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SHARTLE, Evelyn Lorraine
Age 94 of Medway, died Mon., Feb. 7, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband Edward Shartle in 1991. Survived by her daughter: Carol (Layton) Vires of Union, OH; sister: Pam
(Martin) Spence of Parkersburg, WV; 2 sisters-in-law: Mary Jo Griffin and Shirley Griffin, 3 grandchildren: Melissa (Dennis) Henson, Robert (Anny) Fletcher, Tiffany Hopkins; 7 great- grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren, a close family friend Henry Human. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Tues, Feb. 15, 2022, at Morris Sons Funeral Home, 1771 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering OH. Burial to follow at Medway
Cemetery. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the
service at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to
Funeral Home Information
Morris Sons Funeral Home - Kettering | https://www.journal-news.com/obituaries/shartle-evelyn-lorraine/O6V7EBOCTVFQVCXUPJ7CSEEBOY/ | 2022-02-13T08:31:33 | en | 0.834284 |
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A former Sandinista guerrilla leader who once led a raid that helped free then rebel and now President Daniel Ortega from prison has died, his family announced Saturday, eight months after Ortega’s government arrested him and dozens of other Nicaraguan opposition leaders.
Hugo Torres died at age 73, relatives said.
Torres was the first of a large group of opposition leaders rounded up in a 2021 crackdown to die. It was unclear if his death was hastened by conditions in prison. He died at a hospital in Managua, the capital, “of illnesses he had,” according to a statement by government prosecutors.
Torres was a leading commander of the 1970s Sandinista revolution who broke with Ortega more than 20 years ago to found the Sandinista Renovation Movement.
Torres was one of 46 opposition figures and presidential hopefuls jailed by Ortega in May and June, to clear the way for his almost unopposed re-election on Nov. 7.
Three of Torres’ children issued a statement announcing their father’s death. They did not give a cause, and said that, in accordance with their father’s wishes there would no public funeral or ceremony.
The prosecutors office said that when it learned Torres was seriously ill, the office “asked judicial authorities to suspend the start of his oral public trial for humanitarian reasons.”
The trials in fact are not public and are held in prison, in many cases with only the defendant’s lawyer allowed to be present. Some trials last only a few hours.
Prosecutors had justified Torres’ arrest by charging him, along with most of the other imprisoned opposition leaders, with “conspiracy to undermine national integrity.”
On June 13 last year, Torres predicted his own arrest in an interview with The Associated Press after seeing drones flying around his home. “This interview may be the last one I give,” Torres said. “I am here, waiting for them to come for me.”
“It’s not just potential candidates any more, it’s political leaders,” Torres said of those being arrested. “This is not a transition to dictatorship; it is a dictatorship in every way.”
Torres was a guerrilla commander who fought alongside Ortega during Nicaragua’s civil war and later a general with the Nicaraguan army. He was part of the effort to transform the Sandinista Popular Army created after the rebels’ 1979 victory into a professional Nicaraguan Army in the 1990s.
His death may prove to be a major embarrassment to Ortega; Torres got Ortega sprung from jail in 1974 by raiding the home of a close ally of then-dictator Anastasio Somoza. Ortega had been jailed for a botched bank robbery in Managua, the capital, years before.
In a video he posted hours before his arrest in June, Torres said “46 years ago I risked my life to get Daniel Ortega and other political-prisoner colleagues out of prison.”
“I am 73, and I never thought that at this stage of my life I was going to be fighting against another dictatorship, now more brutal, more unscrupulous, more irrational and more autocratic than the Somoza dictatorship,” Torres said.
After leading a revolutionary government following the guerrilla’s victory, Ortega served as president from 1985 to 1990 and was reelected to power in 2007.
He has not relinquished power since then, and his rule has become increasingly harsh, crushing any demonstration or opposition with police and soldiers. International organizations have called the November 2021 elections a farce.
Ortega’s Sandinista Front and its allies control Nicaragua’s congress and all government institutions.
A string of recent trials of opposition figures has been carried out in the infamous Chipote prison. The defendants have only been permitted to have their lawyers present. All the trials so far have resulted in convictions and sentences of 13 to 15 years.
Relatives of jailed opposition activists have said prisoners have been subjected to isolation, constant interrogations and insufficient food, affecting their health.
The families complained they were not allowed to bring the prisoners blankets and said some were kept in cells with lights on 24 hours a day, while others were kept in darkness. They said most of the cells were small, with concrete bed slabs covered by worn-out mattresses.
Thousands have fled into exile since Nicaraguan security forces violently put down antigovernment protests in 2018. Ortega says the protests were actually an attempted coup with foreign backing, and many of those on trial have been accused of working with foreign powers for his overthrow or encouraging foreign nations to apply sanctions on members of his family and government. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/hugo-torres-nicaragua-ex-rebel-leader-ortega-jailed-dies/ | 2022-02-13T08:31:37 | en | 0.982982 |
BEIJING (AP) — One of the lawyers that will judge Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case at the Beijing Olympics on Sunday is an American who was once picked by Maria Sharapova’s legal team for her appeal over a similar performance-enhancing drug.
Jeffrey Benz was named Saturday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to sit on the three-judge panel for the urgent case of Valieva, a 15-year-old Russian who tested positive for a banned heart medication at an event in December.
The verdict from Benz and his fellow judges, who are from Italy and Slovenia, is expected Monday and will decide if the sport’s new star can compete a day later at the start of the women’s individual event. She would be favored to win gold on Thursday.
The panel for the closed-door, video-link hearing was picked by the court, known as CAS, from a select group of nine judges made available for special duty at the Beijing Olympics.
Neither side in the Valieva case was allowed to pick a preferred judge — as they would in a typical case outside the Olympics — but the Russians might be happy with the American.
Benz was an elite figure skater, competing in ice dance at the national level in the United States, and has been picked for several cases involving Russian sports as one of the most in-demand judges at CAS.
In Sharapova’s appeal at the Switzerland-based court in 2016, Benz was chosen on behalf of the Russian tennis star to serve on the three-judge panel. She had been banned for two years after testing positive for the banned heart medication meldonium at the Australian Open. CAS ruled she was not entirely at fault and her ban was cut to 15 months.
Valieva tested positive for another banned heart medication, trimetazidine.
Another skating case at CAS in 2017 saw Benz picked by the Russian national federation and RUSADA, the anti-doping agency which is a party in the Valieva hearing on Sunday.
That time, Benz and his fellow judges extended the ban for Russian short track speedskater Alexandra Malkova. She served a 20-month ban instead of three months.
The Valieva case is also not the first involving Russian athletes and Benz as a judge for Olympic eligibility.
A group of 67 track and field athletes took a fast-track case to CAS in July 2016 amid fallout from the Russian doping scandal and frenetic legal activity ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The judges upheld the rules of track’s governing body, which excluded the Russians.
On Sunday, the CAS judges will examine an appeal — filed by the IOC, World Anti-Doping Agency and International Skating Union — to have Valieva excluded from the women’s competition. They argue RUSADA’s ruling on Wednesday to lift an interim ban on Valieva was wrong.
The unusual case has caused havoc at the Olympics. The skater’s positive test came from a sample taken six weeks earlier and was flagged by a laboratory in Sweden only on Monday — after she skated and helped the Russian team win gold in the team event. The United States took silver.
Benz once worked as a lawyer for the United States Olympic Committee, but the case he will hear Sunday has no impact on the team event, where the Americans would stand to be elevated to gold if the Russians are disqualified. RUSADA will separately investigate the original doping case against Valieva because it happened at the Russian national championships.
In an effort to dispel any notion that Benz may be conflicted as a judge in the case, CAS noted Saturday that “any party which has objective reasons to challenge the composition of the panel may file a petition against any member of this panel.”
No challenge had been filed late Saturday against Benz or his fellow judges, panel chair Fabio Iudica and Vesna Bergant Rakočeviċ.
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More AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/news/judge-in-russian-olympic-doping-worked-on-sharapova-case/ | 2022-02-13T08:31:44 | en | 0.976266 |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Four people were shot and wounded early Saturday after a fight broke out outside a Los Angeles restaurant hosting a party that followed a Justin Bieber concert, police said.
The gunfire erupted outside The Nice Guy restaurant, striking and injuring four men ages 60, 22, 20 and 19, LAPD Officer Lizeth Lomeli said. Their names were not released, but NBC News reported rapper Kodak Black was among the wounded.
Officers who responded to the scene found two victims. Paramedics took them to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said in an updated statement Saturday afternoon.
Two additional victims went to hospitals on their own, according to the statement. All four victims were listed in stable condition.
Detectives asked witnesses to come forward to help them identify the gunman.
Videos posted on TMZ.com and on social media show Black posing for photos with a group of people outside the restaurant when the brawl broke out. Black is among several people involved in the brawl when shots rang out, sending everyone at the scene running for cover.
Law enforcement sources told NBC News that Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, was among the people shot and injured. A message to his publicist at Atlantic Records has not been returned.
The party followed Bieber’s private concert at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California as part of a Super Bowl-week party dubbed “Homecoming Weekend.” The guests at the star-studded event included Jeff Bezos, his girlfriend TV host Lauren Sánchez, “Hamilton” actor Anthony Ramos and NFL Hall-of-Famer Tony Gonzalez.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Bieber and his wife Hailey Baldwin, Drake, Khloe Kardashian and Tobey Maguire were also among the celebrities seen entering the afterparty. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/4-shot-outside-la-party-held-after-justin-biebers-concert/ | 2022-02-13T08:31:51 | en | 0.971816 |
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Demonstrators in Afghanistan’s capital on Saturday condemned President Joe Biden’s order freeing up $3.5 billion in Afghan assets held in the U.S. for families of America’s 9/11 victims — saying the money belongs to Afghans.
Protesters who gathered outside Kabul’s grand Eid Gah mosque asked America for financial compensation for the tens of thousands of Afghans killed during the last 20 years of war in Afghanistan.
Biden’s order, signed Friday, allocates another $3.5 billion in Afghan assets for humanitarian aid to a trust fund to be managed by the U.N. to provide aid to Afghans. The country’s economy is teetering on the brink of collapse after international money stopped coming into Afghanistan with the arrival in mid-August of the Taliban.
Afghanistan’s Central Bank called on Biden to reverse his order and release the funds to it, saying in a statement Saturday that they belonged to the people of Afghanistan and not a government, party or group.
Torek Farhadi, a financial adviser to Afghanistan’s former U.S.-backed government, questioned the U.N. managing Afghan Central Bank reserves. He said those funds are not meant for humanitarian aid but “to back up the country’s currency, help in monetary policy and manage the country’s balance of payment.”
He also questioned the legality of Biden’s order.
“These reserves belong to the people of Afghanistan, not the Taliban … Biden’s decision is one-sided and does not match with international law,” said Farhadi. “No other country on Earth makes such confiscation decisions about another country’s reserves.”
White House officials said there is no simple way to make all the frozen assets available quickly to the Afghan people.
Sept. 11 victims and their families have legal claims against the Taliban and the $7 billion in the U.S. banking system. Courts would have to sign off before the release of humanitarian assistance money and decide whether to tap the frozen funds for paying out those claims.
In all, Afghanistan has about $9 billion in assets overseas, including the $7 billion in the United States. The rest is mostly in Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland.
“What about our Afghan people who gave many sacrifices and thousands of losses of lives?” asked the demonstration’s organizer, Abdul Rahman, a civil society activist.
Rahman said he planned to organize more demonstrations across the capital to protest Biden’s order. “This money belongs to the people of Afghanistan, not to the United States. This is the right of Afghans,” he said.
Misspelled placards in English accused the United States of being cruel and of stealing the money of Afghans.
Taliban political spokesman Mohammad Naeem accused the Biden administration in a tweet late Friday of showing “the lowest level of humanity … of a country and a nation.”
Biden’s Friday order generated a social media storm with Twitter saying #USA_stole_money_from_afghan was trending among Afghans. Tweets repeatedly pointed out that the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi nationals, not Afghans.
Obaidullah Baheer, a lecturer at the American University in Afghanistan and a social activist, tweeted: “Let’s remind the world that #AfghansDidntCommit911 and that #BidenStealingAfgMoney!”
Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was brought to Afghanistan by Afghan warlords after being expelled from Sudan in 1996. Those same warlords would later ally with the U.S.-led coalition to oust the Taliban in 2001. However, it was Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar who refused to hand over bin Laden to the U.S. after the devastating 9/11 attacks that killed thousands.
Still, some analysts took to Twitter to question Biden’s order.
Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the U.S.-based Wilson Center, called Biden’s order to divert $3.5 billion away from Afghanistan “heartless.”
“It’s great that $3.5B in new humanitarian aid for Afghanistan has been freed up. But to take another $3.5B that belongs to the Afghan people, and divert it elsewhere–that is misguided and quite frankly heartless,” he tweeted.
Kugelman also said the opposition to Biden’s order crossed Afghanistan’s wide political divide.
“I can’t remember the last time so many people of such vastly different worldviews were so united over a US policy decision on Afghanistan,” he tweeted. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/afghans-protest-us-order-to-give-3-5-b-to-9-11-victims/ | 2022-02-13T08:31:58 | en | 0.944912 |
ANNVILLE, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania father about to stand trial on charges he tortured and starved his 12-year-old son before the boy died has pleaded guilty to several charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Scott Schollenberger Jr., 43, of Annville, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that included criminal homicide, child endangerment and conspiracy for both counts. His trial had been scheduled to start March 14.
Schollenberger and his fiancée Kimberly Maurer, 36, were both accused in September 2020 of imprisoning his son in a darkened room for years, starving him and beating him while treating their other children well. Maurer remains jailed and is due to stand trial next month.
The charges against the couple stemmed from the death of Maxwell Schollenberger, whose body was found May 26, 2020. Authorities have said the boy was naked, and his feces-covered body was sprawled across a soiled bed in a room that was also caked with it.
The boy never received medical care, wasn’t enrolled in school and was rarely seen even by his siblings, who lived in the same house with the couple, authorities have said. There were no lights in the boy’s room, and the window shades were closed with duct tape. Metal hooks kept the room locked from the outside.
Schollenberger and Maurer have other children together “who appeared to be healthy, well-adjusted and cared for,” investigators wrote in a report on the case. Those children received regular medical care and attended school, authorities have said. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/father-pleads-guilty-in-torture-starvation-death-of-son/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:04 | en | 0.994158 |
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit are working to determine the cause and origin of a fire that engulfed William Fox Elementary School in Richmond.
The Richmond Fire Department said in a post on Twitter that crews responded to a report of a building fire Friday at about 10:35 p.m. Officers arrived and encountered heavy smoke coming from the top floor of the school above the main entrance.
No injuries have been reported. The fire was under control Saturday at 2:44 a.m., authorities said.
“I’m heartbroken to share that Fox ES is on fire. I’m on site with Principal Jacobs. RFD is doing their very best to contain it. I’ll share more information once I have it. Please keep the Fox community in your prayers tonight,” Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said on Twitter.
The school was built in 1911 and has about 350 students, according to its website. It is in the Fan District in Richmond. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/firefighters-battle-flames-at-elementary-school-in-richmond/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:11 | en | 0.969007 |
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Sitting under the hot sun, hungry women and children await food aid in a camp on the outskirts of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. They have walked for days, fleeing the drought now ravaging a large part of rural Somalia.
Their growing ranks are expected to swell further in the coming months as the Horn of Africa region faces its worst drought conditions in a decade.
This week the United Nations World Food Program warned that 13 million people in the region, including parts of Ethiopia and Kenya, face severe hunger in the first quarter of 2022. Immediate assistance is needed to avoid a major humanitarian crisis, the agency warned. The Horn of Africa has long been vulnerable to drought and hunger conditions often exacerbated by armed violence.
Somalia’s government in November declared a state of humanitarian emergency due to the drought, with the worst affected parts including the south-central areas of Lower Jubba, Geddo and Lower Shabelle regions.
“The impact on families is being felt more severely this season due to the result of multiple, prolonged droughts in quick succession, a worsening security situation, desert locust infestations, soaring food prices, reduced remittances — and less money committed by donors,” the aid group Save the Children said earlier this week of the drought in Somalia.
A survey in November covering 15 of Somalia’s 18 regions found the “majority of families were now going without meals on a regular basis,” it said in a statement.
In Somalia, 250,000 people died from hunger in 2011, when the U.N. declared a famine in some parts of the country. Half of them were children.
WFP has said it needs $327 million to look after the immediate needs of 4.5 million people over the next six months, including in Somalia.
Somali leaders also have been trying to mobilize local support, and many have responded.
A task force set up earlier this month by Prime Minister Mohamed Roble collects and distributes donations from the business community as well as Somalis in the diaspora. Some of what they give feeds hundreds of families residing in camps such as Ontorley, home to about 700 families.
“There are not (many) humanitarian agencies operating on the ground and these people urgently need support and assistance such as shelter, food, water and good sanitation,” said Abdullahi Osman, head of the charitable Hormuud Salaam Foundation and a member of the prime minister’s drought task force. He more assistance is needed for the thousands of families living in camps for displaced people.
About five to 10 desperate families arrive at Ontorley camp each day, according to camp leader Nadiifa Hussein.
Faduma Ali said she hiked more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from her home in Saakow, a town in Middle Jubba province, to Mogadishu.
“The problems I face are all due to the drought,” she told The Associated Press. “We had no water and our livestock had perished and when I lost everything, I walked the road for seven days.”
Amina Osman, a visibly emaciated woman also from Saakow, said two women with them on their journey to Mogadishu died from hunger along the way.
“We came across many hardships, including lack of water and food,” said the mother of four. “We trekked all the way from our village to this settlement. We spent eight days on the road.”
More patients with acute malnutrition are arriving at Mogadishu’s Martino Hospital, and some have died, said director Dr. Abdirizaq Yusuf. Malnutrition patients are treated free of charge, he said.
“Due to the increased cases of acute malnutrition, the hospital now employs specialist doctors and nutritionists who help those most affected,” he said. “A large number are from remote regions of Somalia and now live in (displaced people’s) camps.”
