are at their highest level for at least two million years, according to the UN's climate body, and increased by near-record levels again over the past year. Those warming gases helped make February 2024 about 1.77C warmer than "pre-industrial" times - before humans started burning large amounts of fossil fuels - according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. This breaks the previous record, from 2016, by around 0.12C. The 12-month average now sits at 1.56C above pre-industrial levels - after the "Ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific clearly reflect El Niño. But sea surface temperatures in other parts of the globe have been persistently and unusually high for the past 10 months," explains Prof Saulo. "This is worrying and cannot be explained by El Niño alone." Ocean warming has prompted concerns about the raises global sea-levels and can help to fuel higher intensity hurricanes. Unusually warm waters may also have been a factor in another exceptional month for Antarctic sea-ice. The three lowest minimum extents in the satellite era have now occurred in the last three years. Scientists are struggling to explain exactly what's going on. Until 2017, Antarctic sea-ice had defied predictions that it would shrink, unlike in the Arctic, where the downward trend has been much clearer. The apparent recent shift - occurring at the same time as other records are being broken around the planet - adds to concerns that Antarctic sea-ice may finally be waking up to climate change. "I don't think you can say it's coincidental," Prof Martin Siegert, a glaciologist at the University of Exeter, told BBC News. "It's absolutely frightening. The records are just off [the] scale." There are signs that the run of global temperature records may finally come to an end in the months ahead. The 2023-24 El Niño has been one of the five strongest such events on record, the World Meteorological Organization announced on Tuesday, but it is gradually weakening. El Niño will continue to have an effect on temperatures and weather patterns for the next few months. "We would expect [El Niño] to continue to keep 2024 temperatures elevated at least through the first half of the year," Dr Colin Morice, a senior scientist at the UK's Met Office Hadley Centre, told BBC News. However, a switch to neutral conditions in the Pacific is likely between April and June, according to US science body NOAA, and a further switch to the cool phase known as La Niña could then happen between June and August. This would likely put a temporary lid on global air temperatures, with a cooler sea surface in the East Pacific allowing less heat to escape and warm the air. But as long as human activities keep releasing huge amounts of greenhouse gases, temperatures will continue rising in the long-term, ultimately leading to more records and extreme weather. "We know what to do - stop burning fossil fuels and replace them with more sustainable, renewable sources of energy," says Dr Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London.

environment,science

Hottest February marks ninth new monthly record. Last month was the world's warmest February in modern times, the EU's climate service says, extending the run of monthly records to nine in a row. Each month since June 2023 has seen new temperature highs for the time of year. The world's sea surface is at its hottest on record, while Antarctic sea-ice has again reached extreme lows. Temperatures are still being boosted by the Pacific's El Niño weather event, but human-caused climate change is by far the main driver of the warmth. "Heat-trapping greenhouse gases are unequivocally the main culprit," stresses Prof Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization. Carbon dioxide concentrations are at their highest level for at least two million years, according to the UN's climate body, and increased by near-record levels again over the past year. Those warming gases helped make February 2024 about 1.77C warmer than "pre-industrial" times - before humans started burning large amounts of fossil fuels - according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. This breaks the previous record, from 2016, by around 0.12C. The 12-month average now sits at 1.56C above pre-industrial levels - after the "Ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific clearly reflect El Niño. But sea surface temperatures in other parts of the globe have been persistently and unusually high for the past 10 months," explains Prof Saulo. "This is worrying and cannot be explained by El Niño alone." Ocean warming has prompted concerns about the raises global sea-levels and can help to fuel higher intensity hurricanes. Unusually warm waters may also have been a factor in another exceptional month for Antarctic sea-ice. The three lowest minimum extents in the satellite era have now occurred in the last three years. Scientists are struggling to explain exactly what's going on. Until 2017, Antarctic sea-ice had defied predictions that it would shrink, unlike in the Arctic, where the downward trend has been much clearer. The apparent recent shift - occurring at the same time as other records are being broken around the planet - adds to concerns that Antarctic sea-ice may finally be waking up to climate change. "I don't think you can say it's coincidental," Prof Martin Siegert, a glaciologist at the University of Exeter, told BBC News. "It's absolutely frightening. The records are just off [the] scale." There are signs that the run of global temperature records may finally come to an end in the months ahead. The 2023-24 El Niño has been one of the five strongest such events on record, the World Meteorological Organization announced on Tuesday, but it is gradually weakening. El Niño will continue to have an effect on temperatures and weather patterns for the next few months. "We would expect [El Niño] to continue to keep 2024 temperatures elevated at least through the first half of the year," Dr Colin Morice, a senior scientist at the UK's Met Office Hadley Centre, told BBC News. However, a switch to neutral conditions in the Pacific is likely between April and June, according to US science body NOAA, and a further switch to the cool phase known as La Niña could then happen between June and August. This would likely put a temporary lid on global air temperatures, with a cooler sea surface in the East Pacific allowing less heat to escape and warm the air. But as long as human activities keep releasing huge amounts of greenhouse gases, temperatures will continue rising in the long-term, ultimately leading to more records and extreme weather. "We know what to do - stop burning fossil fuels and replace them with more sustainable, renewable sources of energy," says Dr Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London.

Costco Canada selling retractable driveway bollards to protect cars from thieves

The bollards, which are vertical steel posts, are branded with the logo of "Ontario Bollards," which operates out of Georgetown, Ontario, according to the company website. shared a video that shows a set of manual retractable bollards for sale for $569.99. "Reduce the risk of auto theft with these security bollards," the video notes in the caption. The bollards, which are vertical steel posts, are branded with the logo of "Ontario Bollards," which operates out of Georgetown, Ontario, according to the company website. The company confirmed to National Post that their products are available at Costco. Industry reports have found that both Ontario and Quebec have seen a nearly 50 per cent increase in vehicle thefts since 2022. According to a 2023 report from the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA), a vehicle is stolen every six minutes. Last June, a report from CFLA noted that Toronto saw a 300 per cent increase in vehicle thefts from 2015 to 2022, with the problem growing progressively worse each year. In 2022, more than 9,600 vehicles were stolen in Toronto alone. The majority of the vehicles are being stolen from residential driveways, usually in the overnight hours. police suggest measures like investing in anti-theft devices, such as ignition or fuel kill switches, steering wheel, gearshift, and hood locks or steering column collars and electric alarms, others have turned to bollards. After two people attempted and failed to steal the car, he began looking into security solutions. "I had actually went and bought a parking boot," Lucas told National Post in March. "It's kind of unsightly, but these guys, when they're trying to steal a car, they don't want to spend a lot of time mucking about. They just want to try breaking the window and do whatever they need to do to get in, get started and take off." He later came across Bollard Boys GTA, a local bollard installation service, and after receiving approval from the city, went ahead with the installation of three retractable bollards. "The lovely thing about it is, when they're down, you don't know they're there," he said. "It's inconspicuous during the day when they're dropped, but when I come home at night and I'm putting the car to bed, I pull them up. There's no way for anybody to be able to futz around to try and get the car out between the bollards because there's no way it would fit." Achoy Ladrick, one of Bollard Boys GTA's co-founders, told the Post demand for bollards has climbed over the past three years "as problems have worsened." "The bollards themselves are becoming more normalized," Ladrick said. "It's been a growing demand from when we initially started." Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark

canada

Costco Canada selling retractable driveway bollards to protect cars from thieves. The bollards, which are vertical steel posts, are branded with the logo of "Ontario Bollards," which operates out of Georgetown, Ontario, according to the company website. shared a video that shows a set of manual retractable bollards for sale for $569.99. "Reduce the risk of auto theft with these security bollards," the video notes in the caption. The bollards, which are vertical steel posts, are branded with the logo of "Ontario Bollards," which operates out of Georgetown, Ontario, according to the company website. The company confirmed to National Post that their products are available at Costco. Industry reports have found that both Ontario and Quebec have seen a nearly 50 per cent increase in vehicle thefts since 2022. According to a 2023 report from the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA), a vehicle is stolen every six minutes. Last June, a report from CFLA noted that Toronto saw a 300 per cent increase in vehicle thefts from 2015 to 2022, with the problem growing progressively worse each year. In 2022, more than 9,600 vehicles were stolen in Toronto alone. The majority of the vehicles are being stolen from residential driveways, usually in the overnight hours. police suggest measures like investing in anti-theft devices, such as ignition or fuel kill switches, steering wheel, gearshift, and hood locks or steering column collars and electric alarms, others have turned to bollards. After two people attempted and failed to steal the car, he began looking into security solutions. "I had actually went and bought a parking boot," Lucas told National Post in March. "It's kind of unsightly, but these guys, when they're trying to steal a car, they don't want to spend a lot of time mucking about. They just want to try breaking the window and do whatever they need to do to get in, get started and take off." He later came across Bollard Boys GTA, a local bollard installation service, and after receiving approval from the city, went ahead with the installation of three retractable bollards. "The lovely thing about it is, when they're down, you don't know they're there," he said. "It's inconspicuous during the day when they're dropped, but when I come home at night and I'm putting the car to bed, I pull them up. There's no way for anybody to be able to futz around to try and get the car out between the bollards because there's no way it would fit." Achoy Ladrick, one of Bollard Boys GTA's co-founders, told the Post demand for bollards has climbed over the past three years "as problems have worsened." "The bollards themselves are becoming more normalized," Ladrick said. "It's been a growing demand from when we initially started." Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark