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This story has been corrected to show the full name of the charitable group is the Hormuud Salaam Foundation. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/fleeing-drought-hunger-thousands-trek-to-somalias-capital/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:18 | en | 0.969016 |
BEIJING (AP) — Across two pandemic Olympics set in Asian countries, Asian American women fronting the Games have encountered a whiplashing duality — prized on the global stage for their medal-winning talent, buffeted by the escalating crisis of racist abuse at home.
The world’s most elite and international sporting event, which pits athletes and countries against each other, underscores along the way the crude reality that many Asian women face: of only being seen when they have something to offer.
“It’s like Asian American women can’t win,” says Jeff Yang, an author and cultural critic. “Asian American female athletes, like most Asian American women in many other spaces, are seen as worthy when they can deliver … and then disposed of otherwise.”
The issue is playing out at the Beijing Winter Games, the third straight Olympics set in Asia and the second held during the unrelenting global coronavirus crisis — and playing out, too, during a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans.
Here, U.S. snowboarder Chloe Kim and China’s freestyle skier Eileen Gu are the latest additions to the list of American women of Asian descent who have been “It Girls” of the Winter Games, joining icons like American figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan.
When Kim and Gu earned their gold medals in Beijing, it was the perfect bow on professional narratives that have been covered incessantly leading up to the actual event. Their star power and talent made them two of the de facto spokeswomen for the Olympics.
Meanwhile, other Asian American women like figure skaters Karen Chen and Alysa Liu of the U.S. team and Zhu Yi of the China team have also been promoted by their national teams and scrutinized — sometimes harshly — by Olympic fans.
Commentators have mocked Yi for falling in the team event, as if she deserved the mistake after giving up her U.S. citizenship to compete for her ancestral homeland. Others are angry that she “stole” the Olympic spot from an actual China-born athlete.
Even the winners struggle to feel fully embraced in America.
Kim, who won the halfpipe at the Beijing and Pyeongchang Olympics, has revealed she was tormented online daily. She says she was consumed by fear that her parents could be killed whenever she heard news about another brutal assault on an Asian person.
There have been more than 10,000 reported anti-Asian incidents — from taunts to outright assaults – between March 2020 and September 2021, according to Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that gathers data on racially motivated attacks related to the pandemic.
“The experience of hate is withering, and it takes a huge mental health toll,” says Cynthia Choi, the coalition’s co-founder. “When we think about the Olympics, it’s really incredibly powerful to have taken place in Asia three times in a row. That context is very significant, and to have Asian Americans and Asians representing the United States in these games is more than symbolic.”
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country have endured racist verbal, physical and sometimes deadly attacks for two years now, fueled by the pandemic.
Some perpetrators have based their hate on the fact that the virus was first detected in Wuhan, China. Adding to the mix: former President Donald Trump, who regularly talked about COVID-19 in racial terms.
Gu, the daredevil freestyle skier who placed first in the big air competition, said she’d never been as scared as when a man directed a tirade about the coronavirus’ Chinese origins against her and her immigrant grandmother at a San Francisco pharmacy.
The San Francisco native, fashion model and social media figure has also been criticized with anti-China rhetoric for switching from the U.S. team to the China team. Conservative Fox News personalities Tucker Carlson and Will Cain even dedicated a segment to berating Gu, saying she was “ungrateful” and is “betraying her country.”
Those racially charged denunciations have been called out on social media for being hypocritical. Phil Yu, who runs the popular Angry Asian Man blog, tweeted succinctly: “Oh sure, it’s always ‘go back to your country’ but not ‘go back to your country and win a gold medal.’”
The dichotomy of the Asian American woman’s existence is not limited to Winter Olympians, though. In October, Hmong American gymnast Sunisa Lee said she was pepper sprayed by someone shouting racist slurs while driving by in a car. At the time, she was standing outside with a group of Asian American friends in Los Angeles while filming the “Dancing with the Stars” TV show.
Lesser-profile Olympians from the Tokyo Games like golfer Danielle Kang and karateka Sukura Kokumai spoke about their experiences with anti-Asian hate last summer.
Kang said she’s fought racism all her life and urged for a broader social studies curriculum that could better capture today’s multicultural America.
“I’ve been told to go back to China. I don’t know why they think China is the only Asian country,” said the Korean American athlete. “I also have heard, ‘Do you eat dogs for dinner?’ It’s nothing new to me. However, the violence was very upsetting. But the violence also has been around. I’ve gotten into fist fights. I’ve grown up like this.”
Kokumai, who is Japanese American, was angry to discover that the same man who had harassed her in April with racist slurs also assaulted an elderly Asian American couple.
Equally painful: colleagues’ silence when the incident was reported. She said Japan’s coach called her about it before members of her U.S. team did.
“It was really hurtful that it took so long for my side of the federation to address it,” Kokumai said last summer.
In July, when Lee became the surprise breakout star of the Tokyo Olympics by winning gold in the all-around event and bronze on uneven bars, Sung Yeon Choimorrow, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, said she felt conflicted about seeing Lee on a pedestal given the way Hmongs have been marginalized.
“I’m really wrestling with this idea that we’re all ‘American’ only when it comes to us being excellent and winning medals for the country,” Choimorrow said. “Asian American women are hyper-visible in ways that dehumanize us and completely invisible in the ways that humanize us.”
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Seattle-based AP journalist Sally Ho is on assignment at the Beijing Olympics, covering figure skating. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/_sallyho
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More AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/for-asian-american-women-olympics-reveal-a-harsh-duality/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:26 | en | 0.97182 |
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s nationalist prime minister warned Saturday that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could send hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing across the border into his country.
Right-wing populist leader Viktor Orban, speaking in an annual address that this year kicked off his political campaign for Hungary’s parliamentary election on April 3, urged a peaceful resolution to the rising tensions in Europe that have stemmed from fears of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Orban — a firm opponent of any types of immigration — said it was in Hungary’s best interest to “avoid war,” which he said would cause a wave of Ukrainian refugees and a disruption of the economy.
While urging a resolution of the tensions through dialogue, Orban said he opposed plans by the European Union to use sanctions against Russia — which has built up over 100,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders — as a deterrent.
“Sanctions, punitive policies, lecturing or any other kind of arrogance on the part of the great powers are out of the question,” Orban said.
Orban, who has led Hungary since 2010, has sought one of the closest relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin of any European leader. In a meeting with Putin in the Kremlin last week, Orban lobbied for increased gas shipments from Russia and lauded his country’s increased cooperation with Moscow in the areas of energy, trade and security.
Since Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Hungary under Orban has consistently opposed leveling EU sanctions against Moscow, although it has always ultimately voted for them.
Hungary has also blocked ministerial meetings between Ukraine and NATO over a Ukrainian language law that Budapest argues violates the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority in western Ukraine.
Yet on Saturday, Orban said that Ukraine serves as a crucial buffer zone between Hungary and Russia and that its “independence and viability are therefore of direct Hungarian interest.”
Declaring that “the military strength of Europe should at least be comparable to that of Russia,” Orban said that Hungary supports the development of European military capabilities and a common European defense force.
Hungary has declined to accept military reinforcements from NATO and the United States — which have been mobilized in several other Eastern European countries in response to the buildup of Russian troops along Ukraine’s borders. He says Hungary’s domestic military is sufficient to protect the country.
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Follow all AP stories on the tensions over Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/hungarian-pm-warns-of-refugee-wave-if-russia-invades-ukraine/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:32 | en | 0.970765 |
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — When a witness to George Floyd’s killing choked up while testifying during the trial of three former Minneapolis police officers, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson quickly stepped in, granting a defense attorney’s request for a sidebar that defused the moment.
It was an example of how the 84-year-old judge has exerted a tight grip on proceedings, occasionally frustrating prosecutors with his determination to keep emotion to a minimum and move the case against Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane forward as quickly as possible amid a pandemic.
Through three weeks of testimony, Magnuson has been quick to cut off attorneys when he thinks they’ve gone too far — sometimes with a curt, “No thank you,” or even just a firm, “No,” to requests for time-consuming sidebars. He has admonished them to cooperate on routine matters such as replaying videos, ordered them to reduce their planned exhibits and questioned how many witnesses they need.
The judge also sped jury selection along in a single day — a sharp contrast to the more than two weeks it took to seat a jury in the state trial in which former Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder in Floyd’s death. His desire for speed amid the pandemic was brought home when one defendant tested positive for the virus, halting the trial for three days.
Thao, Lane and Kueng are charged with willfully depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights while acting under color of law. Chauvin — the white officer who pinned Floyd under his knee for 9 1/2 minutes while the Black man was handcuffed, facedown — pleaded guilty to a civil rights count in December.
The federal trial is playing out much more quietly than Chauvin’s state trial, in part because of Magnuson’s refusal to allow livestreaming. The state trial did, allowing viewers worldwide the ability to follow testimony in a killing that triggered global protests and a reexamination of racism and policing.
Structural differences are also playing a part.
Floyd’s girlfriend, Courteney Ross, provided some of the most compelling testimony in Chauvin’s trial as she painted a portrait of a warm and good man who struggled with addiction. Minnesota is unusual in allowing such “spark of life” testimony during the guilt phase of a trial to humanize a victim. Federal courts don’t permit it, and prosecutors aren’t going to call Ross to the stand this time.
That’s making it hard for the government to show the human side of the man jurors have seen on video moaning and pleading “I can’t breathe” and calling “Mama.”
Magnuson served early notice that he wanted emotion kept to a minimum in his courtroom, warning attorneys against questions that might be aimed at eliciting sympathy from jurors.
Charles McMillian, who witnessed Floyd’s killing, wept openly when he testified at the state trial. When he showed signs of doing so in Magnuson’s courtroom, the judge granted a request for a sidebar, where a defense attorney suggested it might be time for a pause.
During a subsequent break, prosecutor LeeAnn Bell expressed frustration at the limits on questions she could ask, saying it’s impossible to keep emotion out of testimony.
Magnuson moved on.
When one potential juror questioned whether the color of his skin should disqualify him from serving, Magnuson proclaimed to the pool that the trial has “absolutely nothing” to do with race or ethnicity. Legal experts said that was accurate from a legal perspective, with the officers not accused of targeting Floyd because he was Black. But on another level, they said, the case has everything to do with race given the way police brutality has historically fallen harder on African Americans.
One of Magnuson’s priorities has been to keep the trial on track despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He seated six alternates — four more than usual — in case any jurors get sick. He had hoped to limit the trial to two weeks before later conceding it would likely to be closer to four — a target that he has since indicated they’re likely to overshoot.
The judge chewed out prosecutor Bell one day when a witness’ illness left her with only one for the afternoon’s testimony. Magnuson said Bell should have had others ready to go.
“When we’ve got this long a trial, we can’t afford to be down any longer than we have to,” Magnuson said.
Citing COVID-19 concerns, Magnuson has also restricted courtroom access to a degree that has prompted legal challenges from media organizations, including The Associated Press. Magnuson wouldn’t allow televised coverage of the trial, given that federal courts don’t. Also, he permits no more than four reporters in the courtroom at a time. Others and the public can watch from overflow rooms.
Tom Heffelfinger, a former U.S. attorney in Minnesota who is now in private practice, said Magnuson is fair to both sides, and said his COVID-19 concerns are reasonable.
“He runs a tight courtroom. He’s in charge,” Heffelfinger said. “But he also respects the needs of lawyers from both sides to do their work.”
Though he has often seemed crotchety during the trial, Magnuson — who still handles a full caseload after taking senior status some two decades ago — sometimes shows a softer side.
As corner store cashier Christopher Martin testified early in the trial — and appeared uncomfortable about doing so — he acknowledged to a defense attorney that he would rather be in school and had homework to do.
When the defense was done cross-examining the 20-year-old college student, Magnuson excused him and said, “Go do your homework.”
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Find AP’s full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/in-2nd-floyd-killing-trial-judge-seeks-speed-not-emotion/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:39 | en | 0.968636 |
TOKYO (AP) — Japan is considering easing its stringent border controls amid growing criticism that the measures, which have banned most foreign entrants including students and business travelers, are hurting the country’s economy and international profile.
“I plan to look into easing the border controls,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters Saturday.
Kishida did not provide a timeline or other details and said he will make a decision based on a scientific assessment of the omicron variant, infection levels in and outside Japan and quarantine measures in other countries.
Currently, most of Japan is under virus-related restrictions but infections have shown little signs of slowing. Nationwide, Japan reported nearly 100,000 new cases in the latest 24-hour period, including 18,660 in Tokyo.
The current border measures are scheduled to remain in place until the end of February.
Japan has become one of the world’s most difficult countries to enter and critics compare it to the locked country, or “sakoku,” policy of xenophobic warlords who ruled Japan in the 17th to 19th centuries.
The current border rules allow in only Japanese nationals and permanent foreign residents, and have raised the ire of foreign students and scholars who say the measures are unfair, unscientific and force talented visitors to go to other countries. Hundreds of thousands of them have been affected, and critics say the rules are also hurting Japan’s national interest.
Frustrated students have started gathering outside Japanese diplomatic compounds around the world to protest.
Japanese and foreign business groups have also protested the government, saying the prolonged border closure has affected investment, business deals, product development and deliveries. Experts also say the border policy is further delaying recovery in Japan’s pandemic-hit economy.
Kishida unveiled his plan to consider easing border controls Saturday after visiting Tokyo’s Haneda international airport, where he observed quarantine areas and a worksite vaccination rollout for airline workers.
Kishida’s government is scrambling to accelerate COVID-19 booster shots, after facing criticisms over a delayed decision to cut intervals between the first two shots and a third to six months from an initially planned eight. Only about 8% of Japan’s population have received their third jabs. Kishida has set a target to give 1 million doses a day by the end of February.
The government has also faced criticism over its failure to keep omicron out of U.S. military bases, where Japan has no jurisdiction. American troops fly directly into the country without observing Japanese quarantine requirements and they were not tested for weeks, until Tokyo asked them to.
Many of the Japanese public, however, are supportive of the tight border controls as they think troubles such as the pandemic come from outside their island nation. Kishida’s stringent border controls are widely seen as politically motivated to gain public support for his governing party in the upcoming July parliamentary elections.
Kishida has taken a lesson from his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, who stepped aside after only a year in office partly due to his administration’s perceived weak handling of the pandemic. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/japan-mulls-easing-covid-border-controls-amid-criticism/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:47 | en | 0.970591 |
By the thousands, Americans have been seeking religious exemptions in order to circumvent COVID-19 vaccine mandates, but generally they are doing so without the encouragement of major denominations and prominent religious leaders.
From the Vatican, Pope Francis has defended the vaccines as “the most reasonable solution to the pandemic.” The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America declared categorically that its followers would not be offered religious exemptions. Robert Jeffress, the conservative pastor of a Baptist megachurch in Dallas, voiced similar sentiments.
“Since there is no credible biblical argument against vaccines, we have refused to offer exemptions to the handful of people who have requested them,” Jeffress told The Associated Press via email. “People may have strong medical or political objections to government-mandated vaccines, but just because those objections are strongly felt does not elevate them to a religious belief that should be accommodated.”
Rabbi Sholom Lipskar of The Shul of Bal Harbour, an Orthodox synagogue in Surfside, Florida, says he tells congregation members that vaccination should be a matter of free choice.
“But I always recommend that they get a medical opinion from a competent professional,” he added. “In a serious matter, they should get two concurring medical opinions.”
Within the U.S. Catholic Church, there are divisions – even though Pope Francis has been clear in his support for vaccinations. While some bishops have forbidden their priests from assisting in seeking exemptions, other bishops and priests have provided template letters for people claiming conscientious objections from the vaccines on Catholic grounds.
“We have had many requests and have helped quite a number process their letter/request,” the Rev. Bob Stec of St. Ambrose Catholic Parish in Brunswick, Ohio, said via email.
“Vaccination is not a universal obligation and a person must obey the judgment of his or her own informed and certain God-given conscience,” says one of the letters provided by Stec. “If a Catholic comes to an informed and sure judgment in conscience that he or she should not receive a vaccine, then the Catholic Church acknowledges that the person … has the right to refuse the vaccine.”
It’s different in New Jersey’s Archdiocese of Newark, which has advised its priests not to support religious exemptions for their parishioners.
“I have been asked about six times and have declined,” said the Rev. Alexander Santora, pastor of Our Lady of Grace & St. Joseph Parish in Hoboken.
Candice Buchbinder, a spokesperson for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said the denomination is currently studying the question of religious exemptions. She noted that previous ELCA documents opposed broad religious exemptions and viewed medicine as “a gift of God for the good of the community.”
Even before the pandemic, the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council made clear its stance – adopting a resolution in June 2019 calling for stronger government vaccination mandates.
“The Executive Council recognizes no claim of theological or religious exemption from vaccination for our members,” the resolution said.
However, someone from a denomination that encourages vaccines can still seek an exemption based on individual conscience, said Bruce Ledewitz, a law professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
Ledewitz said he would advise a client wanting a religious exemption to say simply, “I have prayed about this, and I have come to the conclusion that God does not want me to take this vaccine.”
Employers have adopted widely varying approaches to such arguments – some granting many exemptions while others, including the U.S. military services, have granted very few.
While reasons for seeking religious exemptions vary, many Christians have cited the COVID-19 vaccines’ remote connection to past abortions. Laboratory-grown cell lines descended from fetuses that were aborted decades ago were used to test the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and to grow viruses used to manufacture the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. None of those vaccines contain fetal cells.
The Vatican has stated that receiving these COVID-19 vaccines is morally acceptable. While it opposes abortion-related research, it said any vaccine recipient is not culpable for involvement in it, given how remote they are from the abortions involved.
While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has echoed the Vatican teaching, several bishops have assisted people seeking religious exemptions. So has the National Catholic Bioethics Center, a think tank with prominent bishops on its board.
The center’s template letter says individual Catholics may interpret church teachings to conclude that it’s wrong for them to accept any medical product with a connection to abortion.
The Rev. Tad Pacholczyk, ethicist and director of education at the center, noted that the Vatican specifies that vaccines “must be voluntary.”
The church “strongly encourages the safeguarding of conscience rights” he said in a statement, criticizing a “one size fits all” approach to employer mandates.
“Such decisions properly belong in the hands of the individual patient, who can assess his or her on-the-ground situation more meaningfully than any federal agency, politician or employer,” he said. “Conscience exemptions to vaccine mandates need to be liberally available not only to Catholics but to all individuals.”
The claiming of religious exemptions frustrates some who suspect there are non-religious motivations.
“There is no distinctively Catholic objection to receiving any of the COVID-19 vaccines available,” said Michael Deem, assistant professor of bioethics and human genetics at the University of Pittsburgh.
He said the Vatican has provided detailed moral guidance on the vaccines’ acceptability — considering such things as the lack of alternative vaccines and the benefits of corralling a deadly pandemic.
The relatively low vaccination rate among white evangelicals frustrates Curtis Chang, a theologian whose Redeeming Babel organization launched a Christians and the Vaccine project with evangelical and health-care groups, promoting the COVID-19 vaccines on biblical principles.
Seeking religious exemptions for many “is a hijacking of religion to justify political or cultural stances, and that’s very dangerous,” Chang said. “There is no genuine religious reason for seeking an exemption, especially from employer mandates.”
He knows of pastors who favor vaccines but are pressured by congregants to give them letters justifying their vaccine refusal on religious grounds. “I’m encouraging pastors not to give in to that.”
The move for such exemptions is “a danger ultimately to the long-term cause of religious liberty,” he said, because employers and courts may discount the sincerity of employees when they face genuine situations where their faith needs to be accommodated.
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/many-faith-leaders-wary-of-religious-exemptions-for-vaccine/ | 2022-02-13T08:32:54 | en | 0.96115 |
ZHANGJIAKOU, China (AP) — At the Tokyo Olympics, mental health was the breakout star. Amplified by some of the world’s top athletes, it shook up those Games and made everyone take notice.
Six months later, in Beijing, the conversation has evolved: The subject pops up regularly, but no one is shocked when it does.
Many athletes have spoken about their struggles, but often in a no-biggie, nothing-to-see-here way. A difficulty is mentioned, then the conversation moves on. After star gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of competition in Tokyobecause she wasn’t in the right headspace, retired Olympic swimming phenom Michael Phelps memorably said that “It’s OK to not be OK.”
And now, thanks in part to people like Biles, it seems it’s OK to talk about it, too.
“I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned after the last Olympics is being as open as possible,” snowboarding sensation Chloe Kim told reporters after she took the gold medalon Thursday in the halfpipe competition.
It was Kim’s second gold at an Olympics. She initially threw that first one, earned in Pyeongchang four years ago, in the trash — a story that epitomizes the dissonance between the cheery face many champions show the world and the torments they face behind the scenes.
“After my last Olympics, I put that pressure on myself to be perfect at all times, and that would cause a lot of issues at home. I would be really sad and depressed all the time when I was home,” Kim told reporters after easily securing the top spot on the podium — but also failing to land a new trick she is working on.
“I’m happy to talk about whatever I’ve been experiencing,” she said. “Honestly, it’s really healthy for me.”
It wasn’t just Kim who was talking about it. After snowboarder Jamie Anderson, who came to Beijing as the two-time defending slopestyle champion, finished ninth, she posted on Instagram that her “mental health and clarity just hasn’t been on par.”
Skier Mikaela Shiffrin was particularly honestafter she failed to finish either of her first two races in events that are specialties of hers. She said that she had been feeling pressure, something every elite athlete feels and is distinct from the more complicated mental health challenges many have been talking about.
But Shiffrin also plumbed greater depths, acknowledging that she was angry with her dad, who died in 2020, for not being there to support her.
After finally managing to complete a race on Friday — shockingly, even that had become an open question for the star — she posted on Instagram about the ups and downs of competition.
“There’s a lot of disappointment and heartbreak going around in the finish area,” she wrote.
As several elite athletes stumbled in Beijing, they were often quick to remind the world that they’re human, too. Shiffrin even has a paid post on Instagram, in which the tagline is: “Yeah, I am human.” A far cry from the usual vaunting of athletes as something much more than that.
This is what many hoped for after Tokyo — that as more athletes acknowledged what they face behind the scenes, the stigma around talking about mental health would recede and the issue would merely become one more challenge in the mix.
“I think that it really has become normalized with so many athletes talking about their mental health, and there has been such a push for parity with mental health and physical health,” said Jess Bartley, director of mental health services for Team USA.
“I think, in the experience I’ve had with a lot of these athletes, it’s really relieving to be able to talk about it, to have folks understand, to have the audience understand what may be coming up that might have impacted their performance,” she said. “Just in the same way that you hear about a sprained ankle.”
Bartley works with athletes to prepare how they’ll respond to questions about their mental health just as she works with them on preparing their performance. Some feel comfortable revealing those struggles; others don’t.
Louie Vito, a snowboarder who competed for Italy in Beijing, puts himself in the latter camp. He’s glad that mental health is being talked about more openly — he readily admits framing some of his struggles in that way was eye-opening for him — but he would prefer to keep much of that private.
“I think some people would rather deal with their mental battles in their inner circle,” he said. “To me, it’s not a right or a wrong on how you deal with it as long as you’re aware and it doesn’t become detrimental to you. I don’t think you have to talk about in public.”
And he acknowledged that many people are still embarrassed to talk about these issues.
Yet so many do keep talking — encouraged by a generation of younger athletes determined not only to be heard but to ensure that this subject is no longer something to be dramatically revealed, but simply addressed like anything else important.
Amanda Fialk, who is the chief clinical officer at The Dorm, a mental health treatment program for young people, is heartened by the increasingly open conversations happening. But she warns that true change will take much more time to take hold.
She underscores that there are vast cultural differences — across countries and between communities within any given country — that affect access to and the stigma around mental health care.
“I am also mindful that old habits die hard,” said Fialk, who was a competitive figure skater when she was younger. “It is going to take continued talking about these issues and continued efforts to normalize talking about all these issues for the change to not just be a change, but to become a new normal.”
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Sarah DiLorenzo, a London-based journalist for The Associated Press, is on assignment at the Beijing Olympics. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sdilorenzo
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More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/mental-health-hovers-over-olympics-on-its-way-to-mainstream/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:01 | en | 0.983297 |
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit are working to determine the cause and origin of a fire that engulfed William Fox Elementary School in Richmond.
The Richmond Fire Department said in a post on Twitter that crews responded to a report of a building fire Friday at about 10:35 p.m. Officers arrived and encountered heavy smoke coming from the top floor of the school above the main entrance.
No injuries have been reported. The fire was under control Saturday at 2:44 a.m., authorities said.
“I’m heartbroken to share that Fox ES is on fire. I’m on site with Principal Jacobs. RFD is doing their very best to contain it. I’ll share more information once I have it. Please keep the Fox community in your prayers tonight,” Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said on Twitter.
The school was built in 1911 and has about 350 students, according to its website. It is in the Fan District in Richmond. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/officials-to-assess-fire-at-elementary-school-in-richmond/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:08 | en | 0.969007 |
PARIS (AP) — Paris police fired tear gas Saturday against a handful of demonstrators on the Champs-Elysees Avenue who defied a police order by taking part in a vehicle protest against virus restrictions inspired by Canada’s horn-honking truckers.
In the Netherlands, dozens of trucks and other vehicles — ranging from tractors to a car towing a camping van — arrived in The Hague for a similar virus-related protest Saturday, blocking an entrance to the historic Dutch parliamentary complex.
But a threatened blockade of Paris failed to materialize Saturday, despite days of online organizing efforts.
Police set up checkpoints into the French capital on key roads and said they successfully stopped at least 500 vehicles from heading to the banned protest, but a few dozen vehicles were able to slip in and disrupt traffic on the boutique-lined Champs-Elysees. Authorities fired tear gas as they demanded that the demonstrators disperse, some of whom climbed onto their vehicles in the middle of the road to create chaos.
An Associated Press photographer was hit in the head with a tear gas canister as police struggled to control the crowd. Police at the scene were growing increasingly tense, and fired the tear gas after several photographers took photos of officers kicking and subduing a protester.
Police detained 54 people and handed out 300 tickets to motorists involved in the protest. Police also seized knives, hammers and other objects in a central Parisian square.
Protesters railing against the vaccination pass that France requires to enter restaurants and many other venues have converged in recent days toward Paris from the north, south, east and west, waving and honking at onlookers as they drove by. Some convoys sought to avoid police detection by traveling on local roads instead of the major highways leading into the capital.
Waving French flags and shouting “Freedom!,” the protesters were galvanized in part by truckers who have blockaded the center of Ottawa, Canada’s capital, and blocked border crossings to the U.S.
Most of the French convoys appeared small, and it is unclear how many people participated. The protest came as months of demonstrations against French government vaccination rules have been waning and as the government is relaxing virus restrictions. Nearly all French adults are vaccinated against COVID-19 and the protests have represented a small minority.
In the Dutch protest, protesters on foot joined the truckers, carrying a banner emblazoned with the Dutch words “Love & freedom, no dictatorship.” Police urged the protesters to move to a nearby park and warned the public about traffic problems.
Online chat groups, meanwhile, are encouraging French and Dutch protesters to join an attempted blockade convoy on Monday in Brussels, capital of Belgium and the 27-nation European Union.
Belgian federal police were urging people to avoid Brussels on Monday, including commuters, and said all vehicles coming to demonstrate will be escorted to a giant parking lot north of town where a protest will be authorized.
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Aleksandar Furtula in The Hague, Mike Corder in Ede, Netherlands, and Sylvain Plazy in Brussels contributed.
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Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/paris-police-thwart-advance-of-virus-protesters-on-capital/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:15 | en | 0.963922 |
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — It took South Carolina lawmakers only two months to act when a female college student was kidnapped and killed by a man posing as an Uber driver. The Legislature acted swiftly to prevent such crimes in the future.
By comparison, state Rep. Wendell Gilliard says, more than six years have passed since theracist murders of nine African Americans at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, and the Legislature has yet to take action to add punishment to victims of crimes motivated by bias against a particular group. That makes South Carolina one of only two states — the other being Wyoming — without a hate crimes law.
“It was wrong what happened to that young woman,” Gilliard said of the college student. “Nobody should ever meet their demise in such a way. But when you look at the Mother Emanuel Nine, we have this bill that has been waiting patiently now for six years.”
The “ Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act ” is named for the pastor who died in the attack. Pinckney was also a state senator. The bill would add up to five years in prison for someone convicted of murder, assault or other violent crime fueled by hatred of the victim’s race, sexual orientation, gender, religion or disability.
The bill currently sits in the Senate. The clock is ticking. If senators don’t approve the proposal by the end of their session in May, everything goes back to square one.
“We have great senators over there,” Gilliard said. “But now we need them to stand up. Show a little backbone.”
Efforts to pass a hate crimes law in Wyoming,where the killing of gay college student Matthew Shepard led to the federal hate crimes law, have repeatedly failed including in 2021. There is no indication the issue will come up in the session that starts Monday.
Arkansas passed a hate crime law in 2021, although some advocates for the laws argue it is too weak to be considered under the category. Georgia passed its own law in 2020 — four months after the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, after three white men chased him around a neighborhood before cornering him with a shotgun.
Democratic state Sen. Marlon Kimpson of Charleston, singling out eight of the 29 Republicans who have kept the bill from coming up for debate, asked them to “dig deep in your heart to let us have this debate.” The Charleston Democrat noted Thursday the Senate had just spent time debating a bill on whether to make it illegal to allow trucks to be altered so the front is several inches higher than the rear.
“If we can spend 30 minutes debating electric dump trucks, we can spend some time debating arguably one of the most dangerous crimes that occur,” said Kimpson, whose district includes Emanuel AME.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey has said the hate crimes bill isn’t a priority for Republicans who make up all but 16 of the current 45 senators. Massey said the federal hate crimes law was adequate in prosecuting the shooter at the Charleston church, who is currently on federal death row.
“The way this bill is drafted, it doesn’t do anything to protect anybody. It doesn’t make anybody’s life better,” said Massey, a Republican from Edgefield.
Other conservatives have said they worry a hate crime bill could be used to prosecute Christianswho speak out against gay marriage or other LGBTQ issues.
Proponents of the proposed state law have some influential backers. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said last year he wished there was a hate crime statute in place to give harsher punishment to men who exchanged text messages that said “Let’s go get some Mexicans tonight” as they planned 17 robberies over three weeks targeting Hispanics — something not likely to reach the level of a federal prosecutor.
The state Chamber of Commerce has said it fears large companies might not want to locateor expand in a state that didn’t show it valued all people.
“We have to demonstrate to the world that hate will not be tolerated here,” Tim Arnold, chairman of the state Chamber’s Board of Directors, told reporters last year.
In Sumter, a 17-year-old was arrested last month after police said he altered a changeable traffic message sign to say “honk if you hate,” ending with a racist slur against Black people. The teenager is charged with aggravated breach of the peace. But Sumter Mayor David Merchant and Sumter County Council Chairman James McCain Jr. contend the charges don’t go far enough. because the crime was an attack on every African American and equality-seeking person in the area.
“Those who commit hateful acts and are motivated by certain biases seek to terrorize not just an individual but an entire community,” they wrote in a letter to their local state Sen. Thomas McElveen.
The bill as originally written would have allowed additional punishment for the harassment. But the House removed vandalism and harassment from the proposal before passing it last year.
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This story corrects the spelling of state Rep. Wendell Gilliard’s last name.
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Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/s-carolina-push-to-be-49th-state-with-hate-crime-law-stalls/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:22 | en | 0.967455 |
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Sunday it will transfer 4% of the stock in the state-run oil giant Aramco to a sovereign wealth fund, an infusion valued at nearly $80 billion as the kingdom tries to overhaul its energy-dependent economy.
The announcement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency comes as the oil firm is valued at just under $2 trillion and as oil trades above $90 a barrel — its highest level since 2014.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the assertive son of King Salman, made the decision to transfer the stock, the state media report said. It will go to the Public Investment Fund, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, which has been Prince Mohammed’s vehicle to invest in everything from Uber to British soccer team Newcastle United. The fund also is part of the prince’s Neom project along the Red Sea coast.
“His Highness added that the transfer of these shares is part of the kingdom’s long-term strategy aimed at supporting the restructuring of the national economy,” the report said. That will include creating private-sector jobs in the kingdom, it added.
Saudi Arabia has reaped the benefits of a spike in oil prices after the coronavirus pandemic crashed prices at one point into negative territory, but it also sees the growing worldwide concern over climate change being fueled by burning fossil fuels. Prince Mohammed’s plans hope to see that oil wealth pay to create jobs for the kingdom’s youth to pivot away from oil over time.
The Public Investment Fund also has invested in the electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors Inc. of Newark, California.
The fund did not immediately acknowledge what its plans for the stock would be and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service last week said the fund’s assets had grown to $412 billion in 2020, up from $152 billion in 2015.
The kingdom remains the largest shareholder in the firm with some 94% of the company. The Saudi Arabian Oil Co. long has served as both the main economic engine in the kingdom and the main source of funds for its ruling Al Saud royal family.
Saudi Arabia offered a sliver of shares of the oil firm on Riyadh’s Tadawul stock market in 2019. That listing made Aramco one of the world’s most-valued companies alongside Apple and Microsoft.
A share of Aramco stood at 37.3 Saudi riyals, or $9.94, ahead of trading Sunday. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/saudi-arabia-gives-4-of-aramco-to-investment-fund/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:29 | en | 0.957692 |
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Some countries might send in a riot squad to disperse trespassing protesters. In New Zealand, authorities turned on the sprinklers and Barry Manilow.
Initial moves to try and flush out several hundred protesters who have been camped on Parliament’s grassy grounds since Tuesday had little effect.
The protesters, who have been voicing their opposition to coronavirus vaccine mandates, responded to the soaking from the sprinklers by digging trenches and installing makeshift drainpipes to divert the water.
When a downpour hit Saturday, their numbers only grew. Protesters brought in bales of straw, which they scattered on the increasingly sodden grounds at Parliament. Some shouted, others danced and one group performed an Indigenous Maori haka.
By evening, Parliament Speaker Trevor Mallard had come up with a new plan to make the protesters uncomfortable: using a sound system to blast out vaccine messages, decades-old Barry Manilow songs and the 1990s earworm hit “Macarena” on a repeat loop.
Protesters responded by playing their own tunes, including Twister Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
The protest began when a convoy of trucks and cars drove to Parliament from around the nation, inspired by protests in Canada. At first there were more than 1,000 protesters but that number dwindled as the week wore on before growing again on Saturday.
Police have been taking a more hands-off approach since Thursday, when they arrested 122 people and charged many of them with trespassing or obstruction. Police, who have been wearing protective vests but haven’t been using riot gear or carrying guns, had tried to slowly advance on the protesters.
But that resulted in a number of physical confrontations. A video of two female officers briefly dragging a naked woman by her hair from amid a scuffle went viral.
In a response to questions from The Associated Press, New Zealand police said they did not remove the woman’s clothing as some people had claimed online, and that she had been naked for “some time” before her arrest. Police also said the images and videos didn’t provide the full context of the protest activity or the situation that police faced.
Still, the scuffles seemed to prompt a strategic rethink by police, who appeared more content to wait it out as the week wore on. But by Friday, Mallard, the Parliament speaker, had seen enough, and told staff to turn on the sprinklers overnight.
“I ordered them on,” he confirmed to the AP.
“No one who is here is here legally, and if they’re getting wet from below as well as above, they’re likely to be a little bit less comfortable and more likely to go home,” Mallard said, according to news organization Stuff.
“Some people have suggested we add the vaccine in the water, but I don’t think it works that way,” he joked.
Mallard told media he was responsible for the sound system loop as well.
Some of the protesters’ vehicles have remained parked in the middle of streets around Parliament, forcing some street closures. The National Library and many cafes and bars in the area have closed their doors while the protest plays out. Police said one protester had a medical event on Friday evening and an ambulance was unable to reach him because of the vehicles blocking the streets, resulting in a delay before he was treated.