New Zealand’s military chief talks recruitment, drones and Ukraine

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — You fight with what you have, and the New Zealand Defence Force's firepower is limited. There are insufficient personnel to operate all the weapon systems in its inventory. Ships are mothballed, and although the first batch of new Bushmaster armored vehicles were delivered May 25 to Trentham Military Camp, Maj. Paul Napier of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps told Defense News that the Army lacks drivers. "Recruits often do not have a driving license," he said. New Zealand law requires those old enough to drive a vehicle to have at least nine month's experience before the government issues a full license. But training isn't the only challenge. On May 7, 2018, then-Defence Minister Ron Mark told Defense News that the barracks he stayed in as a 20-year-old soldier still looked "exactly the damn same." "They were built for the Second World War, [and] we can't ignore that forever," he said. Air Marshal Kevin Short, who began serving as chief of the New Zealand Defence Force in July 2018, discussed with Defense News several issues facing the military. His military career began in January 1976 when he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator. Since then, he has flown more than 5,000 hours, mainly on the recently retired P-3K2 Orion. As of June 2023, the force he leads has an end strength of 15,236. Regular forces include 4,268 in the Army, 2,390 in the Air Force and 2,068 in the Navy. There are 3,060 civilians serving the military, and reserve forces total 3,450. In terms of materiel, the Army's inventory includes 105mm light guns, eight-wheel drive New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicles armed with 25mm cannons, and the Javelin anti-armor missile. The Air Force's fleet includes four new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft; eight NH90 and eight SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters; five C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft; and two Boeing 757-2K2 freight/passenger transports. And the Navy's fleet includes the 568-foot Polar-class sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa; the 430-foot Protector-fleet amphibious and military sealift vessel HMNZS Canterbury; and two 387-foot Anzac-class frigates (the HMNZS Te Kaha and the HMNZS Te Mana). This interview, from June 30, was edited for length and clarity. New Zealand's weapon systems used to be similar to those of Australia, but that capability gap is widening. How does that affect the New Zealand Defence Force? The NZDF seeks to be interoperable with the Australian Defence Force, our allies and partners. This is broader than simply having the same or similar equipment; it's about cooperating and integrating across strategic engagement, capability development, training, personnel and readiness. Recent capability purchases such as the P-8A and C130J, the fleet replenishment ship HMNZS Aotearoa, and the recently signed The New Zealand vessel HMNZS Canterbury participated in an amphibious exercise near Fiji during March and April 2023. (New Zealand Defence Force) What are the benefits of Plan Anzac? The plan aims to reinvigorate longstanding army-to-army cooperation with the Australian Army. As close neighbors and allies, we have a mutual commitment to support each other's security, closely coordinate our efforts in the Pacific, and maintain a shared focus on the security and stability of our wider region. This plan ensures our armies can continue to effectively contribute to that. The plan will balance the enduring characteristics of the Anzac relationship, such as close integration in capability, training and readiness, as well as retention of sovereign capability and capacity to act in support of independent joint force operations. Is entry to the NZDF as open as it could be? What do recruiters tell you? The New Zealand labor market is strong, and there is strong competition for young people. The defense recruiting organization continues to work hard to get enough recruits in the door to meet our targets, but we acknowledge that it is tough. I believe entry criteria are appropriate, and I don't think standards should be dropped. We need to be better at getting applicants in the door before they look at other options. Does the Navy risk having another ship alongside due to too few sailors? It is possible, but the government recently increased remuneration, which on top of NZDF and Navy initiatives may help to arrest the attrition rate. At the moment, the Navy has three vessels in care and custody due to crew limitations. Should maritime interests and affairs take precedence over the Army? All the domains are important — land, sea, air and information. The fact is that when we, for example, deploy to the Pacific, that could involve personnel and equipment from all three services: for example, a naval vessel carrying Army engineers and aviation assets in order to respond to an emergency situation resulting from a tropical cyclone. The Air Force's four P-8As became operational on July 1. Can they provide the same operational availability as the previous six Orions? Yes. Four P-8A Poseidons were considered in the business case as a viable option due to improvements in aircraft reliability, and by using flight simulators to further reduce flying hours to train aircrew. This improvement in reliability and the shift in training capability allow the Royal New Zealand Air Force to better use the P-8A for operational outputs and match the operational outputs of the now-retired P-3K2 Orion fleet. Australia recently grounded its NH90s again. Norway and Sweden appear unhappy with their NH90s. How does the Royal New Zealand Air Force feel about its NH90s? A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter conducts operations in the country's community of Puketapu on Feb. 16, 2023. (Kerry Marshall/Getty Images) In June 2020, five C-130J-30 aircraft were ordered for delivery from 2024. Is that going to plan? Yes, the aircraft delivery is still on schedule. What lessons translate to the NZDF from the war in Ukraine? The war in Ukraine has illustrated the importance to the NZDF of maintaining relationships and interoperability with partners and likeminded nations, and continuing our high-quality training of our professional personnel so that we're ready and able to support the international community's efforts when we're called on. As a specific example, the war in Ukraine has served as a reminder to remain cognizant of and train for all aspects of combat. Our infantry training teams, who are deployed to the United Kingdom to instruct Ukraine's armed forces trainees in basic soldiering skills, have also emphasized in the training they do and the importance of team cohesion on the battlefield. Another lesson from the conflict, and previously the COVID-19 pandemic, has been the importance of supply chains to a country's armed forces. The NZDF is going to look at its "just in time" approach, and adjust to a "just in case" approach. Last year the government commissioned a review of its defense policy to look at its defense strategy and force design. This is still in process. The "Defence Assessment 2021″ document had described a more challenging strategic environment for New Zealand than in recent decades. In January 2023, the public was invited to comment on the forthcoming defense review. What happened? The online public survey has closed, with more than 8,500 responses received. A summary will be made available publicly at a later date. What is the future for uncrewed systems with the NZDF? There is a future for such technologies in the New Zealand Defence Force. The NZDF already uses uncrewed underwater survey technology and explosive ordnance disposal technology, and continues to explore opportunities to further de-risk maritime operations as underwater, surface and aerial uncrewed capabilities continue to mature. New Zealand military personnel prepare for departure April 13, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand, as the government sends C-130H transport aircraft to Europe to help move donated military provisions to Ukraine. (Phil Walter/Getty Images) What's top of mind for members of the NZDF? What are they telling you? Personnel raise many and varied issues with me as I visit camps and bases. These issues can range from pay and allowances to other conditions of service, such as accommodation. They may also raise issues such as deployment opportunities. I am constantly listening, as are other senior officers in the NZDF, to the matters raised by personnel. We are nothing without our people, and our people are our most important asset in the New Zealand Defence Force. Former Defence Minister Ron Marks wanted to improve NZDF accommodation. Where does that stand? Some work has been done in the estate area, but we acknowledge much more has to be done. Housing redevelopment announcements were made by the minister of defense as part of the 2023 budget, [in which NZ$85 million (U.S. $52 million) went toward improving NZDF housing]. How is climate change shifting the balance between fighting wars and carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief? The ability to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations is a result of our preparation for military operations such as combat. The NZDF is well aware that climate change-related emergencies are likely to be a greater part of our future activity — a conclusion that was referred to in the "Defence Assessment 2021″ document. However, the main role of the Defence Force is to be prepared for combat operations, and this is unlikely to change. Nick Lee-Frampton Nick Lee-Frampton is the New Zealand correspondent for Defense News. More In Interviews Romania to buy 54 howitzers from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Other bidders reportedly included Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with the Panzerhaubitze 2000 and Turkey's BMC with its T-155 Fırtına. Lawmakers urge Defense Innovation Unit to partner with Israel, Taiwan The provisions call for DIU to establish a "strategic partnership" with each country to coordinate on industrial priorities and dual-use tech development. US approves loitering munitions sale for Taiwan's 'porcupine strategy' The Defense Security Cooperation Agency approvals include 291 Altius 600M-V loitering munitions from Anduril, plus 720 Switchblade 300s from AeroVironment. US Army to launch AI pilot project for acquisition workforce The pilot project is part of a broader effort within the Army to identify both the pitfalls and the opportunities that come with widely adopting AI tools. Defense Innovation Unit seeks systems to counter Red Sea drone attacks

military

New Zealand’s military chief talks recruitment, drones and Ukraine. WELLINGTON, New Zealand — You fight with what you have, and the New Zealand Defence Force's firepower is limited. There are insufficient personnel to operate all the weapon systems in its inventory. Ships are mothballed, and although the first batch of new Bushmaster armored vehicles were delivered May 25 to Trentham Military Camp, Maj. Paul Napier of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps told Defense News that the Army lacks drivers. "Recruits often do not have a driving license," he said. New Zealand law requires those old enough to drive a vehicle to have at least nine month's experience before the government issues a full license. But training isn't the only challenge. On May 7, 2018, then-Defence Minister Ron Mark told Defense News that the barracks he stayed in as a 20-year-old soldier still looked "exactly the damn same." "They were built for the Second World War, [and] we can't ignore that forever," he said. Air Marshal Kevin Short, who began serving as chief of the New Zealand Defence Force in July 2018, discussed with Defense News several issues facing the military. His military career began in January 1976 when he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator. Since then, he has flown more than 5,000 hours, mainly on the recently retired P-3K2 Orion. As of June 2023, the force he leads has an end strength of 15,236. Regular forces include 4,268 in the Army, 2,390 in the Air Force and 2,068 in the Navy. There are 3,060 civilians serving the military, and reserve forces total 3,450. In terms of materiel, the Army's inventory includes 105mm light guns, eight-wheel drive New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicles armed with 25mm cannons, and the Javelin anti-armor missile. The Air Force's fleet includes four new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft; eight NH90 and eight SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters; five C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft; and two Boeing 757-2K2 freight/passenger transports. And the Navy's fleet includes the 568-foot Polar-class sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa; the 430-foot Protector-fleet amphibious and military sealift vessel HMNZS Canterbury; and two 387-foot Anzac-class frigates (the HMNZS Te Kaha and the HMNZS Te Mana). This interview, from June 30, was edited for length and clarity. New Zealand's weapon systems used to be similar to those of Australia, but that capability gap is widening. How does that affect the New Zealand Defence Force? The NZDF seeks to be interoperable with the Australian Defence Force, our allies and partners. This is broader than simply having the same or similar equipment; it's about cooperating and integrating across strategic engagement, capability development, training, personnel and readiness. Recent capability purchases such as the P-8A and C130J, the fleet replenishment ship HMNZS Aotearoa, and the recently signed The New Zealand vessel HMNZS Canterbury participated in an amphibious exercise near Fiji during March and April 2023. (New Zealand Defence Force) What are the benefits of Plan Anzac? The plan aims to reinvigorate longstanding army-to-army cooperation with the Australian Army. As close neighbors and allies, we have a mutual commitment to support each other's security, closely coordinate our efforts in the Pacific, and maintain a shared focus on the security and stability of our wider region. This plan ensures our armies can continue to effectively contribute to that. The plan will balance the enduring characteristics of the Anzac relationship, such as close integration in capability, training and readiness, as well as retention of sovereign capability and capacity to act in support of independent joint force operations. Is entry to the NZDF as open as it could be? What do recruiters tell you? The New Zealand labor market is strong, and there is strong competition for young people. The defense recruiting organization continues to work hard to get enough recruits in the door to meet our targets, but we acknowledge that it is tough. I believe entry criteria are appropriate, and I don't think standards should be dropped. We need to be better at getting applicants in the door before they look at other options. Does the Navy risk having another ship alongside due to too few sailors? It is possible, but the government recently increased remuneration, which on top of NZDF and Navy initiatives may help to arrest the attrition rate. At the moment, the Navy has three vessels in care and custody due to crew limitations. Should maritime interests and affairs take precedence over the Army? All the domains are important — land, sea, air and information. The fact is that when we, for example, deploy to the Pacific, that could involve personnel and equipment from all three services: for example, a naval vessel carrying Army engineers and aviation assets in order to respond to an emergency situation resulting from a tropical cyclone. The Air Force's four P-8As became operational on July 1. Can they provide the same operational availability as the previous six Orions? Yes. Four P-8A Poseidons were considered in the business case as a viable option due to improvements in aircraft reliability, and by using flight simulators to further reduce flying hours to train aircrew. This improvement in reliability and the shift in training capability allow the Royal New Zealand Air Force to better use the P-8A for operational outputs and match the operational outputs of the now-retired P-3K2 Orion fleet. Australia recently grounded its NH90s again. Norway and Sweden appear unhappy with their NH90s. How does the Royal New Zealand Air Force feel about its NH90s? A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter conducts operations in the country's community of Puketapu on Feb. 16, 2023. (Kerry Marshall/Getty Images) In June 2020, five C-130J-30 aircraft were ordered for delivery from 2024. Is that going to plan? Yes, the aircraft delivery is still on schedule. What lessons translate to the NZDF from the war in Ukraine? The war in Ukraine has illustrated the importance to the NZDF of maintaining relationships and interoperability with partners and likeminded nations, and continuing our high-quality training of our professional personnel so that we're ready and able to support the international community's efforts when we're called on. As a specific example, the war in Ukraine has served as a reminder to remain cognizant of and train for all aspects of combat. Our infantry training teams, who are deployed to the United Kingdom to instruct Ukraine's armed forces trainees in basic soldiering skills, have also emphasized in the training they do and the importance of team cohesion on the battlefield. Another lesson from the conflict, and previously the COVID-19 pandemic, has been the importance of supply chains to a country's armed forces. The NZDF is going to look at its "just in time" approach, and adjust to a "just in case" approach. Last year the government commissioned a review of its defense policy to look at its defense strategy and force design. This is still in process. The "Defence Assessment 2021″ document had described a more challenging strategic environment for New Zealand than in recent decades. In January 2023, the public was invited to comment on the forthcoming defense review. What happened? The online public survey has closed, with more than 8,500 responses received. A summary will be made available publicly at a later date. What is the future for uncrewed systems with the NZDF? There is a future for such technologies in the New Zealand Defence Force. The NZDF already uses uncrewed underwater survey technology and explosive ordnance disposal technology, and continues to explore opportunities to further de-risk maritime operations as underwater, surface and aerial uncrewed capabilities continue to mature. New Zealand military personnel prepare for departure April 13, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand, as the government sends C-130H transport aircraft to Europe to help move donated military provisions to Ukraine. (Phil Walter/Getty Images) What's top of mind for members of the NZDF? What are they telling you? Personnel raise many and varied issues with me as I visit camps and bases. These issues can range from pay and allowances to other conditions of service, such as accommodation. They may also raise issues such as deployment opportunities. I am constantly listening, as are other senior officers in the NZDF, to the matters raised by personnel. We are nothing without our people, and our people are our most important asset in the New Zealand Defence Force. Former Defence Minister Ron Marks wanted to improve NZDF accommodation. Where does that stand? Some work has been done in the estate area, but we acknowledge much more has to be done. Housing redevelopment announcements were made by the minister of defense as part of the 2023 budget, [in which NZ$85 million (U.S. $52 million) went toward improving NZDF housing]. How is climate change shifting the balance between fighting wars and carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief? The ability to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations is a result of our preparation for military operations such as combat. The NZDF is well aware that climate change-related emergencies are likely to be a greater part of our future activity — a conclusion that was referred to in the "Defence Assessment 2021″ document. However, the main role of the Defence Force is to be prepared for combat operations, and this is unlikely to change. Nick Lee-Frampton Nick Lee-Frampton is the New Zealand correspondent for Defense News. More In Interviews Romania to buy 54 howitzers from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Other bidders reportedly included Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with the Panzerhaubitze 2000 and Turkey's BMC with its T-155 Fırtına. Lawmakers urge Defense Innovation Unit to partner with Israel, Taiwan The provisions call for DIU to establish a "strategic partnership" with each country to coordinate on industrial priorities and dual-use tech development. US approves loitering munitions sale for Taiwan's 'porcupine strategy' The Defense Security Cooperation Agency approvals include 291 Altius 600M-V loitering munitions from Anduril, plus 720 Switchblade 300s from AeroVironment. US Army to launch AI pilot project for acquisition workforce The pilot project is part of a broader effort within the Army to identify both the pitfalls and the opportunities that come with widely adopting AI tools. Defense Innovation Unit seeks systems to counter Red Sea drone attacks