Among the protesters’ grievances is the requirement in New Zealand that certain workers get vaccinated against COVID-19, including teachers, doctors, nurses, police and military personnel. Many protesters also oppose mask mandates — such as those in stores and among children over about age 8 in classrooms — and champion the ideal of more “freedom.”
Parliament’s grounds have often been the site of peaceful protests, although mass campouts are unusual. Typically at least some politicians will come out to listen to the concerns of protesters, but politicians reconvening at Parliament after a summer break were in rare unison by not acknowledging the protesters.
New Zealand was spared the worst of the pandemic after it closed its borders and implemented strict lockdowns, limiting the spread of the virus. The nation has reported just 53 virus deaths among its population of 5 million.
But some have grown weary of the restrictions. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last week said the country would end its quarantine requirements for incoming travelers in stages as it reopened its borders. With about 77% of New Zealanders vaccinated, Ardern has also promised she won’t impose more lockdowns.
An outbreak of the omicron variant has been growing, with New Zealand reporting a record 454 new community cases Saturday. But none of the 27 people hospitalized from the outbreak needed to be in intensive care beds. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/trench-warfare-new-zealand-tries-to-flush-out-protesters/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:36 | en | 0.978191 |
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) — Turkmenistan will hold snap presidential elections after the country’s authoritarian leader announced he is ready to relinquish power to a new generation.
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov’s statement that the country should be directed by younger people appeared to suggest that his son Serdar would succeed him; the son has risen through a series of increasingly prominent government posts and is now the deputy chairman of the Cabinet.
The presidential election is to be held on March 12, the parliament declared on Saturday.
No election in post-Soviet Turkmenistan has been considered genuinely competitive. While eight candidates ran against Berdymukhamedov in the last election in 2017, all expressed support for his government and Berdymukhamedov tallied more than 97% of the vote.
Berdymukhamedov came to power in 2006 after the death of the eccentric Saparmurat Niyazov and he established a pervasive cult of personality similar to his predecessor’s. Under his rule, the country has remained difficult for outsiders to enter and Turkmenistan has not reported any cases of infection in the coronavirus pandemic.
It also has struggled to diversify its economy, which is overwhelmingly dependent on its vast natural gas reserves.
The 64-year-old Berdymukhamedov cultivates an image of robust and aggressive health with media stunts that included his firing a pistol at a man-sized target while riding a bicycle and hoisting a gold weightlifting bar, to the applause of his Cabinet.
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Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this story. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/turkmenistan-calls-snap-election-to-replace-strongman-leader/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:43 | en | 0.976306 |
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a questionnaire from London’s Metropolitan Police as part of the investigation into parties in Downing Street during COVID lockdowns, his office said Saturday.
If he is found to have broken his government’s own COVID rules, the embattled prime minister could be fined and will face even more pressure to stand down from fellow lawmakers already furious at his proximity to the “partygate” affair.
A growing number of lawmakers from his own party are calling for his ouster, and even former leaders have lined up to warn him against attempting to cling to power if he is found to have broken rules.
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said it would be “very tough” to hang on if the police find that Johnson broke the law, while former Prime Minister John Major accused Johnson and his government of treating the truth as optional and “shredding” the U.K.’s global reputation.
The prime minister’s office confirmed in a statement that he had been contacted by police. It comes with tensions boiling in Ukraine, and U.K. nationals warned to evacuate the country over the possibility of a Russian invasion.
Johnson has denied any wrongdoing, but he is alleged to have been at up to six of the 12 events in his 10 Downing St. office and other government buildings that are being investigated by the police.
He has acknowledged attending a “bring your own booze” party in the No 10 garden in May 2020 during the first lockdown, but insisted he believed it would be a work event.
He also allegedly attended a gathering organised by his wife, Carrie, in the official Downing Street residence, during which ABBA songs were reportedly heard.
The police force has written to about 50 people, including the prime minister and his wife, asking for them to account for their activities on the dates under investigation.
The force said questionnaires must be responded to within seven days. They have the same status as information given in an interview under police caution. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/uk-prime-minister-contacted-by-police-over-lockdown-parties/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:50 | en | 0.988923 |
HONOLULU (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Japanese and South Korean counterparts Saturday in Hawaii to discuss the threat posed by nuclear-armed North Korea after Pyongyang began the year with a series of missile tests.
Blinken said at a news conference after the meeting that North Korea was “in a phase of provocation” and the three countries condemned the recent missile launches.
“We are absolutely united in our approach, in our determination,” Blinken said after his talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong.
He said the countries were “very closely consulting” on further steps they may take in response to North Korea, but didn’t offer specifics.
The three released a joint statement calling on North Korea to engage in dialogue and cease its “unlawful activities.” They said they had no hostile intent toward North Korea and were open to meeting Pyongyang without preconditions.
Hayashi later told Japanese reporters the three ministers had “very fruitful” discussion on the North. He declined to give details on additional measures they may take.
North Korea has a long history of using provocations such as missile or nuclear tests to seek international concessions. The latest tests come as the North’s economy, already battered by decades of mismanagement and crippling U.S.-led sanctions, is hit hard by pandemic border closures.
Many see the tests as an attempt to pressure President Joe Biden’s administration into easing the sanctions. The Biden administration has shown no willingness to do so without meaningful cuts to the North’s nuclear program, but it has offered open-ended talks.
North Korea has rebuffed U.S. offers to resume diplomacy, saying it won’t return to talks unless Washington drops what it says are hostile polices. The North bristles at both the sanctions and regular military exercises the U.S. holds with South Korea.
The tests also have a technical component, allowing North Korea to hone its weapons arsenal. One of the missiles recently tested — the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile — is capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam. It was the longest-distance weapon the North has tested since 2017.
North Korea appears to be pausing its tests during the Winter Olympics in China, its most important ally and economic lifeline. But analysts believe North Korea will dramatically increase its weapons testing after the Olympics.
The recent tests have rattled Pyongyang’s neighbors in South Korea and Japan. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who helped set up the historic talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and former President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019, said last month that the tests were a violation UN Security Council resolutions and urged the North to cease “actions that create tensions and pressure.”
The Security Council initially imposed sanctions on North Korea after its first nuclear test in 2006. It made them tougher in response to further nuclear tests and the country’s increasingly sophisticated nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
China and Russia, citing the North’s economic difficulties, have called for lifting sanctions like those banning seafood exports and prohibitions on its citizens working overseas and sending home their earnings.
Blinken arrived in Hawaii from Fiji, where he met with Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and other Pacific leaders to talk about regional issues, especially the existential risk posed by climate change. It was the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to Fiji since 1985.
He started his Pacific tour in Australia, where he met his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan. The four nations form the “Quad,” a bloc of Indo-Pacific democracies that was created to counter China’s regional influence.
Hayashi and Chung held a separate bilateral meeting Saturday for about 40 minutes before seeing Blinken. Japan’s Foreign Ministry said they reaffirmed the importance of cooperating together and with the United States to respond to North Korea and to achieve regional stability.
The ministry said they also “frankly” exchanged views on ongoing disputes between the two countries, including wartime Korean laborers and sexual abuse of Korean women forced into sexual servitude by Japan’s imperial army.
Chung proposed the two countries accelerate diplomacy to find solutions to the disagreements, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Blinken also met separately with Chung. He met Hayashi earlier this week in Australia.
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Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul contributed to this report. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/us-japan-south-korea-meet-in-hawaii-to-discuss-north-korea/ | 2022-02-13T08:33:56 | en | 0.963376 |
BEIJING (AP) — The Latest on the Beijing Winter Olympics:
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Marco Odermatt of Switzerland has won gold in the men’s giant slalom at the Beijing Olympics.
The 24-year-old Swiss skier plowed through snow and poor visibility Sunday to win.
It was the first time snow fell during an Alpine skiing race at this year’s Olympics and the bad weather conditions caused the second run to be postponed by 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Odermatt coped with the conditions and the delay — and a first-run mistake — to post an unofficial combined time of 2 minutes, 09.35 seconds.
Zan Kranjec of Slovenia took silver, 0.19 seconds behind, and world champion Mathieu Faivre of France earned bronze, 1.34 behind.
The skiers had been racing and training on artificial snow until the real thing started to fall on Saturday at the Yanqing Alpine Skiing Center. A second women’s downhill training run was canceled because of the conditions on Sunday.
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Slalom gold medalist Petra Vlhova is leaving the Beijing Olympics early due to an inflamed left ankle tendon. She’ll miss the Alpine combined event in which she would have been a challenger to Mikaela Shiffrin, the favorite in the race.
Mauro Pini, Vlhova’s coach, tells The Associated Press that they didn’t want to risk making things worse by trying for a medal in the combined.
By winning the slalom four days ago, Vlhova becameSlovakia’s first Olympic medalist in Alpine skiing.
Pini added that Vlhova also wants to make sure she has time “to go home and share this medal with those closest to her.”
Vlhova had already sat out the super-G and the opening downhill training session.
The Alpine combined is scheduled for Thursday. Vlhova finished second behind Shiffrin in the combined at last season’s world championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
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The second run of the men’s giant slalom has been postponed amid heavy snowfall and low visibility at the Yanqing Alpine Skiing Center.
Marco Odermatt of Switzerland has a lead of 0.04 seconds over Stefan Brennsteiner of Austria and 0.08 over world champion Mathieu Faivre of France after the first run.
It is the first time snow has fallen during an Alpine skiing race at the Beijing Olympics.
Snow has been falling since Saturday at the Yanqing Alpine Skiing Center, where athletes had been racing and training on artificial snow. A second women’s downhill training run scheduled for Sunday was canceled.
The skiers say it is tough to see but good enough to race in.
Fourth-placed Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway says “the light is more than skiable” but adds “it just makes it difficult.”
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The women’s Olympic skiing slopestyle qualifying event has been moved to Monday with the final the following day.
The competition was postponed Sunday due to wind, snow and low visibility.
The men’s slopestyle qualification has switched from Monday to Tuesday. The final will now be Wednesday.
Eileen Gu, who lives in the United States and represents China, will be going for a second gold medal. She won big air last Tuesday.
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Kaillie Humphries has a big lead in the first part of the monobob competitionat the Beijing Olympics.
Humphries is competing for the first time as an American citizen. It’s also the first time monobob, a one-woman bobsled, has been an Olympic event.
The reigning world monobob champion finished two runs Sunday in 2 minutes, 9.10 seconds, giving her a massive lead of 1.04 seconds over second-place Christine de Bruin of Canada. De Bruin’s time was 2:10.14.
Laura Nolte of Germany was third in 2:10.32, and three-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor of the U.S. is right in the medal hunt — her time of 2:10.42 putting her fourth.
Barring a big mistake by somebody, it looks like four women remain in the mix for the three medals. They’ll be decided on Monday morning in Beijing, late Sunday night in the United States. The gap between Meyers Taylor and fifth-place Huai Mingming of China is nearly a half-second.
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Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva remains on the preliminary start list for the short program at the Olympic Games, drawing a spot in the final group among 30 figure skaters due on the ice Tuesday night at Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing.
Valieva will start 26th if the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is meeting later Sunday, allows her to perform. Valieva’s status was thrown into question this past week following a flagged drug test taken in December. She’s favored to win if she’s allowed to compete.
The starting order for the short program is determined by splitting the field in half according to world rankings. The lowest-ranked skaters then draw for the first 15 starting positions and the highest-ranked skaters draw for the second 15, meaning those who have legitimate medal chances will be last to take the ice.
Young You of Korea will follow Valieva before her two Russian teammates, Alexandra Trusova and world champion Anna Shcherbakova. Kaori Sakamota of Japan drew the final starting number.
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Marco Odermatt of Switzerland is leading the first run of the Olympic men’s giant slalom with only lower-ranked skiers remaining.
It’s the first time snow has fallen on an Alpine ski race at the Beijing Games and visibility has been an issue for skiers.
Stefan Brennsteiner of Austria is 0.04 seconds behind in second and world champion Mathieu Faivre of France is 0.08 behind in third.
The 24-year-old Odermatt is a favorite for the victory, having won four of the five giant slalom races this season in the World Cup. It would be his first gold medal in his first Olympics.
Snow has been falling since Saturday at the Yanqing Alpine Skiing Center, where athletes have been racing and training on artificial snow until now. A second women’s downhill training run scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled.
Italian Luca de Aliprandini said “you can’t see anything” after his first run.
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The Olympic skiing slopestyle qualifying event at the Beijing Olympics has been postponed due to high wind, snow and low visibility.
With the flags of different countries whipping in the wind at Genting Snow Park, the organizers made the decision to postpone the qualifying round. They did not immediately announce a plan for rescheduling. The final is currently set for Monday.
Eileen Gu, who lives in the United States and represents China, will be going for a second gold medal. She won big air last Tuesday.
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Standout Eileen Gu and the rest of the slopestyle skiers at the Beijing Olympics will have to wait a little bit longer to start qualifying with the competition delayed by weather.
The wind was blowing and the snow falling at Genting Snow Park. The diminishing visibility made performing tricks off the jumps difficult as well. The competition is delayed at least two hours.
Gu, who was born in the U.S. and is competing for China, is trying to win her second gold medal at the Beijing Games. She’s already won big air, which was held in Beijing.
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The second women’s downhill training run for American Mikaela Shiffrin, Italian Sofia Goggia and other Alpine skiers has been canceled because of snowfall.
The men’s giant slalom race is still supposed to take place Sunday Beijing time.
A downhill has faster speeds than the giant slalom and so is more dangerous to ski when visibility is poor
Snow began falling Saturday at the Yanqing Alpine Skiing Center during the first women’s downhill practice session and continued into Sunday morning.
There is another downhill training scheduled for Monday ahead of Tuesday’s race.
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Russian figure skating superstar Kamila Valieva was at a practice session Sunday, hours before the Court of Arbitration for Sportwas scheduled to meet to decide whether she’ll be allowed to compete.
The meeting of CAS is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Sunday and a decision is expected sometime Monday, less than 24 hours before Valieva is scheduled to skate in the women’s short program at the Beijing Games.
Valieva has been allowed to practice since Monday, when a drug test she took in December was flagged for traces of a banned heart medication. That was the same day Valieva helped Russia win the team gold medal with a dynamic free skate in which she became the first woman to land a quad lutz in Olympic competition.
The practices have become increasingly uncomfortable, though, as Valieva continues to prepare with dozens of reporters and camera crews watching her every move. She briefly broke down in tears during her Friday session.
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More AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/news/olympics-live-valieva-practices-while-awaiting-decision/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:02 | en | 0.968662 |
WASHINGTON (AP) — As Republicans impose new restrictions on ballot access in multiple states, President Biden has no easy options for safeguarding voting rights despite rising pressure from frustrated activists.
Unlike on other issues such as immigration or environmental protection, the White House has little leverage without congressional action as the November elections creep up.
“If there were some sort of easily available presidential power on this, others would have done it,” said Nicholas Stephanopoulos, a Harvard Law School professor who researches election law. “There is no significant unilateral authority here.”
Nine months before elections that will determine control of Congress, voting rights advocates are worried there’s not enough time to fend off state laws and policies that make it harder to vote. They view the changes as a subtler form of past ballot restrictions such as literacy tests and poll taxes that were used to disenfranchise Black voters, a vital Democratic constituency.
Biden did issue an executive order last March that expanded access to voter registration and election information. The order is designed to make it easier for people in federal custody to register to vote, improve tracking of military ballots and provide better access for Americans with disabilities.
But to do more than that, Biden would have to rely on obscure and controversial constitutional provisions that probably could not take effect in time anyway, Stephanopoulos said. And the farther Biden were to go to push the issue of voting rights, the more he could face criticism for overstepping his authority.
“It’s very hard for a president to weigh in,” said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian at Rice University. “Everything is being done at a state-by-state level.”
So while Biden may be able to take some small actions around the edges, Brinkley said, “if he tries something extraordinary, it will be tied up in the courts for years.”
Americans have grown accustomed to seeing presidents act unilaterally when they hit roadblocks in Congress. President Barack Obama resorted to a wave of executive actions branded as “we can’t wait.” He flexed his authority to increase environmental regulations and shield from deportation young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally.
There’s no equivalent legal leverage for Biden to advance voting rights policies.
Marc Morial, leader of the National Urban League, was skeptical that executive actions — which can be reversed by a future president as quickly as they were imposed by a predecessor — could be sufficient anyway.
“An executive order or an executive action is not a replacement or a substitute or even a credible alternative to legislation to protect voting rights and democracy,” he said.
But so far, legislation has not been a workable option for Democrats.
Democrats have written voting legislation that would usher in the biggest overhaul of U.S. elections in a generation by striking down hurdles to voting enacted in the name of election security. The plan would create national election standards that would trump state-level laws and restore the ability of the Justice Department to police election laws in states with a history of discrimination.
Republicans said the proposed changes were not aimed at fairness but at giving Democrats an advantage in elections. And Democrats were unsuccessful at changing Senate rules to allow the slim Democratic majority in the chamber to pass the laws on their own.
Republicans last year pushed through 33 laws creating new voting limits in 19 states, and five other states have bills that seek to restrict voting. The effort is motivated in part by a growing and widespread denial of President Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss.
Republicans who have fallen in line behind Trump’s election lies are separately promoting efforts to influence future elections by installing sympathetic leaders in local election posts and by backing for elective office some of those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Democrats and voting rights advocates are looking to the Justice Department as their best chance to ensure elections are free and fair. But there’s a political divide over what “free and fair” means in a country where millions believe false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
The department has lawyers dedicated to enforcing civil voting statues, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has made it a priority.
But the department is limited in what it can do, following a 2013 Supreme Court decision that dismantled part of the civil rights-era Voting Rights Act, which required states with a history of discrimination to get approval for changes to election laws.
Separately, the Justice Department also has a role in ensuring fair elections but that, too, has been complicated by politics in recent years.
There has been increasing skittishness among election administrators over the department’s role after then-Attorney General William Barr told prosecutors to investigate election fraud claims before the 2020 election was certified. Barr cited concern over potential widespread voter fraud because of an increase in mail ballots during the pandemic, but he later declared there had been no widespread fraud.
Garland’s Justice Department has sued Georgia over the state’s new election law, alleging Republican state lawmakers rushed through a sweeping overhaul with an intent to deny Black voters equal access to the ballot. The Justice Department has also brought a suit against Texas over its newly drawn congressional districts.
But the Supreme Court this past week signaled a willingness to side with the GOP on such issues.
The high court put on hold a lower court ruling that Alabama must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power. The court’s action means the upcoming elections will be conducted under a map drawn by Alabama’s Republican-controlled Legislature that contains one majority-Black district in a state in which more than one-quarter of the population is Black.
The three-judge lower court, which includes two judges appointed by Trump, had ruled that the state had probably violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of Black voters.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the Supreme Court has undercut the ability of the federal government to protect voting rights, and he still believes the best chance for long-term change is to get legislation through Congress.
“The Justice Department is doing as much as they can with one hand tied behind their back,” he said. He noted the Voting Rights Act only became law after previous attempts failed.
“We don’t stop because the first attempt didn’t work.” | https://www.fox44news.com/news/political-news/on-voting-rights-bidens-power-to-act-on-his-own-is-limited/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:09 | en | 0.975332 |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden told Russia’s Vladimir Putin that invading Ukraine would cause “widespread human suffering” and that the West was committed to diplomacy to end the crisis but “equally prepared for other scenarios,” the White House said Saturday. It offered no suggestion that the hourlong call diminished the threat of an imminent war in Europe.
Biden also said the United States and its allies would respond “decisively and impose swift and severe costs” if the Kremlin attacked its neighbor, according to the White House.
The two presidents spoke a day after Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, warned that U.S. intelligence shows a Russian invasion could begin within days and before the Winter Olympics in Beijing end on Feb. 20.
Russia denies it intends to invade but has massed well over 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and has sent troops to exercises in neighboring Belarus, encircling Ukraine on three sides. U.S. officials say Russia’s buildup of firepower has reached the point where it could invade on short notice.
The conversation came at a critical moment for what has become the biggest security crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War. U.S. officials believe they have mere days to prevent an invasion and enormous bloodshed in Ukraine. And while the U.S. and its NATO allies have no plans to send troops to Ukraine to fight Russia, an invasion and resulting punishing sanctions could reverberate far beyond the former Soviet republic, affecting energy supplies, global markets and the power balance in Europe.
“President Biden was clear with President Putin that while the United States remains prepared to engage in diplomacy, in full coordination with our Allies and partners, we are equally prepared for other scenarios,” the White House statement said.
The call was “professional and substantive” but produced “no fundamental change in the dynamic that has been unfolding now for several weeks,” according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters following the call on condition of anonymity.
The official added that it remains unclear whether Putin has made a final decision to move forward with military action.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide, said that while tensions have been escalating for months, in recent days “the situation has simply been brought to the point of absurdity.”
He said Biden mentioned the possible sanctions that could be imposed on Russia, but “this issue was not the focus during a fairly long conversation with the Russian leader.”
Before talking to Biden, Putin had a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with him in Moscow earlier in the week to try to resolve the crisis. A Kremlin summary of the call suggested that little progress was made toward cooling down the tensions.
Putin complained in the call that the United States and NATO have not responded satisfactorily to Russian demands that Ukraine be prohibited from joining the military alliance and that NATO pull back forces from Eastern Europe.
In a sign that American officials are getting ready for a worst-case scenario, the United States announced plans to evacuate most of its staff from the embassy in the Ukrainian capital. Britain joined other European nations in urging its citizens to leave Ukraine.
Canada has shuttered its embassy in Kyiv and relocated its diplomatic staff to a temporary office in Lviv, located in the western part of the country, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said Saturday. Lviv is home to a Ukrainian military base that has served as the main hub for Canada’s 200-soldier training mission in the former Soviet country.
The timing of any possible Russian military action remained a key question.
The U.S. picked up intelligence that Russia is looking at Wednesday as a target date, according to a U.S. official familiar with the findings. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and did so only on condition of anonymity, would not say how definitive the intelligence was.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he told his Russian counterpart Saturday that “further Russian aggression would be met with a resolute, massive and united trans-Atlantic response.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tried to project calm as he observed military exercises Saturday near Crimea, the peninsula that Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014.
“We are not afraid, we’re without panic, all is under control,” he said.
Ukrainian armed forces chief commander Lt. Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhny and Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov issued a more defiant joint statement.
“We are ready to meet the enemy, and not with flowers, but with Stingers, Javelins and NLAWs” — anti-tank and -aircraft weapons, they said. “Welcome to hell!”
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, also held telephone discussions on Saturday.
Further U.S.-Russia tensions arose on Saturday when the Defense Ministry summoned the U.S. Embassy’s military attache after it said the navy detected an American submarine in Russian waters near the Kuril Islands in the Pacific. The submarine declined orders to leave, but departed after the navy used unspecified “appropriate means,” the ministry said.
Adding to the sense of crisis, the Pentagon ordered an additional 3,000 U.S. troops to Poland to reassure allies.
The U.S. has urged all American citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, and Sullivan said those who remain should not expect the U.S. military to rescue them in the event that air and rail transportation is severed after a Russian invasion.
The Biden administration has been warning for weeks that Russia could invade Ukraine soon, but U.S. officials had previously said the Kremlin would likely wait until after the Winter Games ended so as not to antagonize China.
Sullivan told reporters on Friday that U.S. intelligence shows that Russia could take invade during the Olympics. He said military action could start with missile and air attacks, followed by a ground offensive.
“Russia has all the forces it needs to conduct a major military action,” Sullivan said, adding that “Russia could choose, in very short order, to commence a major military action against Ukraine.” He said the scale of such an invasion could range from a limited incursion to a strike on Kyiv, the capital.
Russia scoffed at the U.S. talk of urgency.
“The hysteria of the White House is more indicative than ever,” said Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman. “The Anglo-Saxons need a war. At any cost. Provocations, misinformation and threats are a favorite method of solving their own problems.”
Zakharova said her country had “optimized” staffing at its own embassy in Kyiv in response to concerns about possible military actions from the Ukrainian side.
In addition to the more than 100,000 ground troops that U.S. officials say Russia has assembled along Ukraine’s eastern and southern borders, the Russians have deployed missile, air, naval and special operations forces, as well as supplies to sustain a war. This week, Russia moved six amphibious assault ships into the Black Sea, augmenting its capability to land marines on the coast.
Biden has bolstered the U.S. military presence in Europe as reassurance to allies on NATO’s eastern flank. The 3,000 additional soldiers ordered to Poland come on top of 1,700 who are on their way there. The U.S. Army also is shifting 1,000 soldiers from Germany to Romania, which like Poland shares a border with Ukraine.
Russia is demanding that the West keep former Soviet countries out of NATO. It also wants NATO to refrain from deploying weapons near its border and to roll back alliance forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West.
Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a bitter conflict since 2014, when Ukraine’s Kremlin-friendly leader was driven from office by a popular uprising. Moscow responded by annexing the Crimean Peninsula and then backing a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine, where fighting has killed over 14,000 people.
A 2015 peace deal brokered by France and Germany helped halt large-scale battles, but regular skirmishes have continued, and efforts to reach a political settlement have stalled.
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Heintz reported from Moscow. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Colleen Long in Washington; Mark Lewis in Stavanger, Norway; and Robert Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/political-news/putin-biden-plan-high-stakes-phone-call-in-ukraine-crisis/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:16 | en | 0.969225 |
WASHINGTON (AP) — With elections in view and Democrats’ headline domestic bill in a rut, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer have very different takes on how things are going in their chamber.
“I know we’re spending the week dealing with assistant secretaries of something or other, and that’s terribly important,” Sanders, the progressive firebrand and Vermont independent, said dryly on Wednesday. The Senate confirmed 15 nominees last week for the Federal Maritime Commission, judgeships and other posts.
“It has been a busy, productive and truly bipartisan week here,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the next morning. The New York Democrat cited a sexual harassment bill lawmakers approved minutes later and progress on addressing violence against women, the budget and industrial competitiveness.
The conflicting appraisals of how the party is using its time come as Democrats have run headlong into the limits of running a 50-50 Senate with no votes to spare. It underlines a debate over how to balance passion with pragmatism as Democrats court voters before the November elections, when Republicans have a real chance of capturing House and Senate control.
For some Democrats, it’s time to draw contrasts with Republicans by forcing votes on priorities like helping families afford health care and combating global warming. Others see wisdom in declaring what victories they can and avoiding anything that might complicate efforts to strike deals with their own party’s mavericks over broader priorities.
Democrats have just 49 votes for at least the next few weeks while Sen. Ben Ray Luján recuperates from a stroke. Yet even with the New Mexico Democrat, goals such as voting rights, immigration and other issues have faced solid Republican resistance and fallen short of the 60 Senate votes needed to approve most legislation.
For many Democrats, the big prize would be resuscitating a smaller version of President Joe Biden’s lead domestic priority: a 10-year, roughly $2 trillion package of health care, family services and environment initiatives. Moderate Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., effectively killed the measure in December when he said it was too costly, but has said he’s open to a more modest alternative.
Democrats have differing assessments of how they’ve used Senate control so far.
“It’s no great secret that for five months, with the exception of the infrastructure bill, we have not been addressing the needs of the American people,” Sanders told reporters last week. Biden signed the bipartisan, $1 trillion package of road, water and other projects in November.
Sanders and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said they want the Senate to vote on curbing pharmaceutical prices, one of the sidelined bill’s popular elements. Sanders said he would like votes on several of that measure’s components, and let Republican opponents explain their votes to constituents.
Americans are “outraged” that with rising inflation, the pandemic, climate change and other problems, “their elected officials are simply not responding,” Sanders said on the Senate floor.
Democrats “spent Biden’s period of maximum political capital basically just waiting around” for an agreement that never came on the social and environment bill, lamented Adam Jentleson, a progressive strategist and former top Senate aide. Presidents often have the most momentum in the first year or two after taking office.
Underscoring progressives’ impatience, the environmental group Evergreen Action launched a 30-second digital ad last week saying Biden, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., “must deliver” now on Democrats’ promises to control global warming. The spot is running in two markets: Washington, D.C., and Brooklyn, New York, Schumer’s home.
Moderate Democrats want accomplishments to promote, too.
“It’s frankly not important to me what we call it,” Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, facing a competitive reelection in central Virginia, said of the measure her party calls “Build Back Better.” “It’s important to get something done.”
Manchin is a defender of his state’s coal industry yet has expressed openness to including tax credits and other steps to tackle climate change in a revived package that might include prescription drug price restrictions and other items.
Yet he’s said he wants lawmakers to move first on this year’s budget and revamping how Congress counts electoral votes in presidential elections. He’s also scoffed at the belief that “spending trillions more of taxpayers’ money will cure our problems, let alone inflation,” signaling negotiations won’t be easy.
Any deal with Manchin, if achievable, is expected to take at least until spring. Many Democrats feel there would be nothing gained from quick votes now or other public pressure that could roil him or another party maverick, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.
Minutes after Manchin’s December rejection of the bill, which had passed the House, White House press secretary Jen Psaki accused him of “a breach of his commitments” to Biden about supporting the effort. Schumer promised a vote on the measure “very early” in 2022 so constituents would know every senator’s position.
That’s not happened, and Schumer has shown no signs of allowing showdown votes now on the bill’s components, either. “We’re continuing to have discussions and we will be moving forward” on the legislation, he said this month.
Schumer said that while differences with Republicans “are real,” Democrats cannot “ignore the genuine chances for progress” when bipartisanship is possible.
Instead of continuing to openly criticize Manchin, the White House has emphasized how the legislation would help voters. Signs promoting it at recent Biden events said, “Lowering costs for families,” a tacit nod to soaring inflation, which has helped tank his popularity in polling.
For now, Democrats hope for a compromise bill. It could pass with just 50 votes, under special procedural protections that would let them prevail with Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote.
“I can’t help but think that we’re not so helpless and incompetent as to be unable to take advantage of” that opportunity, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
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AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro and Associated Press writers Chris Megerian and Matthew Daly contributed to this report. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/political-news/vexation-victory-claims-as-dems-face-their-limits-in-senate/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:23 | en | 0.950824 |
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has apologized after mistaking one Black legislator for another in a text message.
Youngkin issued the apology after Sen. Louise Lucas called attention to the mistake on Twitter. She noted that she received a text message from Youngkin congratulating her for a floor speech connected to Black History Month.
But it was another African American woman, Mamie Locke, who gave the speech, not Lucas.
On Friday, Lucas sent out a tweetwith pictures of herself and Locke, saying, “Study the photos and you will get this soon!”
Lucas told The Washington Post that she initially planned to keep Youngkin’s gaffe private but reconsidered after a bitter debate between Youngkin, a Republican, and Senate Democrats over their refusal to confirm former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler as the state’s Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.
When Lucas responded privately to Youngkin’s text message earlier in the week informing him of the mistaken identity, Youngkin responded with an apology, according to the Post: “Goodness … so sorry about the confusion,” he wrote in a text response. “I will send her a note. Thanks for the note back!”
His office issued a public apology on Friday after the mistake became public, telling news outlets: “I had the floor speeches on while doing too many things at once earlier this week. I made a mistake and I apologized to Senator Lucas.” | https://www.fox44news.com/news/political-news/youngkin-apologizes-after-mixing-up-black-women-lawmakers/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:31 | en | 0.955331 |
BEIJING (AP) — The biggest questions at the Beijing Olympics on Saturday hardly centered on who would win the six gold medals up for grabs.
Not with the fate of 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valieva still undecided. Will the Russian be allowed to compete after testing positive for a ban substance? Can the ROC really keep the gold she helped win in the team event?
Grave inquiries emerged in the mountains, too, when a former U.S. Olympian alleged harassment by her former coach and teammate — both of whom are at the Beijing Games.
Even the oh-so-friendly Canadians have stepped into controversy, a tiff between countrymen stemming from a blown ruling by Olympic judges.
The story of the Beijing Games has been the stunning revelation and ensuing legal battle regarding Valieva, who tested positive for a banned heart medication on Dec. 25. The doping case came to light shortly after Valieva helped the ROC win team gold.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed it will hear appeals Sunday from the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency challenging Valieva’s status as a medalist and her right to compete in the upcoming women’s program.
Valieva is still preparing as if she’ll perform, but broke down in tears Saturday after an emotional practice session. Valieva fell trying a triple axel — a jump she typically executes without a problem — while doing a run-through of her short program. She later landed two combos, a triple flip-triple toe loop and a triple lutz-triple toe loop before skating to the boards and giving her coach, Eteri Tutberidze,an emotional hug.
SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is investigating charges that longtime Olympic coach Peter Foley took naked pictures of female athletes and that Olympic snowboard racer Hagen Kearney used racist language to provoke a teammate.
Former snowboardcross rider Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, a member of the 2010 Olympic team, wrote in an Instagram post that in addition to taking the photos, Foley had made inappropriate comments, and that Kearney repeatedly used the N-word to “intentionally get under my skin.”
Chythlook-Sifsof is from Alaska and describes herself as Yupik and Inupiaq.
Both Foley and Kearney were in China this week for the Beijing Games.
In a text to The Associated Press, Foley said he was surprised by the allegations and denied them.
TRUE NORTH SQUABBLE
Slopestyle gold medalist Max Parrot said fellow Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris apologized Saturday for saying Parrot only won because of questionable Olympic judging.
Parrot acknowledged to The Associated Press that he failed to fully execute a grab on the first jump of the slopestyle course Monday and said he was lucky the judges didn’t see it. He maintains he still had the best run of the day and earned his first Olympic gold.
McMorris finished third but told CBC on Friday he deserved to beat Parrot and Chinese silver medalist Su Yiming.
Parrot said there were no hard feelings over McMorris’ comments.
“He actually came to me earlier today and he apologized for his non-sportsmanship,” Parrot said. “I told him no worries.”
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
A young and inexperienced U.S. hockey team went toe to toe with Canada in a bruising matchup between the longtime rivals and grinded out a 4-2 victory to remain unbeaten in two games at the Olympics.
“We didn’t back down from their physical play,” said captain Andy Miele, who led the U.S. with a goal and an assist. “I love the way our team responded.”
Thanks to Miele’s response goal 70 seconds after Canada scored and 35 saves by Strauss Mann, the U.S. is in the driver’s seat to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Beating Germany on Sunday would put the Americans first in the group and could make them the top seed in the knockout round.
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
Lindsey Jacobellis won her second gold medal of the Olympics as she teamed with 40-year-old Nick Baumgartner for the title in the new event of mixed snowboardcross.
At 40 years, 57 days, Baumgartner, a concrete worker-contractor from Michigan, becomes the oldest snowboarder to win an Olympic medal. At 36 years, 177 days, Jacobellis, the author of a children’s book, is the second-oldest.
“You’re never too late to take what you want from life,” Baumgartner said.
HOME GOLD
Gao Tingyu thrilled the host country by becoming the first Chinese man to claim an Olympic gold medal in speedskating, winning the 500 meters. Gao added to the bronze medal he took in the 500 at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
The silver went to Cha Min Kyu of South Korea, whose time of 34.39 gave him a matching medal to the silver he won four years ago in Pyeongchang. Wataru Morishige of Japan took the bronze in 34.49.
DANCING OUT AHEAD
Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron broke their own world record in the rhythm dance at the Beijing Olympics, scoring 90.83 points to begin the ice dance event. That gave the four-time world champs from France a cushion over Russian rivals Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov heading into the free dance.
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue were in third, and their American teammates Madison Chock and Evan Bates were in fourth place. The medals will be decided with the free dance Monday morning in Beijing.
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Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/Jake_Seiner
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More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/news/queries-on-doping-harassment-ineptitude-at-olympics/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:38 | en | 0.962925 |
BEIJING (AP) — The coach behind Russia’s figure skating dynasty rarely speaks to the media, enhancing her mystique as a guru who produces a line of teenage stars who can land jumps no other women even attempt.