For Alzheimer’s patients, eating pomegranates could help alleviate symptoms, study says: ‘Promising results’

Fox News correspondent Jonathan Serrie has the latest on the ultrasound and antibodies treatment developed by West Virginia University researchers on 'America Reports.' Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Privacy Policy, which includes our The link between diet and dementia has been well-documented, and now researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the U.S. National Institute on Aging have found that eating more pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts could help improve memory among COMMON COOKING INGREDIENT COULD REDUCE DEMENTIA MORTALITY RISK, STUDY SUGGESTS "Our study on mouse models with Alzheimer's disease shows that urolithin A, which is a naturally occurring substance in pomegranates, can alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia," said Vilhelm Bohr, affiliate professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen, in a press release. Researchers have found that eating more pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts could help improve memory among Alzheimer's patients. (iStock) In patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, the brain has trouble removing weak mitochondria, which builds up and impairs brain function. Utolithin A has been shown to remove weak mitochondria from the brain, thus restoring cognitive function, the researchers found. The study findings were published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia. ALL ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND STAGES Researchers aren't sure how much of the substance is needed to achieve positive results. "We still cannot say anything conclusive about the dosage, but I imagine that it is more than a pomegranate a day," Bohr said. "However, the substance is already available in pill form, and we are currently trying to find the right dosage." Pomegranates contain a substance called urolithin A, a compound created by gut bacteria that has been shown to improve memory and brain function. (iStock) Utolithin A could ideally be used as a safe way to prevent neurological diseases, he noted. "The advantage of working with a natural substance is the reduced risk of side effects," he said. "Clinical trials with Urolithin A have been effective in muscular disease, and now we need to look at Alzheimer's disease." CAN WE REVERSE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE? EXPERTS SUGGEST 'NEW PARADIGM' FOR COMBATING DEMENTIA Based on the "promising results" seen in the mouse models, the researchers are planning to conduct clinical trials on humans. Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, was not involved in the study but shared comments on the findings. "Long-term urolithin A treatment significantly improved learning, memory and olfactory function (smelling) in mice," she told Fox News Digital. "The advantage of working with a natural substance is the reduced risk of side effects." "As a dietitian, I always recommend that people discuss any supplement with their personal medical care provider before starting it." As the research is still very new and has only been done in mice so far, Freirich noted that the results "cannot be extrapolated to humans with certainty." She added, "I would certainly recommend to anyone that adding pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts to the diet is a great idea." "I would certainly recommend to anyone that adding pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts to the diet is a great idea," a nutritionist said. nutritious foods, high in antioxidants and, in the case of walnuts, omega 3s." These foods are unlikely to cause any harm if consumed in typical portion sizes, Freirich noted, unless there is an allergy or another specific reason to avoid them. Other recommended foods for brain health include adequate dietary intake of omega 3s (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, olive oil), green leafy vegetables, berries, and legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), according to Freirich. FASTING COULD REDUCE SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, STUDIES SUGGEST: 'PROFOUND EFFECTS' CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based dietitian and author of the book "Belly Fat Diet For Dummies," who was also not involved in the study, said the "promising" results support other research that has found an association between pomegranates and improved cognition and memory. "More research needs to be done to identify how much pomegranate would be needed to achieve cognitive benefits, but adding even small amounts of pomegranate to the diet can be beneficial to overall health," a nutritionist told Fox News Digital.

health

For Alzheimer’s patients, eating pomegranates could help alleviate symptoms, study says: ‘Promising results’. Fox News correspondent Jonathan Serrie has the latest on the ultrasound and antibodies treatment developed by West Virginia University researchers on 'America Reports.' Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Privacy Policy, which includes our The link between diet and dementia has been well-documented, and now researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the U.S. National Institute on Aging have found that eating more pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts could help improve memory among COMMON COOKING INGREDIENT COULD REDUCE DEMENTIA MORTALITY RISK, STUDY SUGGESTS "Our study on mouse models with Alzheimer's disease shows that urolithin A, which is a naturally occurring substance in pomegranates, can alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia," said Vilhelm Bohr, affiliate professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen, in a press release. Researchers have found that eating more pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts could help improve memory among Alzheimer's patients. (iStock) In patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, the brain has trouble removing weak mitochondria, which builds up and impairs brain function. Utolithin A has been shown to remove weak mitochondria from the brain, thus restoring cognitive function, the researchers found. The study findings were published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia. ALL ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND STAGES Researchers aren't sure how much of the substance is needed to achieve positive results. "We still cannot say anything conclusive about the dosage, but I imagine that it is more than a pomegranate a day," Bohr said. "However, the substance is already available in pill form, and we are currently trying to find the right dosage." Pomegranates contain a substance called urolithin A, a compound created by gut bacteria that has been shown to improve memory and brain function. (iStock) Utolithin A could ideally be used as a safe way to prevent neurological diseases, he noted. "The advantage of working with a natural substance is the reduced risk of side effects," he said. "Clinical trials with Urolithin A have been effective in muscular disease, and now we need to look at Alzheimer's disease." CAN WE REVERSE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE? EXPERTS SUGGEST 'NEW PARADIGM' FOR COMBATING DEMENTIA Based on the "promising results" seen in the mouse models, the researchers are planning to conduct clinical trials on humans. Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, was not involved in the study but shared comments on the findings. "Long-term urolithin A treatment significantly improved learning, memory and olfactory function (smelling) in mice," she told Fox News Digital. "The advantage of working with a natural substance is the reduced risk of side effects." "As a dietitian, I always recommend that people discuss any supplement with their personal medical care provider before starting it." As the research is still very new and has only been done in mice so far, Freirich noted that the results "cannot be extrapolated to humans with certainty." She added, "I would certainly recommend to anyone that adding pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts to the diet is a great idea." "I would certainly recommend to anyone that adding pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts to the diet is a great idea," a nutritionist said. nutritious foods, high in antioxidants and, in the case of walnuts, omega 3s." These foods are unlikely to cause any harm if consumed in typical portion sizes, Freirich noted, unless there is an allergy or another specific reason to avoid them. Other recommended foods for brain health include adequate dietary intake of omega 3s (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, olive oil), green leafy vegetables, berries, and legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), according to Freirich. FASTING COULD REDUCE SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, STUDIES SUGGEST: 'PROFOUND EFFECTS' CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based dietitian and author of the book "Belly Fat Diet For Dummies," who was also not involved in the study, said the "promising" results support other research that has found an association between pomegranates and improved cognition and memory. "More research needs to be done to identify how much pomegranate would be needed to achieve cognitive benefits, but adding even small amounts of pomegranate to the diet can be beneficial to overall health," a nutritionist told Fox News Digital.