A doping furor around her star pupil has forced Eteri Tutberidze into the spotlight at the Beijing Olympics. She broke her silence on the case against Kamila Valieva on Saturday, telling Russian TV: “We are absolutely sure that Kamila is innocent and clean.”
Tutberidze-trained skaters have dominated competition for eight years, but critics have raised concerns about their short careers – many retire as teenagers – and propensity to suffer serious injuries.
The news that 15-year-old Valieva tested positive for a banned heart medication before the Olympics puts Russia’s gold medal in the team event in jeopardy and could kick her out of the women’s competition next week.
The positive drug test has been the top story out of the Olympics for days, pitting Russia against world sporting agenciesagain. Tutberidze and Valieva shared an emotional hug Saturday near the end of practice.
Valieva made her senior debut just five months ago, but she’s already acclaimed as a generational talent. She combines spectacular jumping power — landing the first quadruple jump by a woman in Olympic history on Monday — with elegant skills to shatter world-record scores.
When an athlete under 16 — a “protected person” in Olympic jargon — tests positive, the rules say their entourage must be investigated. That means the Russian anti-doping agency is launching an examination of Tutberidze’s world-beating, secretive training group in Moscow.
“On one hand, they are professional athletes, and they are competing at high level competitions as other adults (do) and should be ready to bear all their responsibility,” Margarita Pakhnotskaya, former deputy CEO of the Russian anti-doping agency, told The Associated Press.
“But on the other hand, we know that psychologically and mentally, they are not adults. And partly this responsibility should be shared with the senior people who are in their nearest circle.”
Tutberidze’s approach to training focuses on athleticism and a fearsome work ethic. She had to work to build a coaching career from a low point as a penniless skater performing in U.S. ice shows in the 1990s. She was stuck in Oklahoma living in a YMCA when she survived the 1995 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City.
One person in Tutberidze’s orbit who could face questions is sports doctor Filipp Shvetsky, who accompanied Valieva to her first senior international competition in October. The doctor has said he was barred from working with Russia’s rowing team after a 2007 doping investigation.
WORLD-BEATERS
In less than a decade, Tutberidze has gone from being one of many Russian skating coaches to the leader of a dynasty.
Her breakthrough came when Yulia Lipnitskaya helped Russia win the team event gold in Sochi in 2014, becoming the second-youngest gold medalist in the history of the sport.
Four years later, Tutberidze had the top two women, with Alina Zagitova beatingEvgenia Medvedeva for the gold. In Beijing, Tutberidze coaches all three Russian women, who could sweep the podium with their high-scoring quad jumps.
Tutberidze can select the most promising young Russian skaters for her camp, which has enviable facilities and funding. At the national championships where Valieva tested positive in December, a Tutberidze skater won for the seventh year in a a row.
SHORT CAREERS, INJURY CONCERNS
Stars trained by Tutberidze have not had long careers.
Defending Olympic champion Zagitova took a break in December 2019 at 17, saying she needed to find motivation after losing to younger Russians with quad jumps. She hasn’t skated competitively since and focuses on a TV career. Medvedeva performed at the 2018 Games with a cracked bone in her foot. Three months later, she left Tutberidze’s camp to train with Brian Orser in Canada, saying she wanted to “work together with a coach like (a) friend.”
Lipnitskaya retired at 19, revealingshe had struggled with anorexia. Chronic back injuries forced retirement last year for Elizabet Tursynbaeva of Kazakhstan, the first woman to land a quad at the world championships in 2019. Another Tutberidze skater, Darya Usacheva, suffered a serious injury in November and traveled home in a wheelchair.
Rafael Arutyunyan, coach of Olympic men’s champion Nathan Chen, likened Russian skaters with short careers to single-use coffee cups in a 2020 interview with a Russian sports website, without mentioning Tutberidze by name.
U.S. LINKS
Tutberidze’s outlook and career were shaped by spending much of the 1990s in the United States.
Born in Moscow to Georgian parents, Tutberidze never made it to the elite of Soviet figure skating. After the Soviet Union collapsed, she headed to the U.S. to skate in ice shows.
In a rare interview published on the Russian Figure Skating Federation website in 2015, Tutberidze detailed how the dream turned sour. Other skaters had visa issues and her money ran out while waiting for them to arrive in Oklahoma. Without money, she attended Baptist church services for free food.
“We had to sit through the service, and afterward they brought out water for the congregation and some little sandwiches,” she said.
Tutberidze said she was living in a YMCA just a block away from the federal building in Oklahoma City when she was caught up in one of the worst terrorist acts on U.S. soil. The April 1995 bombing by anti-government extremist Timothy McVeigh left 168 people dead.
“Glass, rubble, smashed paneling, blood, mutilated bodies,” she said. “To begin with we didn’t understand what had happened. There was a building and now it’s not there, just dust, and on the intersection lumps of rubble instead of cars.”
Tutberidze’s name is inscribed on a “survivors’ wall” on the site of the blast. She spent six years in the U.S., first as a skater, then as a coach in San Antonio. Her daughter, Diana Davis, competing in Beijing on the Russian ice dance team, was born in the U.S.
She returned to Russia and worked for more than a decade before becoming an internationally recognized coach. Tutberidze has said life’s successes require hard times — a philosophy that might also apply to her coaching style.
“It’s a very comfortable, quiet life there (in the U.S.). Great people, wonderful relationships,” she said. “But for me, there’s a lack of contrast in all that abundance. When there are no difficulties, you can’t understand what happiness is.”
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Dave Skretta in Beijing and Tanya Titova in Moscow contributed to this report.
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More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/news/russian-coach-produces-teen-skating-stars-with-short-careers/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:44 | en | 0.967768 |
NEW YORK (AP) — The final blow has been dealt to an on-time start to spring training, with Major League Baseball making a new offer Saturday that the players’ association received as only scant progress in the drawn-out labor talks.
On the 73rd day of a lockout that has become the second-longest work stoppage in baseball history, clubs gave the union 16 documents totaling 130 pages, encompassing all key areas in a mix of new offers and previous proposals.
The one-hour session was just the fifth on core economics since the lockout began, and the first on a weekend. The sides remained far apart on luxury tax thresholds and rate, with major differences on revenue-sharing and how to address players’ allegations of service time manipulation. MLB said it remains opposed to any increase in salary arbitration eligibility or reduction in revenue sharing.
The players’ union said it would analyze the offer before determining when and how to respond.
Baseball’s ninth work stoppage — and first since 1995 — began Dec. 2 following the expiration of a five-year labor contract. Training camps will remain shuttered Wednesday, when pitchers and catchers had been scheduled to start workouts for a 2022 season that remains in doubt.
MLB does not intend to publicly acknowledge any delay until it becomes apparent that preseason exhibition games cannot begin as scheduled on Feb. 26.
Opening day is set for March 31, and players don’t start accruing salary until the regular season. Given the need for 21-28 days of training and additional time to report and go through COVID-19 protocols, an agreement by the end of February or early March is needed for an on-time start.
Three officials from each side attended the session at MLB’s office, with players and owners joining by Zoom.
MLB maintained its proposal on luxury-tax thresholds for 2022 and 2023, an increase from $210 million to $214 million in both years. Teams increased their proposal by $2 million annually in each of the final three years of a deal: $216 million in 2024, $218 million in 2025 and $222 million in 2026.
Players have proposed a $245 million luxury-tax threshold for this year, which would rise to $273 million in 2026.
MLB also has proposed increasing the tax rate from 20% to 50% for a team exceeding the initial threshold, from 32% to 75% for the second threshold and from 62.5% to 100% for the third threshold.
Teams still are asking for non-monetary penalties, which the union thinks is too harsh.
While MLB dropped its plan to have a team lose a third-round pick for exceeding the first threshold, it has proposed a team would lose a second-round pick for going over the second threshold ($234 million this year and next) rather than dropping 10 slots and would forfeit a first-round selection for exceeding the third threshold ($254 million).
The union fears teams would refuse to go over the threshold, prizing draft picks.
On free agency, clubs maintained their proposal to eliminate the loss of an amateur draft pick for a team signing a free agent — an area of dispute that led to a 50-day in-season strike in 1981.
But the clubs did keep in the plan that a team losing a free agent will receive draft-pick compensation based on revenue-sharing status and whether a club had been over the threshold.
For a free agent who had spent the entire season with one team, there would would be four tiers based on:
— $25 million in guaranteed salary or $18 million average annual value (AAV),
— $55 million or $23 million AAV,
— $100 million or $30 million AAV,
— $150 million or $40 million AAV.
The union’s initial thoughts have been that this proposed level of indirect compensation could be a disincentive for a team to retain players who are eligible for free agency eligible players, and have asked that luxury-tax status be removed from the formula.
In other areas:
— MLB proposed raising the minimum salary from $570,500 to $630,000 or, alternatively, a tiered minimum of $615,000 for initial major leaguers, $650,000 for players with one year of service and $725,000 for those with two years — the latter an increase from $700,000 in the previous proposal. Players have asked for $775,000 this year, rising to $875,000 by 2026.
— MLB offered to increase the pre-arbitration bonus pool from $10 million to $15 million, while the union is at $100 million under a structure that clubs said they would accept. MLB estimated pre-arbitration players would receive $200 million more from 2022-26 than they had in the previous five years.
About 30 pre-arbitration players annually would earn more based on WAR, appearances on an all-MLB team and recognition such as best position player, best pitcher and best rookie.
As examples, Milwaukee pitcher Cobin Burnes would have increased last year from $608,000 to $2.6 million, Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from $635,400 to $2 million, Cincinnati second baseman Jonathan India from $570,500 to $1.34 million and Tampa Bay outfielder Randy Arozarena from $581,200 to $1.3 million.
— To address allegations of service time manipulation, over which the union has filed six grievances since 2015, MLB offered to award two draft picks — one amateur, one international — for a players’ accomplishments in his first three seasons. While that is up from one selection, the union opposes an international draft.
— To counter roster churn, MLB proposed a limit of five optional assignments of a player to the minor leagues each season.
— Addressing the Mets’ decision not to sign Kumar Rocker after selecting him 10th in last year’s amateur draft, clubs offered to guarantee a drafted amateur who participates in the pre-draft physical program a contract of at least 75% of slot value, with a stipulation that a player who passes a pre-draft physical cannot be flunked for his post-draft physical.
— MLB remained at three teams in a proposed draft lottery, while players are at eight.
— MLB is proposing an expansion of the playoffs from 10 teams to 14, while the union is offering 12.
— Both sides would expand the designated hitter to the National League.
— MLB wants uniform advertising patches, which the union says it would accept subject to an overall agreement.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/baseball-begins-negotiating-session-as-lockout-continues/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:51 | en | 0.973804 |
YANQING, China (AP) — Bus, bus, train, bus, bus, gondola, gondola, gondola.
The journey from the heart of Beijing to the alpine ski venue is only about 120 kilometers (75 miles), but getting there via the Olympic transit system — hermetically sealed against COVID-19 — makes for a rather epic journey. And on Sunday, amid uncharacteristically heavy snowfall, a scenic one too.
Along the way, you pass from the flat urban sprawl of the capital into the steep, craggy mountains to its north, through numerous tunnels and past about a million signs bearing the ever-present Olympic panda mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen.
The trip begins with a bus ride from your hotel in central Beijing to the Main Media Center’s bus depot, and from there on another bus to the Qinghe railway station, where you board a high-speed train. This silky ride passes suburbs, farms and endless orderly rows of newly planted trees, and lasts only about 25 minutes before arriving at Yanqing’s modern train station. Not seen during Sunday’s whiteout: a section of the Badaling Great Wall reportedly visible from the train on clearer days.
The station may be called Yanqing, but your journey at this point has really only just begun. Another bus deposits you at a forlorn parking lot on the side of a highway, where you wait for the next and final bus, which climbs into the mountains, through brightly lit tunnels and over vertiginous ravines before finally arriving at the National Alpine Ski Center.
Though one of the signature images of these Olympics has been the ribbons of white artificial snow contrasted against the area’s brown, scrubby mountainsides, Sunday’s natural snowfall transformed the whole area into a much more traditional alpine scene.
For a ski area purpose-built for these Games, the infrastructure is astounding, from the expansive base village to four gleaming gondolas, three of which are required to finally reach the finish of Sunday’s men’s giant slalom.
Despite all this investment, the ski area itself is unlikely to ever become a destination resort. This is because of the steep pitches of its slopes that are unsuitable for novice skiers, and its meager annual snowfall of around 5 centimeters (2 inches).
Sunday’s storm, however, easily exceeded that amount, making for a race that was high on drama … and low on visibility. | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/beijing-snapshot-getting-to-chinas-new-national-ski-venue/ | 2022-02-13T08:34:58 | en | 0.944277 |
BEIJING (AP) — Halfway through the world’s second pandemic Olympics, lots has happened. We have a doping scandal out of Russia, an American skier who faltered unexpectedly, and a lot of people in full protective medical gear managing — perhaps against the odds — to keep COVID contained through the Games’ first week.
What are the most noteworthy things to think about so far? Here, AP’s interim global sports editor, Howie Rumberg, breaks it down.
WHAT STANDS OUT TO YOU THE MOST?
Despite all the restrictions and COVID protocols and a general lack of that Olympic spirit that engulfs a host city during the Games, the athletes are still enthralling. Nathan Chen’s short program, Eileen Gu’s third run at big air, Ayumu Hirano soaring out of the halfpipe and Shaun White’s elegant exit from snowboarding come immediately to mind. On the other end of the spectrum, the Russian doping case is heartbreaking. Kamila Valieva is just 15 years old.
HOW SIGNIFICANT IS THE RUSSIAN DOPING SITUATION?
Very. Not only has it ensnared the heavy favorite for gold in the marquee event of the Games, women’s figure skating, it involves, once again, Russia, which isn’t even technically here because of sanctions imposed after being caught running a massive state-sponsored doping program at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. It’s to be seen if the IOC and the World Anti-Doping Agency try to extend Russia’s mostly toothless ban from international competition for two years. Russian athletes compete under the name Russian Olympic Committee, but they still wear the Russian red and most fans couldn’t tell the difference.
Also, what makes this potentially more significant is that the United States could pursue prosecution of Valieva’s team — for example, Russian coaches, doctors or trainers — under the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, passed by Congress in 2020. Under the law named for Grigory Rodchenkov, the head of the Russian anti-doping lab in Moscow during the Sochi Games who became a whistleblower, U.S. prosecutors can go after doping schemes at international events in which Americans are involved as athletes, sponsors or broadcasters.
HAVE COVID RESTRICTIONS MADE THESE GAMES VERY DIFFERENT? ARE THEY EVEN DIFFERENT FROM TOKYO LAST SUMMER?
The severity of the COVID restrictions and the “closed-loop” system all Olympics stakeholders are living under make these Winter Games very different, even from last summer’s Tokyo Games, the first pandemic Olympics. Other than the athletic achievements — not to be diminished — this doesn’t feel much like an Olympics. In Tokyo, there at least seemed to be a lot of local interest, and we were only limited in our movements for the first 14 days in Japan. Also, being fenced in to this extent is completely demoralizing. It feels oddly like an in-between: We are in Beijing, but at the same time we are not.
WHAT’S LEFT FOR US TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS COMING WEEK?
There is plenty of action left at the Olympics. In addition to the women’s figure skating, Eileen Gu has two more events in freestyle skiing, the snowboard big air competition with the industrial setting as a backdrop and a potential gold-medal U.S.-Canada rematch in women’s hockey. There’s also curling gold to decide. Bobsledding and speedskating, too. ___
Howie Rumberg, the AP’s interim global sports editor, has covered four Olympics. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/hrum | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/explainer-halfway-through-olympics-whats-happened-so-far/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:05 | en | 0.944395 |
BEIJING (AP) — The Beijing Olympics have been watched closely for snow — the artificial kind, made by machines, up in the mountains outside the city. On Sunday morning, though, a more natural variety coated the Chinese capital for the first time since the Games began.
The world’s athletes — and Beijingers, of course — awakened to a rather vigorous snowfall that cast a placid silence over Olympic Park. The aggregate effect: For the first time in the heart of their urban headquarters, the Winter Games looked like, well, the Winter Games.
In this photo from Associated Press photographer Natacha Pisarenko, a woman crosses a lonely street on Sunday morning near the heart of Olympic Park.
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More AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/glimpses-a-white-coating-for-the-winter-olympics-finally/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:12 | en | 0.927871 |
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Walker Kessler did it again for No. 1 Auburn.
Kessler recorded his second triple-double in six weeks, and just the third in program history, as the Tigers bounced back from a loss with a 75-58 victory over Texas A&M.
Kessler’s final tally: 12 blocked shots, 12 points and 11 rebounds Saturday. He’s emerged as a star after playing a lesser role as a freshman for North Carolina.
“He’s one of the most dominant players in all of college basketball,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “How would you have ever thought that you could say that a year ago?”
The same could be said for his team.
The 7-foot-1 Tar Heels transfer rejected four of the Aggies’ first seven shots and swatted away bad feelings from earlier in the week. The Tigers (22-3, 11-1 Southeastern Conference) had their 19-game winning streak stopped by Arkansas in overtime.
And Kessler’s teammates were able to funnel the offensive players in his direction, with results that are becoming fairly predictable.
“They make it easy to block shots because they’re so good at defending the ball,” he said. “They know that I can block the shots so they corral the guard to me so I wouldn’t be able to do that kind of stuff without them.”
The Aggies (15-10, 4-8) dropped their eighth straight game and had one of their worst offensive performances of the season.
Allen Flanigan scored a season-high 16 points for Auburn while K.D. Johnson added 11 and Devan Cambridge 10. Jabari Smith had nine points and eight rebounds. Kessler scored 10 points in the second half.
Henry Coleman III had 10 points and 13 rebounds for Texas A&M, while Quenton Jackson scored 11. Tyrece Radford and Wade Taylor IV also had 10 points.
Aggies coach Buzz Williams called Auburn “a team that’s good enough to win the national championship.”
“I always want to give credit to the opponent,” Williams said. “I do think there were some shots, particularly in the first half, that maybe you would say, should we have shot it? We were a little bit out of sorts on three or four possessions.”