Paxos gains approval for Singapore stablecoin launch with DBS partnership

Paxos International blockchain and tokenization platform has received full regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The Singapore wing of Paxos, the issuer of the gold-backed stablecoin Pax Gold (PAXG), has received approval to offer digital payment token services as a Major Payments Institutions. The regulatory approval enables Paxos to launch a stablecoin in line with MAS' upcoming regulatory framework. The approval marks the third international market, following the United States and the United Arab Emirates, where Paxos-related entities are authorized to issue stablecoins, according to a July 1 MAS' regulatory approval was a significant step for Paxos' efforts to expand their regulated stablecoin offering worldwide, wrote Walter Hessert, head of strategy at Paxos: "Stablecoins issued in accordance with standards set by a regulator like MAS — known for its rigorous regulatory standards — represent a significant step toward democratizing access to commerce and financial services." DBS, Southeast Asia's largest bank by assets under management, will be Paxos' primary banking partner. Paxos will rely on DBS for cash management and the custody of the stablecoin reserves, according to the announcement. Trust and security are key for wider stablecoin adoption, according to Evy Theunis, head of digital assets at DBS Bank: "Stablecoin issuers will find that our solutions will help them meet the robust standards regulators and customers expect from them. This partnership further expands DBS' wide-ranging involvement across the digital asset ecosystem." The regulatory approval in Singapore represents the latest milestone in Paxos' global expansion efforts.

crypto

Paxos gains approval for Singapore stablecoin launch with DBS partnership. Paxos International blockchain and tokenization platform has received full regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The Singapore wing of Paxos, the issuer of the gold-backed stablecoin Pax Gold (PAXG), has received approval to offer digital payment token services as a Major Payments Institutions. The regulatory approval enables Paxos to launch a stablecoin in line with MAS' upcoming regulatory framework. The approval marks the third international market, following the United States and the United Arab Emirates, where Paxos-related entities are authorized to issue stablecoins, according to a July 1 MAS' regulatory approval was a significant step for Paxos' efforts to expand their regulated stablecoin offering worldwide, wrote Walter Hessert, head of strategy at Paxos: "Stablecoins issued in accordance with standards set by a regulator like MAS — known for its rigorous regulatory standards — represent a significant step toward democratizing access to commerce and financial services." DBS, Southeast Asia's largest bank by assets under management, will be Paxos' primary banking partner. Paxos will rely on DBS for cash management and the custody of the stablecoin reserves, according to the announcement. Trust and security are key for wider stablecoin adoption, according to Evy Theunis, head of digital assets at DBS Bank: "Stablecoin issuers will find that our solutions will help them meet the robust standards regulators and customers expect from them. This partnership further expands DBS' wide-ranging involvement across the digital asset ecosystem." The regulatory approval in Singapore represents the latest milestone in Paxos' global expansion efforts.

Wines to capture the taste of summer

Light reds, rosés and orange wines made by both romantics and pragmatists Theopetra Estate Xinonmavro Rosé, Meteora, Greece 2022 (£21.75, corkingwines.co.uk ) Wine producers tend to divide into two temperamental camps. The first, cussedly idealistic type doesn’t think very much about who’s going to buy their wine until it’s time to sell it – they make what they damn well please and only then hope to find customers who share their enthusiasm. The second group is rather more pragmatic: they research potential customers in fine detail before they so much as plant a vine, and everything they do in the vineyard and cellar is in service to what they think the market demands. When it comes to most rosé wine, it looks very much like the second camp is in charge: retailer wine ranges are increasingly filled with dozens of very pale pinks either from, or copying the wildly successful model perfected in, Provence. Maybe the rosé drinking public is getting what the rosé-drinking public wants, but my goodness it makes for some dull wines at times, a sea of indistinguishable pale ordinariness in which pink wines of personality, such as Theopetra’s outstanding mandarin-orange-tingling, rippling, ripely stone-fruited Greek rosé, stand out like beacons in a safe harbour. Gerard Bertrand Orange Gold, IGP Pays d’Oc, France 2021 (from £19, ocado.com ; hedonism.co.uk ) While I reckon the majority of the most memorable wines I’ve had in my life have been made by producers operating at the “wine-first” end of the spectrum, I dare say I drink more wines made by pragmatists. And there’s something to be said for a producer who can spot a trend developed by less obviously commercially minded peers and bring it to a wider audience. The South of France is home to a number of impresarios of the palatable mass market, and it’s no surprise that big names such as Jean-Claude Mas and Gerard Bertrand have in recent years added examples of the trendy cult “orange” wine style to their multimillion-bottle vinous empires. Both Bertrand’s seriously stylish Orange Gold, with its gentle tannic bite, spice and exotic fruit, and Mas’s brightly peachy Arrogant Frog Organic Orange 2023 (coming to independent merchants in the UK this summer with an rrp of £13.50) are deliciously drinkable alternatives to me-too rosé – as, indeed, is Advini’s gently apricoty bargain Gros Manseng Vin Orange, Vin de France 2022 (£8.25, Asda). Continue reading...

lifestyle

Wines to capture the taste of summer. Light reds, rosés and orange wines made by both romantics and pragmatists Theopetra Estate Xinonmavro Rosé, Meteora, Greece 2022 (£21.75, corkingwines.co.uk ) Wine producers tend to divide into two temperamental camps. The first, cussedly idealistic type doesn’t think very much about who’s going to buy their wine until it’s time to sell it – they make what they damn well please and only then hope to find customers who share their enthusiasm. The second group is rather more pragmatic: they research potential customers in fine detail before they so much as plant a vine, and everything they do in the vineyard and cellar is in service to what they think the market demands. When it comes to most rosé wine, it looks very much like the second camp is in charge: retailer wine ranges are increasingly filled with dozens of very pale pinks either from, or copying the wildly successful model perfected in, Provence. Maybe the rosé drinking public is getting what the rosé-drinking public wants, but my goodness it makes for some dull wines at times, a sea of indistinguishable pale ordinariness in which pink wines of personality, such as Theopetra’s outstanding mandarin-orange-tingling, rippling, ripely stone-fruited Greek rosé, stand out like beacons in a safe harbour. Gerard Bertrand Orange Gold, IGP Pays d’Oc, France 2021 (from £19, ocado.com ; hedonism.co.uk ) While I reckon the majority of the most memorable wines I’ve had in my life have been made by producers operating at the “wine-first” end of the spectrum, I dare say I drink more wines made by pragmatists. And there’s something to be said for a producer who can spot a trend developed by less obviously commercially minded peers and bring it to a wider audience. The South of France is home to a number of impresarios of the palatable mass market, and it’s no surprise that big names such as Jean-Claude Mas and Gerard Bertrand have in recent years added examples of the trendy cult “orange” wine style to their multimillion-bottle vinous empires. Both Bertrand’s seriously stylish Orange Gold, with its gentle tannic bite, spice and exotic fruit, and Mas’s brightly peachy Arrogant Frog Organic Orange 2023 (coming to independent merchants in the UK this summer with an rrp of £13.50) are deliciously drinkable alternatives to me-too rosé – as, indeed, is Advini’s gently apricoty bargain Gros Manseng Vin Orange, Vin de France 2022 (£8.25, Asda). Continue reading...

Dampening the 'seeds' of hurricanes

Increased atmospheric moisture produced weaker hurricane formation Date: July 1, 2024 Source: National Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Summary: Increased atmospheric moisture may alter critical weather patterns over Africa, making it more difficult for the predecessors of many Atlantic hurricanes to form, according to a new study. Share: Increased atmospheric moisture may alter critical weather patterns over Africa, making it more difficult for the predecessors of many Atlantic hurricanes to form, according to a new study published this month. The research team, led by scientists from the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR), used an innovative model that allows for higher-resolution simulations of hurricane formation than ever before. This allowed researchers to study the effects of increased regional moisture over Africa, which is the birthplace of weather systems that later produce hurricanes over the Atlantic. Past research has suggested that warmer ocean water and a moister atmosphere could cause hurricanes to become more intense with greater amounts of rainfall. But how atmospheric moisture, which is predicted to increase in a warming climate, may be impacting hurricane formation itself has not been studied in detail until now. The researchers found that a moister environment produced weaker and slower-moving African easterly waves, or disturbances which are the primary precursor or "seed" for hurricanes in the Atlantic. The addition of moisture moved the location of thunderstorms within the wave, making it harder for the wave to grow. Increased moisture also slowed the movement of the wave resulting in weaker and delayed hurricane seed formation by the time it reached eastern Atlantic waters. "Considerable work during the last two decades has emphasized the role of deep moist convection to explain the development of African easterly waves," said NSF NCAR scientist and lead author Kelly Núñez Ocasio. "But, the precise role of moisture has proven somewhat elusive. With the development of new modeling capabilities, I was able to focus on the role of moisture in cyclogenesis stemming from the hurricane seed." The study is funded by NSF NCAR and published in the Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems. Núñez Ocasio pursued the research through the NSF NCAR Advanced Study Program which allows graduate and postdoctoral students to focus on emerging areas of science. Next-gen modeling The birth of hurricanes and other tropical cyclones, known as cyclogenesis, is a complex process where small-scale weather events and large-scale atmospherics happen simultaneously. This complexity has made it difficult to study and model the formation of tropical cyclones. Most climate models provide only a grainy picture of what is happening with localized weather, which makes it difficult to learn anything about the role of individual ingredients, like moisture, that mix together to create cyclogenesis. To address this, the research team turned to the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS). MPAS has the ability to model weather both locally and globally. This capability allowed Núñez Ocasio and her colleagues to zoom out and simulate global moisture and then zoom in to see how that would interact with localized weather events that lead to the formation of tropical cyclones. The researchers started the experiment by using MPAS to reproduce a moisture-driven African easterly wave that became hurricane Helene in 2006. The team used that base to add or take away moisture and study what happened with those changes. "When I increased the moisture we saw more convection and thunderstorms, which is to be expected; however, we discovered that the waves struggled to pair with the more intense and deep convection," said Núñez Ocasio. "With increased moisture, the energy source of tropical cyclone seeds moved north and further away, reducing the kinetic energy available to the African easterly wave, which led to weak, energy-starved tropical cyclone seeds." Studying the evolution of tropical cyclones after this initial phase was outside the scope of this study. More research is needed to discover whether these weaker seeds lead to weaker tropical cyclones and hurricanes or if it will just take them longer to form. The conditions leading to tropical cyclone formation are complex, but researchers hope these newer modeling techniques will lead to better predictions. For instance, Núñez Ocasio is beginning to run simulations where she alters other atmospheric variables key to generating tropical cyclones. "In addition to moisture, I'm altering other variables in the model to more realistically reproduce a future climate scenario in collaboration with Erin Dougherty, NSF NCAR project scientist," she said. "So far, I'm seeing similarities to the results of this study even as I alter those other significant pieces." Copyright 1995-2024 ScienceDaily or by other parties, where indicated. All rights controlled by their respective owners. Content on this website is for information only. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, contributors or partners. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs.

environment

Dampening the 'seeds' of hurricanes. Increased atmospheric moisture produced weaker hurricane formation Date: July 1, 2024 Source: National Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Summary: Increased atmospheric moisture may alter critical weather patterns over Africa, making it more difficult for the predecessors of many Atlantic hurricanes to form, according to a new study. Share: Increased atmospheric moisture may alter critical weather patterns over Africa, making it more difficult for the predecessors of many Atlantic hurricanes to form, according to a new study published this month. The research team, led by scientists from the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR), used an innovative model that allows for higher-resolution simulations of hurricane formation than ever before. This allowed researchers to study the effects of increased regional moisture over Africa, which is the birthplace of weather systems that later produce hurricanes over the Atlantic. Past research has suggested that warmer ocean water and a moister atmosphere could cause hurricanes to become more intense with greater amounts of rainfall. But how atmospheric moisture, which is predicted to increase in a warming climate, may be impacting hurricane formation itself has not been studied in detail until now. The researchers found that a moister environment produced weaker and slower-moving African easterly waves, or disturbances which are the primary precursor or "seed" for hurricanes in the Atlantic. The addition of moisture moved the location of thunderstorms within the wave, making it harder for the wave to grow. Increased moisture also slowed the movement of the wave resulting in weaker and delayed hurricane seed formation by the time it reached eastern Atlantic waters. "Considerable work during the last two decades has emphasized the role of deep moist convection to explain the development of African easterly waves," said NSF NCAR scientist and lead author Kelly Núñez Ocasio. "But, the precise role of moisture has proven somewhat elusive. With the development of new modeling capabilities, I was able to focus on the role of moisture in cyclogenesis stemming from the hurricane seed." The study is funded by NSF NCAR and published in the Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems. Núñez Ocasio pursued the research through the NSF NCAR Advanced Study Program which allows graduate and postdoctoral students to focus on emerging areas of science. Next-gen modeling The birth of hurricanes and other tropical cyclones, known as cyclogenesis, is a complex process where small-scale weather events and large-scale atmospherics happen simultaneously. This complexity has made it difficult to study and model the formation of tropical cyclones. Most climate models provide only a grainy picture of what is happening with localized weather, which makes it difficult to learn anything about the role of individual ingredients, like moisture, that mix together to create cyclogenesis. To address this, the research team turned to the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS). MPAS has the ability to model weather both locally and globally. This capability allowed Núñez Ocasio and her colleagues to zoom out and simulate global moisture and then zoom in to see how that would interact with localized weather events that lead to the formation of tropical cyclones. The researchers started the experiment by using MPAS to reproduce a moisture-driven African easterly wave that became hurricane Helene in 2006. The team used that base to add or take away moisture and study what happened with those changes. "When I increased the moisture we saw more convection and thunderstorms, which is to be expected; however, we discovered that the waves struggled to pair with the more intense and deep convection," said Núñez Ocasio. "With increased moisture, the energy source of tropical cyclone seeds moved north and further away, reducing the kinetic energy available to the African easterly wave, which led to weak, energy-starved tropical cyclone seeds." Studying the evolution of tropical cyclones after this initial phase was outside the scope of this study. More research is needed to discover whether these weaker seeds lead to weaker tropical cyclones and hurricanes or if it will just take them longer to form. The conditions leading to tropical cyclone formation are complex, but researchers hope these newer modeling techniques will lead to better predictions. For instance, Núñez Ocasio is beginning to run simulations where she alters other atmospheric variables key to generating tropical cyclones. "In addition to moisture, I'm altering other variables in the model to more realistically reproduce a future climate scenario in collaboration with Erin Dougherty, NSF NCAR project scientist," she said. "So far, I'm seeing similarities to the results of this study even as I alter those other significant pieces." Copyright 1995-2024 ScienceDaily or by other parties, where indicated. All rights controlled by their respective owners. Content on this website is for information only. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily, contributors or partners. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs.

Senior Living: An ode to shopping at Costco

So on to Costco. Get your shopping cart ready … and if you're 40 years younger, sit Junior in that convenient rear section of the cart. I'll actually start in the parking lot. Two preliminary steps for an Old Fart: Park somewhere within a less-than-marathon march to the front door of Costco. Remember EXACTLY where you've parked. Or almost exactly. Or in the range where you can spot either your front hood or licence plate. Next move: Fish out the membership card you will have to display on the way in after grabbing the aforementioned cart. And store it in your front pocket with the bank card you'll be using to pay for the future necessities and very alluring non-necessities. Now into the store … First section, just inside the entrance: row after row of TVs. Each is huge. Each is beautiful. Each is not what you need, really … but it's hard to take your eyes off those immense images. But they cost a few bucks. Example: the 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K. It looks gorgeous — and maybe $998 is jumping out of your wallet (or, more likely, your credit card). You'll be tempted. But you've probably got a decent TV that you watch until geezers' bedtime at 9:30. So onward. And fish out your shopping list — without accidentally dropping the cards I've advised you to store in your pocket. Onward to the food section, a.k.a. the Yummy Section a.k.a. the Don't Linger in the Cake Section. Here again, it's wise to adhere to the carefully crafted list of foods you need … plus MAYBE a temptation or two. Maybe three. The shopping list is governed by the size of your freezer … not to mention the stuff you've got stored there already. Suggested products: sausages, hamburger patties, fish fillets and — for a major treat — nice steaks. On to the famous Costco bird. The company maintains the price of its barbecue chicken: $7.99. That's at least two meals for me and my beloved partner. Plus the carcass can be boiled up to produce stock for soup. I'm branching off into Chef Zone here. The message is: Score a BBQ bird. You won't be disappointed. Moving out of that zone, I head toward alcohol — the quantity I can handle at my delicate age … 60 years past having someone score a beer for a teenage squirt in the neighbourhood. I'm no longer a squirt (though occasionally squirting, but that's another column). I'm a beer snob at Costco, and my indulgence is Guinness draft Stout, canned at a brewery that was established in 1759 … or a few years before my legal drinking age. It's great beer that goes down well with any of my aforementioned meal products. And unlike my loopy behaviour as a college student, I can make do through dinner and an early evening with one 440 mL large can. Add a four-litre box of half-assed Australian wine for my No Beer partner and I'm out of that Costco section … where perhaps I've spent too much time reminiscing about indulgences. Now I'm in the home stretch of Costco: breakfast cereal, giant tin of ground coffee (which my stomach can barely handle), medical products I'll not divulge. My weekly outing is nearly completed. A glance at underwear bargains (again, I'll not divulge) and on to the self checkout. Having screwed up that process my first five or six times, I now know how to scan my purchases, pay my tab, gobble up a great hotdog and head for the exit, where a Costco clerk checks my bill and my cart's contents.

lifestyle

Senior Living: An ode to shopping at Costco. So on to Costco. Get your shopping cart ready … and if you're 40 years younger, sit Junior in that convenient rear section of the cart. I'll actually start in the parking lot. Two preliminary steps for an Old Fart: Park somewhere within a less-than-marathon march to the front door of Costco. Remember EXACTLY where you've parked. Or almost exactly. Or in the range where you can spot either your front hood or licence plate. Next move: Fish out the membership card you will have to display on the way in after grabbing the aforementioned cart. And store it in your front pocket with the bank card you'll be using to pay for the future necessities and very alluring non-necessities. Now into the store … First section, just inside the entrance: row after row of TVs. Each is huge. Each is beautiful. Each is not what you need, really … but it's hard to take your eyes off those immense images. But they cost a few bucks. Example: the 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K. It looks gorgeous — and maybe $998 is jumping out of your wallet (or, more likely, your credit card). You'll be tempted. But you've probably got a decent TV that you watch until geezers' bedtime at 9:30. So onward. And fish out your shopping list — without accidentally dropping the cards I've advised you to store in your pocket. Onward to the food section, a.k.a. the Yummy Section a.k.a. the Don't Linger in the Cake Section. Here again, it's wise to adhere to the carefully crafted list of foods you need … plus MAYBE a temptation or two. Maybe three. The shopping list is governed by the size of your freezer … not to mention the stuff you've got stored there already. Suggested products: sausages, hamburger patties, fish fillets and — for a major treat — nice steaks. On to the famous Costco bird. The company maintains the price of its barbecue chicken: $7.99. That's at least two meals for me and my beloved partner. Plus the carcass can be boiled up to produce stock for soup. I'm branching off into Chef Zone here. The message is: Score a BBQ bird. You won't be disappointed. Moving out of that zone, I head toward alcohol — the quantity I can handle at my delicate age … 60 years past having someone score a beer for a teenage squirt in the neighbourhood. I'm no longer a squirt (though occasionally squirting, but that's another column). I'm a beer snob at Costco, and my indulgence is Guinness draft Stout, canned at a brewery that was established in 1759 … or a few years before my legal drinking age. It's great beer that goes down well with any of my aforementioned meal products. And unlike my loopy behaviour as a college student, I can make do through dinner and an early evening with one 440 mL large can. Add a four-litre box of half-assed Australian wine for my No Beer partner and I'm out of that Costco section … where perhaps I've spent too much time reminiscing about indulgences. Now I'm in the home stretch of Costco: breakfast cereal, giant tin of ground coffee (which my stomach can barely handle), medical products I'll not divulge. My weekly outing is nearly completed. A glance at underwear bargains (again, I'll not divulge) and on to the self checkout. Having screwed up that process my first five or six times, I now know how to scan my purchases, pay my tab, gobble up a great hotdog and head for the exit, where a Costco clerk checks my bill and my cart's contents.

What could make a baby bison white?

A rare white buffalo calf, reportedly born in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar Valley, is shown on June 4, 2024, in Wyo. The birth fulfills a Lakota prophecy that portends better times, according to members of the American Indian tribe who cautioned that it's also a warning more must be done to protect the earth and its animals. (Erin Braaten/Dancing Aspens Photography via AP) WASHINGTON -- Photos of a white bison calf in Yellowstone National Park have generated excitement as well as questions: How does that happen? A park visitor said she took the photographs in the park earlier this month, showing a fuzzy white youngster being nuzzled by its dark brown mother. Park officials said this week that they hadn't yet spotted a white calf in the sprawling park in Wyoming and Montana, home to about 5,000 bison, also called American buffalo. In the wild, there are two genetic variations that may result in unusually light-colored animals — leucism and albinism. In both conditions, the animal inherits two copies of the gene mutation — one from each parent, who usually appear normally colored themselves. Leucistic animals lack some cells that otherwise produce melanin, a natural pigment that gives color to fur, eyes, feathers and skin. Their bodies may appear almost entirely white, or only white in patches, and they generally have normal or dark-colored eyes. Albinism, which is more rare, results from the complete absence of melanin. Albino animals are nearly totally white, and they may have light pink or orange-colored eyes and reduced vision. Albino bison will lack dark colors in their eyes, noses and hooves, said James Derr, a geneticist at Texas A&M University. The Yellowstone calf, with its black nose and eyes, is not albino, said Jim Matheson, executive director of the National Bison Association. There's a third possibility: A light-colored calf could be the result of a bison crossed with a white domestic cow. In that case, the calf may be light tan-colored, with brown eyes and a black or brown nose, said Derr. Matheson said that it's unclear how often white bison calves are born in the wild. "We just don't know how often it happens because we've never tracked this in history," he said. AP reporter Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Montana, contributed to this report. ___

usa

What could make a baby bison white?. A rare white buffalo calf, reportedly born in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar Valley, is shown on June 4, 2024, in Wyo. The birth fulfills a Lakota prophecy that portends better times, according to members of the American Indian tribe who cautioned that it's also a warning more must be done to protect the earth and its animals. (Erin Braaten/Dancing Aspens Photography via AP) WASHINGTON -- Photos of a white bison calf in Yellowstone National Park have generated excitement as well as questions: How does that happen? A park visitor said she took the photographs in the park earlier this month, showing a fuzzy white youngster being nuzzled by its dark brown mother. Park officials said this week that they hadn't yet spotted a white calf in the sprawling park in Wyoming and Montana, home to about 5,000 bison, also called American buffalo. In the wild, there are two genetic variations that may result in unusually light-colored animals — leucism and albinism. In both conditions, the animal inherits two copies of the gene mutation — one from each parent, who usually appear normally colored themselves. Leucistic animals lack some cells that otherwise produce melanin, a natural pigment that gives color to fur, eyes, feathers and skin. Their bodies may appear almost entirely white, or only white in patches, and they generally have normal or dark-colored eyes. Albinism, which is more rare, results from the complete absence of melanin. Albino animals are nearly totally white, and they may have light pink or orange-colored eyes and reduced vision. Albino bison will lack dark colors in their eyes, noses and hooves, said James Derr, a geneticist at Texas A&M University. The Yellowstone calf, with its black nose and eyes, is not albino, said Jim Matheson, executive director of the National Bison Association. There's a third possibility: A light-colored calf could be the result of a bison crossed with a white domestic cow. In that case, the calf may be light tan-colored, with brown eyes and a black or brown nose, said Derr. Matheson said that it's unclear how often white bison calves are born in the wild. "We just don't know how often it happens because we've never tracked this in history," he said. AP reporter Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Montana, contributed to this report. ___

Woman in court charged with death of supermarket worker

A 37-year-old woman has appeared in court accused of killing an Asda worker in Arbroath. Prosecutors allege Natasha Smith pushed the 61-year-old causing him to fall and suffer a cardiac arrest at the Westway Retail Park store. She faced a charge of culpable homicide during a brief appearance in private at Forfar Sheriff Court.