The Aggies had been 5-0 at Auburn Arena but trailed by as many as 25 in this one. But the 3-of-25 shooting from 3-point range could come back to haunt the Tigers.
“Our team played really hard today in front of a national television audience,” Pearl said. “They played really good defense. We didn’t make as many shots as we need to to get to the point where we feel like we’re special, but that’s what needs to be done.”
Auburn point guard Zep Jasper returned to the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a non-COVID-19 illness.
“Zep brings the fire on defense,” Flanigan said. “He’s going to get up in you and he’s going to play defense and move his feet. He’s going to lock down whoever he’s in front of on a given night.”
Both teams started off cold, with Auburn missing its first five shots and Texas A&M opening 0 for 7. Johnson’s fast-break layup at the buzzer gave Auburn a 33-18 halftime lead.
BIG PICTURE
Texas A&M just managed to avoid its lowest scoring output of the season, 57 points against Butler on Nov. 23. Made just 7 of 39 shots in the first half (17.9%) and 19 of 70 (27.1% overall).
Auburn showed resilience in bouncing back from its first loss since November, an 80-76 overtime defeat.
HARSIN ON HAND
Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin mingled with students in the stands during the game. He had plenty to celebrate a day after President Jay Gogue announced the coach would be retained following an investigation into the program after a number of player and staff departures.
“I’m really happy for coach Harsin, his family, his staff,” Pearl said. “And I look forward to working with him and his whole team to keep making Auburn the everything school it is. It’s good to get that behind us.”
UP NEXT
Texas A&M hosts Florida on Tuesday night.
Auburn hosts Vanderbilt on Wednesday night.
____
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/College-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/kessler-blocks-12-gets-triple-double-no-1-auburn-tops-am/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:18 | en | 0.982305 |
Former India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for base price of Rs 1 crore.
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Former India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for base price of Rs 1 crore.
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BERGEN, Norway (StudyFinds.org) — Switching to a healthier diet of nuts, beans, and whole grains as a young adult can help you live a decade longer, a new study on longevity reveals. A team from the University of Bergen says that healthy diet changes actually benefit people of all ages, but the earlier someone moves away from red and processed meat, the better it is in the long run.
Researcher Lars Fadnes says dietary risk factors contribute to 11 deaths and an additional 255 million years of life disrupted by disability every single year. In the new study, researchers used data from the Global Burden of Diseases study to create a model estimating the benefits to life expectancy from eating certain foods. The team has made this tool — the Food4HealthyLife calculator — publicly available online.
A longer life can boil down to your diet
The results show that if young adults in the United States move away from the traditional Western diet and start eating more healthy options, they’ll add more than a decade to their life expectancy. Specifically, starting at the age of 20, young women gained 10.7 years by avoiding the typical Western diet, which is notorious for containing high amounts of red meat, saturated fats, and refined grains. Young men gained an extra 13 years by making this dietary change!
“Understanding the relative health potential of different food groups could enable people to make feasible and significant health gains,” the study authors say in a media release. “The Food4HealthyLife calculator could be a useful tool for clinicians, policy makers, and lay-people to understand the health impact of dietary choices.”
Nuts and legumes provide the biggest boost
The team found eating more legumes (such as beans and peas) added more than two years of life to young adults, while whole grains and nuts also boosted life expectancy by similar amounts.
Eating less red meat also contributed to this healthy shift, adding 1.6 years to a woman’s lifespan and 1.9 years to a man’s average life expectancy. The results were exactly the same when adults gave up processed meat at a young age.
For older adults, the study finds it’s never too late to make a positive change. For people over 60, switching from a Western diet to an optimized healthy diet added eight years to a woman’s lifespan and 8.8 years for men. At 80 years-old, both men and women gained an extra 3.4 years of life on average.
“Research until now have shown health benefits associated with separate food group or specific diet patterns but given limited information on the health impact of other diet changes. Our modeling methodology has bridged this gap,” Fadnes adds.
The findings are published in the journal PLOS Medicine. | https://www.ktsm.com/news/local-news/ditching-the-western-diet-could-help-you-live-up-to-13-years-longer/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:22 | en | 0.937722 |
DALLAS (AP) — Reilly Opelka won the longest tiebreaker in ATP Tour history to finish a straight-sets win over John Isner and advance to the final of the inaugural Dallas Open on Saturday night.
The second-seeded Opelka sent a winner down the line for a 24-22 tiebreaker victory in the second set to secure the 7-6 (7), 7-6 (22) win over Isner, the No. 3 seed and de facto tournament host at the SMU tennis facility about a mile from his house.
No. 4 seed Jenson Brooksby played Marcos Giron in the other semifinal Saturday night. It’s the first time since 2004 that all four semifinalists have been Americans.
The 24-year-old Opelka, a two-time winner on tour, now has four straight wins over Isner. All 10 of the sets he has won against the 16-time ATP Tour champion have gone to a tiebreaker.
The pair combined for 60 aces on Saturday and have now held 98 straight service games against the other, including 12 straight tiebreakers.
Isner was playing again Saturday night in the doubles with fellow American Jack Sock.
Opelka is ranked No. 23 in the world and is 2-1 all-time in ATP Tour finals. He won New York in 2019 and Delray Beach in 2020.
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/opelka-wins-46-point-tiebreaker-beats-isner-at-dallas-open/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:25 | en | 0.945982 |
India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara goes unsold.
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India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara goes unsold.
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(NEXSTAR) – One of the most common symptoms of long COVID may be going ignored by people who have it, worries Dr. Monique White-Dominguez, a physician with Sameday Health in Los Angeles. She fears brain fog is being routinely under-diagnosed because people aren’t aware of the signs.
“The defining feature that a lot of patients have been mentioning is the inability to fully concentrate,” said White-Dominguez.
In addition to a loss of focus, another important thing to pay attention to is your memory, the physician said. “The short-term memory seems to be affected most, the ability to recall what I just did 35 minutes ago.”
Brain fog might look and feel different depending on the person, but White-Dominguez suggests trusting your gut and noticing if the mental “sharpness” you used to have before COVID is diminished.
“It could be someone who was really healthy, a successful executive in their late 20s, who thinks, ‘Oh shoot, I forgot that meeting. I even had eight different reminders on my phone, and I still couldn’t remember that.'”
If you’ve recovered from COVID and any of this sounds familiar, White-Dominguez suggests contacting your primary care doctor to talk through your symptoms, potentially do some tests, and look at treatment options. Brain fog and other long-haul symptoms are a possible result of both mild and severe COVID cases.
Treatment will vary from patient to patient, she says, and more research is needed on how to target the neural symptoms specifically. For now, much of the treatment focuses on improving overall health and wellbeing.
Dr. Andrew E. Budson, a neurology lecturer at Harvard Medical School, recommends activities that help with memory and brain health generally, like frequent exercise, a healthy Mediterranean-style diet and lots of sleep.
Much more research is needed to identify and treat brain fog, White-Dominguez said, but the first step is identifying it. She’s worried with the recent surge in COVID cases, many people may have lingering effects now that they’re ignoring.
“Advocate for yourself, know if you’re not feeling right, [and recognize when] this isn’t a headache or a migraine. This isn’t my anxiety or my depression. I don’t feel right, I’m not sharp. I cant remember what I did 30 minutes ago and that’s not normal,” she said. | https://www.ktsm.com/news/local-news/do-you-have-brain-fog-after-covid-doctor-explains-signs/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:29 | en | 0.959149 |
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Sam Ryder brought down the house with a hole-in-one on the stadium 16th hole Saturday in the WM Phoenix Open, where newcomer Sahith Theegala topped a leaderboard as crowded as the course.
Ryder’s wedge shot on the 124-yard hole landed just right and short, bounced a couple of times, spun left and tumbled in. The rowdy fans on the 17,000-seat hole threw drinks in the air in celebration and littered the turf with bottles, cans and cups, leading to about a 15-minute delay.
“I don’t know how I could pick a hole over this one,” said Ryder, eight strokes behind Theegala after an even-par 71. “I don’t think there’s any hole that has the electricity that this one has.”
Ryder’s first tour ace was the 10th at No. 16 since the tournament moved to the course in 1997 and first since Francesco Molinari in the third round in 2015. Tiger Woods did it in 1997 before grandstands ringed the hole.
“It just ended up being a perfect 54-degree wedge,” Ryder said. “Everything always plays a little shorter in there, adrenaline or whatever it is.”
With around 200,000 fans packing firm and fast TPC Scottsdale on another sunny, 80-degree day in the Valley of the Sun, Theegala overcame a double bogey on the par-4 second to shoot a 69.
“What a day,” Theegala said. “So many ups and downs. I mean, it was wild.”
Making his event debut on a sponsor exemption, Theegala had a 14-under 199 total for a one-stroke lead over defending champion Brooks Koepka. FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Talor Gooch were another stroke back.
“I’m really exhausted right now,” Theegala said. “Probably, I hit it in the desert five times. I got my ball stepped on twice, got my ball picked up twice. Very draining, for sure.”
Theegala is trying to become the first player to win on a sponsor exemption since Martin Laird in the 2020 Shriners Children’s Open. The 24-year-old Indian-American grew up in Chino Hills, California, and starred at Pepperdine. In 2020, he swept the three major college player of the year awards.
He’s playing for the fifth straight week, with his parents and some family members attending the last four in California and Arizona.
“It was hard to see them,” Theegala said. “Just engulfed in the sea of people.”
After hitting the lip of a fairway bunker en route to the double bogey on No. 2, Theegala rallied with birdies on Nos, 6, 7 and 8. He dropped a shot on the 11th, birdied the par-5 13th and holed a 15-footer on the par-4 17th.
“Obviously, really bad start and proud of the way I fought back there,” Theegala said. “But still trying to take it all in. There’s just is so much going on there, too. Which is a good thing. I really enjoyed the fans out there.”
Koepka had a 68. The four-time major champion is the last player to win the event in his first appearance, doing it in 2015.
“I’m playing solid, so just go out and go play a good round tomorrow and see what happens,” Koepka said. “Just need to keep putting it the way I did. I feel confident. I like where my game’s at, and we’ll see.”
Scheffler flirted with his second 59 before settling for a 62. Seeking his first tour victory, he began the day nine strokes behind Theegala.
“I think it’s a fun event,” Scheffler said. “I think it would be a little bit draining if it was like this every week, but one week a year is pretty special.”
Scheffler played his first nine in 7-under 27, and added two birdies on his second nine. He was the last player on the tour to shoot 59, doing it in the 2020 Northern Trust. Jim Furyk is the only player to break 60 twice in the PGA Tour, shooting 58 and 59.
The fourth-ranked Cantlay, also making his first start in the event, had a 68. Gooch birdied the last three holes for a 67, making a 40-footer on 18.
Schauffele, the leader at 14 under at the turn, shot 69. He made a double bogey after driving into the water on the par-4 11th.
Hideki Matsuyama (66) was 11 under with Tom Hoge (67), Max Homa (68), Alex Noren (67) and Adam Hadwin (68).
Matsuyama, the Masters champion who won in Scottsdale in 2016 and 2017, is making his first start since winning the Sony Open a month ago in Hawaii. Hoge won at Pebble Beach last week for his first PGA Tour title.
DIVOTS: Space City Gym in Humble, Texas, won $1 million for Ryder’s ace through “WM’s Million Dollar Shot” contest. Space City Gym was one of 20 WM small-business customers randomly selected as a contest finalist, with each of the 20 finalists randomly assigned a threesome of players. … Top-ranked Jon Rahm was 8 under after a 68. The former Arizona State star lives a few miles from the course. | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/ryder-aces-wild-16th-theegala-holds-onto-phoenix-open-lead/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:33 | en | 0.970878 |
English batter Liam Livingstone bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 11.50 crore.
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English batter Liam Livingstone bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 11.50 crore.
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Advertisement | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/agency-wire/1920863-english-batter-liam-livingstone-bought-by-punjab-kings-for-rs-1150-crore | 2022-02-13T08:35:34 | en | 0.903585 |
(NEXSTAR) – In 2022, just about everything is getting more expensive. But in several states, people are getting paid a bit more, too.
While the federal minimum wage hasn’t budged since 2009 – it’s still $7.25 – more than half of states decided to bump up their minimum wages this year. (Those hikes might not exactly be keeping up with inflation, but that’s another story.)
Some states opt not to set a minimum wage. Others have set their minimum wage at a number that’s lower than the federal minimum. In both cases, the federal minimum applies and businesses in those states must pay workers at least $7.25.
Here’s the new minimum wage in every state as of 2022, according to the Department of Labor:
- Alabama: $7.25
- Alaska: $10.34
- Arizona: $12.80
- Arkansas: $11
- California: $14 for small companies; $15 for companies of 26+ workers
- Colorado: $12.56
- Connecticut: $13
- Delaware: $10.50
- District of Columbia: $15.20, but increasing to $16.10 on July 1
- Florida: $10
- Georgia: $7.25
- Hawaii: $10.10
- Idaho: $7.25
- Illinois: $12
- Indiana: $7.25
- Iowa: $7.25
- Kansas: $7.25
- Kentucky: $7.25
- Louisiana: $7.25
- Maine: $12.75
- Maryland: $12.50 (workers under 18 can make less)
- Massachusetts: $14.25
- Michigan: $9.87 (workers under 18 can make less)
- Minnesota: $8.42 for companies with revenue under $500,000; $10.33 for companies making more
- Mississippi: $7.25
- Missouri: $11.15
- Montana: $9.20 for companies with revenue over $110,000; federal minimum for others
- Nebraska: $9
- Nevada: $8.75 with health insurance provided; $9.75 without health insurance
- New Hampshire: $7.25
- New Jersey: $11.90 for seasonal workers or companies with 6 or fewer people; $13 for everyone else
- New Mexico: $11.50
- New York: $15 in Long Island, Westchester and NYC; $13.20 everywhere else
- North Carolina: $7.25
- North Dakota: $7.25
- Ohio: $9.30 at companies making more than $342,000; $7.25 everywhere else
- Oklahoma: $7.25
- Oregon: $12.75
- Pennsylvania: $7.25
- Rhode Island: $12.25
- South Carolina: $7.25
- South Dakota: $9.95
- Tennessee: $7.25
- Texas: $7.25
- Utah: $7.25
- Vermont: $12.55
- Virginia: $11 at companies with 4 or more employees; federal minimum everywhere else
- Washington: $14.49
- West Virginia: $8.75 at companies with 6 or more employees; federal minimum everywhere else
- Wisconsin: $7.25
- Wyoming: $7.25
Several states also have more minimum wage raises scheduled to take in the coming years. California, Connecticut and Massachusetts all have plans to get to $15/hour by 2023. New Jersey, Delaware, Illinois, Rhode Island, Florida and Maryland are also on the path to $15/hour in the next few years.
For workers that rely on tips, the Fair Labor Standards Act requires their wage and tips combine to make at least $7.25 an hour (or higher, based on state law). | https://www.ktsm.com/news/local-news/see-how-your-states-minimum-wage-stacks-up-after-2022s-increases/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:35 | en | 0.898647 |
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — When 19-year old Maggie Lee fell on her first run down the slope and missed one of the early gates, it looked like the abrupt end of her first Olympics.
The teenager from Taiwan, who is competing under her Chinese name, Lee Wen-Yi, was already an unlikely candidate for the Winter Olympics. Taiwan is a subtropical island that only sees snow in its high mountains — and then only sporadically. So the only times Lee could ski were during school holidays when she would travel to Japan with her ski-instructor parents.
She later trained in Europe, and her father would drive her to competitions, zigzagging between countries.
Standing on top of the hill in Yanqing on Wednesday morning, on the biggest stage in her career, she thought something could go wrong. But she still didn’t expect to actually fall.
“I actually didn’t think I would fall so quickly. It was only the third target on my first run,” she said. “I’ve worked so hard for so long. I thought this was not OK.
“So I decided to stand up and climb back up.”
And she did.
Lee scooted up on the hill, in full ski gear, one step at a time, until she reached the gate she missed, which she then hit with her body.
And then she finished her run.
And then she went for the second leg, hitting all the gates.
“I did think, is it okay for me to climb like this at the Olympics?” she said.
Many other competitors were disqualified after missing gates in Wednesday’s competition, including U.S. skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who was among the favorite to win multiple medals at this Olympics.
Lee’s assessment: Most of the competitive athletes would not choose to climb because they are focused on their times and medals. Lee, though, is the first female slalom skier to represent Taiwan at the Games, competing under the name of Chinese Taipei. She never set out to win a medal, she said, but just to “ski beautifully.”
Since Wednesday, she’s been overwhelmed by the positive response on the Chinese- and English-language internet, after Eurosport, a media outlet, posted a video of her fall and climb on social media, calling it an example of the “Olympic Spirit.” The video went viral, with more than 20,000 people liking the post. It was quickly picked up by Taiwanese media as well.
“Sheer tenacity! This is what makes the Olympics special,” wrote one Facebook user.
“With this type of spirit, even if she doesn’t win, I still feel very, very proud,” wrote another.
And was she satisfied with the result? It added about 15 seconds to her time, and she finished in 50th place.
“I’ve been made famous by one fall,” she joked. But she was satisfied.
___
Follow Taiwan-based Associated Press journalist Huizhong Wu on Twitter at http://twitter.com/huizhong_wu | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/sheer-tenacity-taiwan-skier-falls-on-slope-picks-self-up/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:40 | en | 0.985733 |
Out of favour India all-rounder Shivam Dube bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 4 crore.
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Out of favour India all-rounder Shivam Dube bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 4 crore.
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ST. LOUIS (KTVI) — A lot has changed since 1991, but Jim O’Shea’s car hasn’t. O’Shea, from St. Louis County, Missouri, recently drove his Volvo 740 GLE past the million-mile mark.
“The good thing about this car is, it can’t get me in any trouble because it goes about 75 miles per hour, tops,” said O’Shea.
Thirty years, two engines and two transmissions later, the Swedish sedan still runs despite its rust.