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Woman in court charged with death of supermarket worker. A 37-year-old woman has appeared in court accused of killing an Asda worker in Arbroath. Prosecutors allege Natasha Smith pushed the 61-year-old causing him to fall and suffer a cardiac arrest at the Westway Retail Park store. She faced a charge of culpable homicide during a brief appearance in private at Forfar Sheriff Court.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defends 'Sunday Ticket' package as a premium product

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, center, arrives at federal court Monday, June 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. Jones is expected to testify in a class-action lawsuit filed by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) The Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated during testimony in federal court Monday that the league's "Sunday Ticket" package, the subject of a class-action lawsuit, is a premium product while also defending the league's broadcast model. Goodell was called as a witness by the NFL as the trial for the lawsuit filed by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers entered its third week and was on the stand for nearly four hours. "We have been clear throughout that it is a premium product. Not just on pricing but quality," Goodell said during cross-examination in a Los Angeles courtroom. "Fans make that choice whether they wanted it or not. I'm sure there were fans who said it was too costly." Goodell, who has been commissioner since 2006, said he believes this is the first time he has been called to testify in federal court during his tenure. The class-action, which covers 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package from 2011 through 2022, claims the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering "Sunday Ticket" only on a satellite provider. The NFL maintains it has the right to sell "Sunday Ticket" under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV. If the NFL is found liable, a jury could award $7 billion in damages, but that number could balloon to $21 billion because antitrust cases can triple damages. During the first two weeks of the trial, exhibits by the plaintiffs showed that Fox and CBS have long been concerned about how competition from a more widely distributed "Sunday Ticket" package could affect ratings for locally aired games. Former CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said in an memo to the NFL that the network had always thought "the concept has always been that these packages are sold at a premium, thereby limiting distribution." Goodell said the NFL decided to put "Sunday Ticket" on DirecTV from 1994 through 2022 because it was one the few platforms available that had national distribution. He cited the fragmented nature of cable companies for why it wasn't available on cable. Goodell also testified that the league was not happy with DirecTV during the final years of the agreement. AT&T bought the satellite company in 2015, and the league noticed that product innovation and marketing declined after that. In a Nov. 6, 2018, email debating whether to exercise getting out of the contract after the 2019 season, league executives cited that marketing declined by 28% during the 2018 season. The league decided, though, to stay with DirecTV for the final three seasons of the deal (2020 through 2022) because streaming had not advanced to the level that the NFL thought it could handle the demand of handling the entire package. "Streaming was not ready for prime time," Goodell said. The league did eventually go streaming for the entire "Sunday Ticket" package, signing a seven-year deal with Google's YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season. Goodell also said the league's broadcast model, where local games are available over the air for all games, is why NFL games are highly rated. "We sing it from the mountaintops, We want to reach the broadest possible audience on free television," he said. "I think we are very pro-consumer. Our partners have found ways to build our fan base." Goodell also said that one reason the league decided to sell Thursday night games that had been exclusively on NFL Network from 2006 through 2013 to other networks was because of the quality of production. Thursday night games were shared by CBS and NBC from 2014 through 2016 before Fox aired them for the next five seasons. Amazon Prime Video took over the package in 2022. "I had my own opinion that our production was below standards that the networks (Fox and CBS) had set. We had not met that standard," he said. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a member of the league's media committee, was called to the stand after Goodell. Jones also defended the league's broadcast model, even though if teams could sell their out-of-market rights separately, the Cowboys would be one of the top teams to benefit. "I am convinced I would make a lot more money than the Bengals," Jones said. "I'm completely against each team doing TV deals. It is flawed." Jones will continue his testimony on Tuesday. McManus is also expected to be called to the stand.

sports

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defends 'Sunday Ticket' package as a premium product. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, center, arrives at federal court Monday, June 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. Jones is expected to testify in a class-action lawsuit filed by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) The Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated during testimony in federal court Monday that the league's "Sunday Ticket" package, the subject of a class-action lawsuit, is a premium product while also defending the league's broadcast model. Goodell was called as a witness by the NFL as the trial for the lawsuit filed by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers entered its third week and was on the stand for nearly four hours. "We have been clear throughout that it is a premium product. Not just on pricing but quality," Goodell said during cross-examination in a Los Angeles courtroom. "Fans make that choice whether they wanted it or not. I'm sure there were fans who said it was too costly." Goodell, who has been commissioner since 2006, said he believes this is the first time he has been called to testify in federal court during his tenure. The class-action, which covers 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package from 2011 through 2022, claims the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering "Sunday Ticket" only on a satellite provider. The NFL maintains it has the right to sell "Sunday Ticket" under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV. If the NFL is found liable, a jury could award $7 billion in damages, but that number could balloon to $21 billion because antitrust cases can triple damages. During the first two weeks of the trial, exhibits by the plaintiffs showed that Fox and CBS have long been concerned about how competition from a more widely distributed "Sunday Ticket" package could affect ratings for locally aired games. Former CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said in an memo to the NFL that the network had always thought "the concept has always been that these packages are sold at a premium, thereby limiting distribution." Goodell said the NFL decided to put "Sunday Ticket" on DirecTV from 1994 through 2022 because it was one the few platforms available that had national distribution. He cited the fragmented nature of cable companies for why it wasn't available on cable. Goodell also testified that the league was not happy with DirecTV during the final years of the agreement. AT&T bought the satellite company in 2015, and the league noticed that product innovation and marketing declined after that. In a Nov. 6, 2018, email debating whether to exercise getting out of the contract after the 2019 season, league executives cited that marketing declined by 28% during the 2018 season. The league decided, though, to stay with DirecTV for the final three seasons of the deal (2020 through 2022) because streaming had not advanced to the level that the NFL thought it could handle the demand of handling the entire package. "Streaming was not ready for prime time," Goodell said. The league did eventually go streaming for the entire "Sunday Ticket" package, signing a seven-year deal with Google's YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season. Goodell also said the league's broadcast model, where local games are available over the air for all games, is why NFL games are highly rated. "We sing it from the mountaintops, We want to reach the broadest possible audience on free television," he said. "I think we are very pro-consumer. Our partners have found ways to build our fan base." Goodell also said that one reason the league decided to sell Thursday night games that had been exclusively on NFL Network from 2006 through 2013 to other networks was because of the quality of production. Thursday night games were shared by CBS and NBC from 2014 through 2016 before Fox aired them for the next five seasons. Amazon Prime Video took over the package in 2022. "I had my own opinion that our production was below standards that the networks (Fox and CBS) had set. We had not met that standard," he said. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a member of the league's media committee, was called to the stand after Goodell. Jones also defended the league's broadcast model, even though if teams could sell their out-of-market rights separately, the Cowboys would be one of the top teams to benefit. "I am convinced I would make a lot more money than the Bengals," Jones said. "I'm completely against each team doing TV deals. It is flawed." Jones will continue his testimony on Tuesday. McManus is also expected to be called to the stand.

JBS USA FOOD COMPANY ANNOUNCES TENDER OFFERS FOR CERTAIN OUTSTANDING SERIES OF NOTES

USA Food Company announced today the commencement of tender offers to purchase for cash its outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (collectively, the " Notes ") for a combined aggregate purchase price, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, of up to $400,000,000 represents the maximum aggregate purchase price payable, excluding the applicable accrued and unpaid interest (the " Pool 1 Tender Cap "), in respect of the 6.500% Senior Notes due 2029 and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2033 (together, the " Pool 1 Notes "), which may be purchased in the Pool 1 Tender Offers. There is no "tender cap" applicable to the 6.750% Senior Notes due 2034. Subject to the Maximum Amount, the Pool 1 Tender Cap and proration, if applicable, the principal amount of each series of Notes that is purchased in the tender offers will be determined in accordance with the applicable Acceptance Priority Level (in numerical priority order) specified in this column. The Total Consideration (as defined below) for each series of Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase is calculated using the applicable Fixed Spread (as defined below) and is inclusive of the applicable Early Tender Payment (as defined below). The Total Consideration for each series of Notes does not include the applicable accrued and unpaid interest, which will be payable in addition to the applicable Total Consideration. The tender offers are being made upon the terms, and subject to the conditions, described in the offer to purchase, dated June 11, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the " Offer to Purchase "), which sets forth a detailed description of the tender offers. JBS USA Food Company reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase or decrease the Maximum Amount and/or increase, decrease or eliminate the Pool 1 Tender Cap in the table above in its sole discretion, at any time, without extending or reinstating withdrawal rights, subject to compliance with applicable law. The tender offers for the Notes will expire at New York City time, on July 11, 2024, or any other date and time to which JBS USA Food Company extends the applicable tender offer (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to a tender offer, the " Expiration Date "), unless earlier terminated. Holders of Notes must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Notes prior to or at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 25, 2024 (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to a tender offer, the applicable " Early Tender Date "), to be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration, which is inclusive of an amount in cash equal to the applicable amount set forth in the table above under the heading "Early Tender Payment" (the " Early Tender Payment "), plus accrued and unpaid interest. If a holder validly tenders Notes after the applicable Early Tender Date but prior to or at the applicable Expiration Date, the holder will only be eligible to receive the applicable Late Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below), plus accrued and unpaid interest. The applicable consideration (the " Total Consideration ") offered per $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the applicable tender offer will be determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the applicable fixed spread for such Notes (the " Fixed Spread ") plus the applicable yield based on the bid-side price of the applicable U.S. Treasury Reference Security at New York City time, on June 26, 2024. The " Late Tender Offer Consideration " for each series of Notes is equal to the Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment for each series of Notes. Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase from the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the applicable settlement date. Notes tendered after the applicable Early Tender Date but prior to or at the applicable Expiration Date will be eligible for purchase only if and to the extent that the aggregate purchase price, excluding the applicable accrued and unpaid interest, of Notes that are validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the tender offers as of the Early Tender Date is less than the Maximum Amount, subject to the Pool 1 Tender Cap and the Acceptance Priority Levels. USA Food Company (or one of its affiliates) intends to fund the purchase of validly tendered and accepted Notes with cash on hand. The tender offers will expire on the applicable Expiration Date. Provided that the conditions of the applicable tender offer are satisfied, JBS USA Food Company (or any of its affiliates) reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make payment for Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase on an earlier settlement date, which, if applicable, is expected to be within three business days after the Early Tender Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter. Otherwise, payment for the Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Expiration Date, and accepted for purchase, will be made within three business days after the Expiration Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter. Tendered Notes may be withdrawn prior to or at, but not after, June 25, 2024, unless extended or earlier terminated by JBS USA Food Company. The tender offers are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, which are specified in the Offer to Purchase. The tender offers are not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Notes being tendered. Information Relating to the Tender Offers BMO Capital Markets Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC are the dealer managers for the tender offers. Investors with questions regarding the terms and conditions of the tender offers may contact BMO Capital Markets Corp. at (833) 418-0762 (toll-free) or (212) 702-1840 (collect) or by email at [email protected], Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at (800) 558-3745 (toll-free) or (212) 723-6106 (collect) or by email at [email protected], Mizuho Securities USA LLC at (866) 271-7403 (toll-free) or (212) 205-7736 (collect) and RBC Capital Markets, LLC at (877) 381-2099 (toll-free) or (212) 618-7843 (collect) or by email at [email protected]. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the tender and information agent for the tender offers. Investors with questions regarding the procedures for tendering Notes may contact the tender and information agent by email at [email protected], or by phone at (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 967-4614 (for all others, toll-free). Beneficial owners may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. The full details of the tender offers, including complete instructions on how to tender Notes, are included in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer to Purchase may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc., free of charge, by calling (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 967-4614 (for all others, toll-free) or by email at [email protected]. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. The tender offers are being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this news release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of JBS S.A. or any of its subsidiaries, including JBS USA Food Company. The tender offers are not being made to, nor will JBS USA Food Company accept tenders of Notes from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the tender offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. No recommendation is made as to whether holders should tender their Notes. Holders should (i) carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the various terms and conditions of the tender offer, (ii) consult their own investment and tax advisors and (iii) make their own decisions whether to tender Notes in the tender offers, and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender. Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, intentions or beliefs about future events that are intended as " forward-looking statements " as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that JBS USA Food Company's management expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements represent JBS USA Food Company's reasonable judgment on the future based on various factors and using numerous assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause JBS USA Food Company's actual results and financial position to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release are identified by words such as "may" or "will", or similar expressions and include suggestions of future outcomes, including statements about: the purchase of the Notes and amount of the consideration paid therefor; the expected source of funds for the tender offers; the deadlines, determination dates and settlement dates specified herein in regards to the tender offers; increasing or decreasing the Maximum Amount and/or increasing, decreasing or eliminating the Pool 1 Tender Cap; and the payment of accrued and unpaid interest. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made and JBS

business,lifestyle

JBS USA FOOD COMPANY ANNOUNCES TENDER OFFERS FOR CERTAIN OUTSTANDING SERIES OF NOTES. USA Food Company announced today the commencement of tender offers to purchase for cash its outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (collectively, the " Notes ") for a combined aggregate purchase price, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, of up to $400,000,000 represents the maximum aggregate purchase price payable, excluding the applicable accrued and unpaid interest (the " Pool 1 Tender Cap "), in respect of the 6.500% Senior Notes due 2029 and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2033 (together, the " Pool 1 Notes "), which may be purchased in the Pool 1 Tender Offers. There is no "tender cap" applicable to the 6.750% Senior Notes due 2034. Subject to the Maximum Amount, the Pool 1 Tender Cap and proration, if applicable, the principal amount of each series of Notes that is purchased in the tender offers will be determined in accordance with the applicable Acceptance Priority Level (in numerical priority order) specified in this column. The Total Consideration (as defined below) for each series of Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase is calculated using the applicable Fixed Spread (as defined below) and is inclusive of the applicable Early Tender Payment (as defined below). The Total Consideration for each series of Notes does not include the applicable accrued and unpaid interest, which will be payable in addition to the applicable Total Consideration. The tender offers are being made upon the terms, and subject to the conditions, described in the offer to purchase, dated June 11, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the " Offer to Purchase "), which sets forth a detailed description of the tender offers. JBS USA Food Company reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase or decrease the Maximum Amount and/or increase, decrease or eliminate the Pool 1 Tender Cap in the table above in its sole discretion, at any time, without extending or reinstating withdrawal rights, subject to compliance with applicable law. The tender offers for the Notes will expire at New York City time, on July 11, 2024, or any other date and time to which JBS USA Food Company extends the applicable tender offer (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to a tender offer, the " Expiration Date "), unless earlier terminated. Holders of Notes must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Notes prior to or at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 25, 2024 (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to a tender offer, the applicable " Early Tender Date "), to be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration, which is inclusive of an amount in cash equal to the applicable amount set forth in the table above under the heading "Early Tender Payment" (the " Early Tender Payment "), plus accrued and unpaid interest. If a holder validly tenders Notes after the applicable Early Tender Date but prior to or at the applicable Expiration Date, the holder will only be eligible to receive the applicable Late Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below), plus accrued and unpaid interest. The applicable consideration (the " Total Consideration ") offered per $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the applicable tender offer will be determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the applicable fixed spread for such Notes (the " Fixed Spread ") plus the applicable yield based on the bid-side price of the applicable U.S. Treasury Reference Security at New York City time, on June 26, 2024. The " Late Tender Offer Consideration " for each series of Notes is equal to the Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment for each series of Notes. Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase from the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the applicable settlement date. Notes tendered after the applicable Early Tender Date but prior to or at the applicable Expiration Date will be eligible for purchase only if and to the extent that the aggregate purchase price, excluding the applicable accrued and unpaid interest, of Notes that are validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the tender offers as of the Early Tender Date is less than the Maximum Amount, subject to the Pool 1 Tender Cap and the Acceptance Priority Levels. USA Food Company (or one of its affiliates) intends to fund the purchase of validly tendered and accepted Notes with cash on hand. The tender offers will expire on the applicable Expiration Date. Provided that the conditions of the applicable tender offer are satisfied, JBS USA Food Company (or any of its affiliates) reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make payment for Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase on an earlier settlement date, which, if applicable, is expected to be within three business days after the Early Tender Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter. Otherwise, payment for the Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Expiration Date, and accepted for purchase, will be made within three business days after the Expiration Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter. Tendered Notes may be withdrawn prior to or at, but not after, June 25, 2024, unless extended or earlier terminated by JBS USA Food Company. The tender offers are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, which are specified in the Offer to Purchase. The tender offers are not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Notes being tendered. Information Relating to the Tender Offers BMO Capital Markets Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC are the dealer managers for the tender offers. Investors with questions regarding the terms and conditions of the tender offers may contact BMO Capital Markets Corp. at (833) 418-0762 (toll-free) or (212) 702-1840 (collect) or by email at [email protected], Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at (800) 558-3745 (toll-free) or (212) 723-6106 (collect) or by email at [email protected], Mizuho Securities USA LLC at (866) 271-7403 (toll-free) or (212) 205-7736 (collect) and RBC Capital Markets, LLC at (877) 381-2099 (toll-free) or (212) 618-7843 (collect) or by email at [email protected]. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the tender and information agent for the tender offers. Investors with questions regarding the procedures for tendering Notes may contact the tender and information agent by email at [email protected], or by phone at (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 967-4614 (for all others, toll-free). Beneficial owners may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. The full details of the tender offers, including complete instructions on how to tender Notes, are included in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer to Purchase may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc., free of charge, by calling (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 967-4614 (for all others, toll-free) or by email at [email protected]. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. The tender offers are being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this news release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of JBS S.A. or any of its subsidiaries, including JBS USA Food Company. The tender offers are not being made to, nor will JBS USA Food Company accept tenders of Notes from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the tender offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. No recommendation is made as to whether holders should tender their Notes. Holders should (i) carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the various terms and conditions of the tender offer, (ii) consult their own investment and tax advisors and (iii) make their own decisions whether to tender Notes in the tender offers, and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender. Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, intentions or beliefs about future events that are intended as " forward-looking statements " as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that JBS USA Food Company's management expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements represent JBS USA Food Company's reasonable judgment on the future based on various factors and using numerous assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause JBS USA Food Company's actual results and financial position to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release are identified by words such as "may" or "will", or similar expressions and include suggestions of future outcomes, including statements about: the purchase of the Notes and amount of the consideration paid therefor; the expected source of funds for the tender offers; the deadlines, determination dates and settlement dates specified herein in regards to the tender offers; increasing or decreasing the Maximum Amount and/or increasing, decreasing or eliminating the Pool 1 Tender Cap; and the payment of accrued and unpaid interest. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made and JBS

Critics accuse Buttigieg of 'playing politics' after comments linking turbulence to climate change

Buttigieg: Transportation Department cracking down on 'unfair' airline practices Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses new airline rules to protect travelers on 'America Reports.' Critics are responding to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has attributed recent significant weather events and transportation crises to climate change, at least in part. On Sunday, Buttigieg was featured on CBS' "Face the Nation," where he claimed the effects of climate change are to blame for recent incidents of severe turbulence on airplanes and extreme weather. Anchor Margaret Brennan asked Buttigieg about strains on the national transportation system when bad weather compounds a heavy travel weekend like Memorial Day and what he thinks of NOAA's latest outlook predicting a more severe hurricane season this year. "The reality is, the effects of climate change are already upon us in terms of our transportation," Buttigieg replied. AUTO EXPERTS WARN BIDEN'S EV MANDATE WILL LIMIT GAS CAR OPTIONS IN THE FUTURE "We've seen that in the form of everything from heat waves that shouldn't statistically even be possible threatening to melt the cables of transit systems in the Pacific Northwest to … hurricane seasons becoming more and more extreme and indications that turbulence is up by about 15%. "That means assessing anything and everything that we can do about it." In response, GOP lawmakers and some climate analysts rejected Buttigieg's invocation of climate change, with one legislator claiming weather and public transit systems are being politicized. "Clearly, Secretary Buttigieg is not serious about addressing our numerous transportation challenges. He is playing identity politics to the detriment of the American people," said Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Buttigieg's latest comments are contradicted by the National Transportation Safety Board and just another example of how out of touch he is with hardworking Americans." 19 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL CHALLENGE BLUE STATES' 'RADICAL' CLIMATE POLICIES Energy analyst Alex Epstein, a former Cato Institute scholar and the author of "Fossil Future," told Fox News Digital the secretary is also wrongly attributing recent crises to climate change. "Climate itself is not meaningfully affecting transportation, but terrible climate policy, including that of Pete Buttigieg," Epstein said. "For example, the EPA's new pollution standards constitute a de facto EV mandate that will force Americans to drive inferior cars and place massive new demand for reliable electricity on an already failing grid." Another climate expert pointed to the increase in overall airline flights as a reason for the concern. "One reason that more turbulence is recorded is that there are more flights," said Diana Furchtgott-Roth, the director of the Heritage Foundation Center for Energy, Climate and the Environment. "Even if the United States stopped using all fossil fuels right now, it would only make a difference of 2/10 of one degree centigrade by the year 2100, government models show. There's no way that these changes can be attributed to climate change. The climate is changing all the time, but there's no reason that these changes can be attributed to the use of greenhouse gases." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Furchtgott-Roth also attributed the prevalence of social media and connectivity on planes to people being able to report in-flight issues almost instantly. However, the Department of Transportation pushed back on critics and pointed Fox News Digital to a 2019 study in Nature magazine that discussed connections between climate change and airline turbulence. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club April 30, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) A representative for the department cited the study's co-author, University of Reading atmospheric science professor Paul Williams, as saying study organizers had accumulated a large body of scientific evidence now that turbulence is increasing because of climate change." "An invisible form called clear-air turbulence is generated by wind shear, which, because of climate change, is now 15% stronger than in the 1970s. We expect a further strengthening of the wind shear in the coming decades, perhaps doubling or tripling the amount of severe turbulence," Williams wrote. Requests for comment from the House Transportation Committee's top Republican, Sam Graves of Missouri, and top Democrat, Rick Larsen of Washington, were not returned. Calls placed to Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chair of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, were not returned at press time.

politics

Critics accuse Buttigieg of 'playing politics' after comments linking turbulence to climate change. Buttigieg: Transportation Department cracking down on 'unfair' airline practices Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses new airline rules to protect travelers on 'America Reports.' Critics are responding to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has attributed recent significant weather events and transportation crises to climate change, at least in part. On Sunday, Buttigieg was featured on CBS' "Face the Nation," where he claimed the effects of climate change are to blame for recent incidents of severe turbulence on airplanes and extreme weather. Anchor Margaret Brennan asked Buttigieg about strains on the national transportation system when bad weather compounds a heavy travel weekend like Memorial Day and what he thinks of NOAA's latest outlook predicting a more severe hurricane season this year. "The reality is, the effects of climate change are already upon us in terms of our transportation," Buttigieg replied. AUTO EXPERTS WARN BIDEN'S EV MANDATE WILL LIMIT GAS CAR OPTIONS IN THE FUTURE "We've seen that in the form of everything from heat waves that shouldn't statistically even be possible threatening to melt the cables of transit systems in the Pacific Northwest to … hurricane seasons becoming more and more extreme and indications that turbulence is up by about 15%. "That means assessing anything and everything that we can do about it." In response, GOP lawmakers and some climate analysts rejected Buttigieg's invocation of climate change, with one legislator claiming weather and public transit systems are being politicized. "Clearly, Secretary Buttigieg is not serious about addressing our numerous transportation challenges. He is playing identity politics to the detriment of the American people," said Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Buttigieg's latest comments are contradicted by the National Transportation Safety Board and just another example of how out of touch he is with hardworking Americans." 19 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL CHALLENGE BLUE STATES' 'RADICAL' CLIMATE POLICIES Energy analyst Alex Epstein, a former Cato Institute scholar and the author of "Fossil Future," told Fox News Digital the secretary is also wrongly attributing recent crises to climate change. "Climate itself is not meaningfully affecting transportation, but terrible climate policy, including that of Pete Buttigieg," Epstein said. "For example, the EPA's new pollution standards constitute a de facto EV mandate that will force Americans to drive inferior cars and place massive new demand for reliable electricity on an already failing grid." Another climate expert pointed to the increase in overall airline flights as a reason for the concern. "One reason that more turbulence is recorded is that there are more flights," said Diana Furchtgott-Roth, the director of the Heritage Foundation Center for Energy, Climate and the Environment. "Even if the United States stopped using all fossil fuels right now, it would only make a difference of 2/10 of one degree centigrade by the year 2100, government models show. There's no way that these changes can be attributed to climate change. The climate is changing all the time, but there's no reason that these changes can be attributed to the use of greenhouse gases." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Furchtgott-Roth also attributed the prevalence of social media and connectivity on planes to people being able to report in-flight issues almost instantly. However, the Department of Transportation pushed back on critics and pointed Fox News Digital to a 2019 study in Nature magazine that discussed connections between climate change and airline turbulence. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club April 30, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) A representative for the department cited the study's co-author, University of Reading atmospheric science professor Paul Williams, as saying study organizers had accumulated a large body of scientific evidence now that turbulence is increasing because of climate change." "An invisible form called clear-air turbulence is generated by wind shear, which, because of climate change, is now 15% stronger than in the 1970s. We expect a further strengthening of the wind shear in the coming decades, perhaps doubling or tripling the amount of severe turbulence," Williams wrote. Requests for comment from the House Transportation Committee's top Republican, Sam Graves of Missouri, and top Democrat, Rick Larsen of Washington, were not returned. Calls placed to Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chair of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, were not returned at press time.

Startup Kinetic rolls out robots to fix electric cars, and someday robotaxis

A collision repair business for the era of electric and autonomous vehicles, Kinetic Automation, has raised $21 million in a series B round of venture funding. Menlo Ventures led the round, joined by Allstate Strategic Ventures, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and the company's earliest investors Lux Capital, Construct Capital and Haystack Ventures. The startup uses a robotic system, computer vision and machine learning software to rapidly diagnose and recalibrate the sensors and software in EVs and other modern cars. While electric vehicle demand is still increasing in the U.S., the sales growth rate for cars that pollute less has cooled down in 2024 due partly to the high cost of insurance and repairs for tech-laden new models. found that, despite the climate benefits, only 26% of car buyers in the U.S. were "very likely to consider purchasing" an EV in the next year, and more than 20% were "very unlikely to consider an EV purchase" at all. That's where Santa Ana, California startup Kinetic Automation comes in. By providing diagnostics and recalibration of the high-tech systems in modern vehicles, the company hopes to decrease costs associated with EV ownership and repairs. The startup, which employs about 40 people full-time, has developed a robotic system that uses computer vision and machine-learning software to quickly diagnose issues with a vehicle's digital systems. Kinetic CEO and co-founder Nikhil Naikal explained that a lot of new models, especially battery electrics, are loaded with bells and whistles such as touchscreens and robust infotainment software, along with a variety of cameras and sensors that enable everything from rapid charging to driver safety features including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. The existing collision repair industry is well-equipped to handle most physical fixes like replacing a bumper, a busted windshield, brakes and paint or adjusting alignment. But for many collision repair centers and auto dealerships, ensuring all sensors, software and computers are working properly can prove time-consuming and expensive. Kinetic puts its robotic systems and technicians to work helping these shops and dealerships fix the finicky, "digital" aspects of customers' cars. Here's how it works: A customer's car rolls up to one of Kinetic's service bays, where it is scanned from bumper to fender with machine vision sensors, some on a robotic arm that peers over the top of the vehicle. The scan determines which systems need to be precisely programmed or need a recalibration. Then Kinetic's software, which is connected to the vehicle's systems, will initiate and track the completion of those fixes. Kinetic uses robotics and AI to recalibrate the software and sensors in electric vehicles. The company built its first four service hubs in Las Vegas, and Orange County, San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California. To fuel its growth, Kinetic has raised $21 million in a Series B round of venture funding led by Menlo Ventures, joined by Allstate Strategic Ventures, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and the company's earliest investors Lux Capital, Construct Capital and Haystack Ventures. Menlo Ventures' Partner Shawn Carolan, who invested in and Jump Bikes, said collision companies and auto dealerships that had worked with Kinetic as pilot customers helped convince his firm to lead the deal. "They were saying, 'This reduced our cycle time by days.' Or 'We got cars back to customers faster and cheaper,' and 'This made my life way easier,'" he explained. "So we knew this was already solving a tremendous pain point." Before starting Kinetic with his co-founders, COO Chris Weber and CTO Sander Marques, Naikal worked as the vice president of software engineering at Velodyne, a company that made lidar sensors that enable robots, drones and autonomous vehicles to detect and avoid objects in their surrounding environment. Velodyne merged with Ouster in 2023. Weber previously worked as an operations leader at Uber, while Marques is a repeat tech entrepreneur whose prior company developed engine control modules for high-performance vehicles. Kinetic will one day provide its services to robotaxi fleets, Naikal said, and to the owners of other autonomous vehicles. But for now, the startup is focused on hiring, training technicians and building out its service hubs across the U.S. to handle a higher volume of auto repairs, especially the electric vehicles that are growing to comprise a larger portion of cars on U.S. roads each year.

motors

Startup Kinetic rolls out robots to fix electric cars, and someday robotaxis. A collision repair business for the era of electric and autonomous vehicles, Kinetic Automation, has raised $21 million in a series B round of venture funding. Menlo Ventures led the round, joined by Allstate Strategic Ventures, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and the company's earliest investors Lux Capital, Construct Capital and Haystack Ventures. The startup uses a robotic system, computer vision and machine learning software to rapidly diagnose and recalibrate the sensors and software in EVs and other modern cars. While electric vehicle demand is still increasing in the U.S., the sales growth rate for cars that pollute less has cooled down in 2024 due partly to the high cost of insurance and repairs for tech-laden new models. found that, despite the climate benefits, only 26% of car buyers in the U.S. were "very likely to consider purchasing" an EV in the next year, and more than 20% were "very unlikely to consider an EV purchase" at all. That's where Santa Ana, California startup Kinetic Automation comes in. By providing diagnostics and recalibration of the high-tech systems in modern vehicles, the company hopes to decrease costs associated with EV ownership and repairs. The startup, which employs about 40 people full-time, has developed a robotic system that uses computer vision and machine-learning software to quickly diagnose issues with a vehicle's digital systems. Kinetic CEO and co-founder Nikhil Naikal explained that a lot of new models, especially battery electrics, are loaded with bells and whistles such as touchscreens and robust infotainment software, along with a variety of cameras and sensors that enable everything from rapid charging to driver safety features including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. The existing collision repair industry is well-equipped to handle most physical fixes like replacing a bumper, a busted windshield, brakes and paint or adjusting alignment. But for many collision repair centers and auto dealerships, ensuring all sensors, software and computers are working properly can prove time-consuming and expensive. Kinetic puts its robotic systems and technicians to work helping these shops and dealerships fix the finicky, "digital" aspects of customers' cars. Here's how it works: A customer's car rolls up to one of Kinetic's service bays, where it is scanned from bumper to fender with machine vision sensors, some on a robotic arm that peers over the top of the vehicle. The scan determines which systems need to be precisely programmed or need a recalibration. Then Kinetic's software, which is connected to the vehicle's systems, will initiate and track the completion of those fixes. Kinetic uses robotics and AI to recalibrate the software and sensors in electric vehicles. The company built its first four service hubs in Las Vegas, and Orange County, San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California. To fuel its growth, Kinetic has raised $21 million in a Series B round of venture funding led by Menlo Ventures, joined by Allstate Strategic Ventures, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and the company's earliest investors Lux Capital, Construct Capital and Haystack Ventures. Menlo Ventures' Partner Shawn Carolan, who invested in and Jump Bikes, said collision companies and auto dealerships that had worked with Kinetic as pilot customers helped convince his firm to lead the deal. "They were saying, 'This reduced our cycle time by days.' Or 'We got cars back to customers faster and cheaper,' and 'This made my life way easier,'" he explained. "So we knew this was already solving a tremendous pain point." Before starting Kinetic with his co-founders, COO Chris Weber and CTO Sander Marques, Naikal worked as the vice president of software engineering at Velodyne, a company that made lidar sensors that enable robots, drones and autonomous vehicles to detect and avoid objects in their surrounding environment. Velodyne merged with Ouster in 2023. Weber previously worked as an operations leader at Uber, while Marques is a repeat tech entrepreneur whose prior company developed engine control modules for high-performance vehicles. Kinetic will one day provide its services to robotaxi fleets, Naikal said, and to the owners of other autonomous vehicles. But for now, the startup is focused on hiring, training technicians and building out its service hubs across the U.S. to handle a higher volume of auto repairs, especially the electric vehicles that are growing to comprise a larger portion of cars on U.S. roads each year.