“Never been in any accidents. Been hit by my wife three times in my driveway,” said O’Shea.
Looking back, O’Shea remembers catching heat for buying the car in the first place.
“My dad’s brother was running a Ford dealer, and he said you can only buy Fords. I brought this home, and he didn’t talk to me for a while. I said to him, ‘I guarantee you I will get a million miles out of this car,’ and I did,” said O’Shea.
In late November, on his way to work, O’Shea became the million-mile man.
“It didn’t hit me until I thought about what I told my dad. Since he’s no longer with us, I couldn’t rub it in his face,” said O’Shea.
Sentimentality aside, he’s wondering if the miles and maintenance might pay off.
“Back when I purchased the car … a guy rolled in with a 1961 [model],” said O’Shea. “I don’t know the model number, but they flipped him the keys to a new car because he had a million miles. The light bulb went off in my head — if he can do it, I can do it. So, I did it!”
And so he did. Three decades and million miles after O’Shea drove off the lot, he returned to a ribbon-wrapped reward: West County Volvo and Volvo Cars USA honored his mileage-stone with this 2022 S-60 sedan.
It’s his and free for two years, under the “Care by Volvo” all-inclusive car subscription. It covers maintenance, tires, wheels, excessive wear protection, and insurance.
“We’re just excited to be able to take care of Jim and get him into a new car,” said West County Volvo general manager Stephen Lynch, who, believe it or not, sold O’Shea his Volvo in 1991.
“He earned it, and we couldn’t be happier for him,” Lynch said.
Before leaving the lot, O’Shea joked that he would one day come back for his “next 30-year-car.”
“Let’s do a little sooner on this one,” Lynch responded. | https://www.ktsm.com/news/local-news/volvo-owner-rewarded-with-new-car-after-driving-1-million-miles-in-sedan/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:42 | en | 0.970546 |
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The hum resonates five, six fairways away, the hive of activity beckoning all to join the three-story party perched on grass. It’s a constant cacophony, punctuated by boos rising into the desert air, roars rolling like shockwaves to the course’s outer reaches.
Inside, the boozy, boisterous swarm emits a relentless buzz, an underlay to the shouts, catcalls and chants reverberating off the walls.
The golfers, typically perturbed by the slightest shadow or break from silence, embrace the chaos, raising hands to ears for more roars, shrugging off the jeers for the slightest miscalculation.
After a one-year pandemic hiatus, the curtain has dropped for The Greatest Show on Grass. The temporary stadium around TPC Scottsdale’s par-3 16th hole has again taken center stage.
“This is a quite the show here, quite the party and quite the atmosphere,” Graeme McDowell said before shooting 68-74 to miss the cut at the Phoenix Open.
Once just another stop on the PGA Tour’s West Coast swing, the Phoenix Open has turned into one of golf’s greatest spectacles.
Hundreds of thousands of golf fans descend upon the desert course daily during the tournament — a PGA Tour-record 216,000 in 2018 — creating decibel levels more suited for a football game.
The 16th hole is the rowdy epicenter. A nondescript par-3 the rest of the year, it becomes a three-layer cake of pandemonium during the tournament, more than 20,000 often-inebriated fans creating golf’s version of a party cruise.
The coronavirus pandemic put a damper on the revelry, like lights flicking on and off for last call at a bar.
The 2020 tournament went off without a hitch, with Webb Simpson beating Tony Finau in a playoff about a month before the world shut down.
The 2021 tournament felt like a post-apocalyptic version of the Phoenix Open. The tournament, held while the pandemic still raged, was limited to 5,000 fans daily. The stadium at No. 16, still nearly the same size as usual, looked nearly deserted with a capacity of 2,000.
This year, the gates were wide open and the fans couldn’t wait to rush through.
Well over 100,000 spread across TPC Scottsdale for each of the first two rounds, the largest contingents congregated in and around the the massive grandstands lining the holes closest to the clubhouse.
Many move in packs: bros in matching outfits or brightly colored, short-legged rompers, women who appear more ready for a night out than a golf tournament in their tight dresses and high heels. There was even a crew of beardless Santas on Friday.
And they certainly brought their outside voices, roaring in approval for good shots, booing bad ones, shouting the occasional inappropriate comment.
“I love when people get rowdy,” said Brooks Koepka, who entered Saturday’s third round two shots behind leader Sahith Theegala at 10 under. “They’re cheering you when you hit it tight, and they’re booing you when you hit it bad. It almost feels like a real sport, like football, basketball, things like that, soccer.”
The 16th hole is again the shouting heart of the party.
The debauchery starts around dawn, when fans, many of whom continue the party from the night before, line up outside the gates and sprint to the stadium hole to get the primo spots.
Once inside, they create a coliseum of chaos, a constant din streaming down from people pressed against rails, jammed into seats, lined up at drink stands and port-a-potties.
Golf seems to be secondary to the good time to be had. The PGA Tour put the kibosh on caddy races a few years ago, but the fans have found other ways to create entertainment, chanting for scoreboard carriers to twirl their boards — most do — or to get people across the stadium to acknowledge them.
On Friday, fans in the south stands picked out a guy with an unbuttoned shirt on the north side and started a chant of “hairy chest!” The man pulled off his shirt, rubbed his hairy chest and poured a beer over his head, setting off a cheer rivaling any for a golf shot that day.
There was even a marriage proposal on 16. She said yes.
“The fans here are great,” Justin Thomas said. “There’s no tournament like it, there doesn’t need to be another tournament like it. This place stands on its own for a reason and I know I enjoy it.”
Party, back on.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/sound-on-the-party-has-returned-to-phoenix-open/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:46 | en | 0.947119 |
Senior India pacer Ishant Sharma goes unsold.
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Senior India pacer Ishant Sharma goes unsold.
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- India
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Across both Super Bowl rosters, there is a great divide.
The Rams are the team loaded with veterans and the Bengals are the new kids on the block. Los Angeles has the star power, which figures with Hollywood next door. Cincinnati has a bunch of relative no names outside of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor worked for Rams boss Sean McVay — even though Taylor is more than two years older.
Both teams were No. 4 seeds after winning their divisions, so there are some similarities. It might be the differences that, well, make the difference on Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium. Oh, yeah, that happens to be the Rams’ new home.
WHEN THE BENGALS HAVE THE BALL:
Burrow (9) and Chase (1) are the Dynamic Duo for Cincinnati. They were at LSU and nothing changed when Chase, who sat out the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was chosen fifth overall in last April’s draft. His effect has been immense, scoring 13 times on 81 receptions for 1,455 yards in the regular season.
Of course, Burrow has been just as impactful. He went 2-7-1 in a rookie season cut short by a knee injury and made a sensational return, as accurate as any passer in the league. Cool as they come — yes, Joe Cool — he had 34 touchdown passes, and in the Bengals’ three postseason victories after having none since 1991, Burrow has gone 75 for 109 for 842 yards and four TDs, showing scrambling skills as well.
The key for LA to slow down that combination lies with the pass rush; Cincinnati allowed a league-high 51 sacks during the season, 12 more in the postseason. So unanimous All-Pro DT Aaron Donald (99), LB Leonard Floyd (54) and revitalized Von Miller (40), the MVP of the 2016 Super Bowl, must be negated somewhat. If the Bengals’ offensive line, from tackles Jonah Williams (73) and Isaiah Prince (71) to center Trey Hopkins (66) to guards Quinton Spain (67) and the rotation of Hakeem Adeniji (77) and rookie Jackson Carman (79) don’t step up, Burrow will go down a bunch.
If he gets the protection that has been missing too often, Chase’s matchups with All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey (5) could be epic. But Ramsey won’t always be on Chase, who can break free on any route, and he also has some potent partners in WRs Tyler Boyd (83) and Tee Higgins (85), their battles with the remainder of the secondary could be significant.
In his seventh pro season, TE C.J. Uzomah (87) has emerged as a threat, but he damaged a knee last week and his status is questionable.
RB Joe Mixon (28), who ranked third with 1,205 rushing yards, can wear down defenses, but the Rams ranked sixth against the rush.
WHEN THE RAMS HAVE THE BALL:
Like with the trades that brought Miller and Ramsey on defense, the Rams have bolstered their offense immeasurably in recent years. They solidified left tackle five seasons back with Andrew Whitworth (77), who remains a stud at age 40.
Much more recently came QB Matthew Stafford (9), RB Sony Michel (25) and WR Odell Beckham Jr. (3). All of have been key contributors, though Stafford is by far the biggest upgrade.
Sure, the Rams made the 2019 Super Bowl with Jared Goff, but Stafford, finishing his 13th pro season, is a class above. After languishing in Detroit for a dozen years, he’s been a main cog in the Rams getting this far.
No one is better against the blitz than Stafford, and while he can make some head-scratching throws and turn over the ball, he also makes some head-shaking passes that put you in awe.
And, like Burrow, he has one of the league’s best targets in unanimous All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp (10). Opponents could put all 11 defenders on the guy and he’d still get free, as his triple crown of receiving shows: 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 TDs. He’s been just as unstoppable in the playoffs, and this could be a major mismatch. Bengals CBs Eli Apple (20), Chidobe Awuzie (22), Mike Hilton (21) and Tre Flowers (33) will be tests bigtime.
Cincinnati is stronger at safety with Vonn Bell (24), whose pick of Patrick Mahomes set up the winning field goal for the AFC title, and Jessie Bates III (30). The entire bunch also must account for Beckham, who seems to be re-energized in LA, and Van Jefferson (12).
Michel and Cam Akers (23), who came back quickly from a torn Achilles tendon, share backfield duties, but this is a throw-first team operating behind standouts such as Whitworth. The 16-year veteran figures to be challenged by Cincinnati’s top pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson (91), and DE Sam Hubbard (94), who was terrific against the Chiefs.
The Bengals don’t have a linebacker in Miller’s class, but Logan Wilson (55) and Germaine Pratt (57) have made some key plays in the postseason.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
It’s all about rookie Evan McPherson (2). The fifth-round draft choice — no, Cincinnati did not bungle a pick on a kicker here — the kid has hit all 12 of his field goals, including four in the wild-card round, then winners at Tennessee and Kansas City.
P Kevin Huber (10) did not have a particularly strong season, but he’s a veteran who has kicked in the postseason before.
LA’s Matt Gay (8) is steady enough, and he also has two straight winning field goals in the playoffs.
P Johnny Hekker (6) has been one of the league’s best punters for a decade, and is a threat on fake punts.
Neither team scares you on kick returns.
COACHING:
This is so juicy.
Taylor spent two years working for McVay and didn’t even reach coordinator status when the Bengals came calling in 2019. He went 6-25-1 his first two seasons, but the Bengals were building their roster. His work in the past six weeks has been particularly exemplary.
McVay remains the poster child — OK, he’s a wise old 36 — for hot-shot offensive minds. His game management has been questioned, but it’s hard to argue with four playoff trips in five seasons, and a Super Bowl loss three years ago.
Two assistants worth high praise: Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who has done a lot with no real stars except Hendrickson, and Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, who like Anarumo has gotten some head coaching interviews.
INTANGIBLES:
The Rams are built for now. They have been all-in on this season, using lots of draft capital — not to mention $$$ capital — on this roster.
They also have the bitter memory of a putrid performance against New England in the 2019 Super Bowl.
For those who think this is gravy for the surprising Bengals, remember they are 0-2 in Super Bowls, both losses to the dynastic 49ers, though in close contests. They also hadn’t won a postseason game since 1991. What do they have to lose now?
___
More AP Super Bowl coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/super-bowl-matchup-veteran-rams-versus-upstart-bengals/ | 2022-02-13T08:35:54 | en | 0.964419 |
Govt to soon appoint 3 independent directors on NaBFID board
- Country:
- India
The government is in the process of appointment of three independent directors on the board of newly-incorporated Rs 20,000 crore National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), a move that will clear the decks for commencing of operation of the Development Finance Institution critical for infra financing.
With the appointment of three independent directors, sources said, the formation of full board would be completed.
In October last year, the government had appointed veteran banker K V Kamath as the Chairperson of the NaBFID for three years. It also appointed two government nominee directors on the board.
The Development Finance Institution (DFI) has been set up with a view to support the development of long-term non-recourse infrastructure financing in India, including development of the bonds and derivatives markets necessary for infrastructure financing and to carry on the business of financing infrastructure. The Banks Board Bureau (BBB), the headhunter for state-owned banks and financial institutions, has already invited applications for the post of managing director (MD) of the DFI, which is preparing to commence business in the April-June quarter.
The BBB has also started process for the selection of three deputy managing directors (DMDs) including Chief Finance Officer and Chief Risk Officer.
The last date for submission of application by eligible candidates for the three posts of DMDs is March 21.
The salary and allowances of MD and DMDs will be guided by market and governed by regulations made by the board of NaBFID.
According to the NaBFID Act 2021, the institution will have one MD and not more than three DMDs. The MD and DMDs will not hold office after attaining the age of 65 years and 62 years, respectively.
The DFI is planning to commence business in the April-June quarter and is targeting financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh crore in its first year of operations.
This is going to give a massive push to infrastructure projects, which are part of the Rs 111 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
The government has committed a Rs 5,000-crore grant over and above Rs 20,000-crore equity capital.
The NaBFID has been established as a statutory body to address market failures that stem from the long-term, low margin and risky nature of infrastructure financing.
It will help fund about 7,000 infra projects under the NIP, which envisages an investment of Rs 111 lakh crore by 2024-25.
Infra spending has a multiplier effect on the economy. This means that not only does the project contribute immediately through increased demand for labour and construction materials but also through the second order effects in terms of improved connectivity brings.
Various studies have estimated the multiplier to be between 2.5-3.5 times. So for every rupee spent by the government in creating infrastructure, GDP gains are worth Rs 2.5-3.5.
According to NITI Aayog, in times of economic contractions, this multiplier is larger than the one during times of economic expansion. This could imply that public investment if timed and targeted right, can actually 'crowd-in' private investment, rather than 'crowd-out'.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920858-govt-to-soon-appoint-3-independent-directors-on-nabfid-board | 2022-02-13T08:35:57 | en | 0.962745 |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson scored 16 of his season-high 33 points in the fourth quarter, Stephen Curry made a clutch layup with 46 seconds remaining, and the Golden State Warriors held off the Los Angeles Lakers 117-115 on Saturday night, spoiling another scoring milestone by LeBron James.
Curry finished with 24 points and eight assists, while Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points to help the Warriors end a two-game losing streak. Golden State has not lost three in a row all season.
Thompson’s big night came in front of his father, former NBA player Mychal Thompson, who works on the Lakers radio broadcast.
“It meant something special to do it for my dad,” Thompson said. “I don’t think he’s seen me play for a few years. I know he was proud of me, and that’s always fun.”
James had 26 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but missed the first free throw after Curry fouled him attempting a 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left. He made the second and missed the third intentionally but couldn’t chase down the rebound in time to get a shot off.
“This one hurts,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “We were up six with a few minutes to play. Just one of those nights where a lot of bad bounces didn’t go our way.”
Earlier in the night, James extended his streak of 25 points or more to 22 games and passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most points scored in the NBA combining the regular season and postseason with 44,157. James tied Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 44,149 in the first half, then surpassed it with a 3-pointer early in the third quarter.
Abdul-Jabbar still owns the career record for regular-season games with 38,387 points, considered the more prestigious of the two scoring milestones. James, with 36,526, is closing in on that one, too.
“We had an opportunity to win a big game tonight,” James said. “But in all my career, any time I’ve been linked with some of the greats, I’ve always just been in awe.”
Thompson, who returned this season after missing 941 days with a pair of serious leg injuries, shot 12 of 22 and made four 3s, three in the fourth quarter.
“Just took over the game at a time when we desperately needed him,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “With our offense kind of struggling to find a groove he got hot and took over the game. Klay is special. It goes beyond making shots. He brings an electricity to the building that’s hard to quantify.”
It was Thompson’s most points since putting up 43 against the Knicks on Jan. 8, 2019.
The Warriors needed it on a night when Curry struggled from the perimeter. The NBA’s 3-point king was 1 of 8 beyond the arc but made up for it by going 9 for 9 on free throws.
Jonathan Kuminga added 18 points and nine rebounds for the Warriors.
Russell Westbrook returned after missing a game and broke out of his scoring slump with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Lakers.
The Warriors led by 15 on Thompson’s corner 3 and Otto Porter Jr.’s layup before the Lakers closed the gap and got within 65-62 at the half following Avery Bradley’s 3-pointer.
Curry and Kuminga combined for 33 points in the first half on 12-of-19 shooting.
BLOCK OF THE GAME
Austin Reaves chased Thompson down from behind and blocked a potential layup during the Lakers’ run to open the fourth quarter. It’s the ninth block of the season for the 6-foot-5 rookie guard.
QUOTABLE
“He just has a look on his face, a bounce in his step and you can feel it coming.” – Kerr on watching Thompson during his fourth-quarter spree
TIP-INS
Lakers: Vogel was given a technical foul in the fourth quarter. Assistant coach Phil Handy received one during a timeout following a thunderous one-hand dunk by James in the first quarter.
Warriors: Curry needs four steals to tie Chris Mullin for the franchise record for steals. Curry has 1,356. … Andre Iguodala (lower back tightness) missed his third consecutive game.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Face the Jazz in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Lakers lost the season series last year but beat Utah 101-95 in January.
Warriors: Go on the road to play the Clippers on Monday. Golden State has won three of the last four against the Clippers including twice this season.
__
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/thompson-has-season-high-33-warriors-edge-lakers-117-115/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:01 | en | 0.970152 |
Pilgrimage scheme set to resume, train for Dwarkadhish to be flagged off
The Delhi governments pilgrimage scheme for the elderly, which was halted in the first week of January in view of rising COVID-19 cases, will resume on Monday with a train carrying pilgrims to Dwarkadhish in Gujarat.The train for Dwarkadhish carrying 1000 elderly pilgrims from Delhi will be flagged off from the Safdarjung railway station at 7 PM on Monday.
- Country:
- India
The Delhi government's pilgrimage scheme for the elderly, which was halted in the first week of January in view of rising COVID-19 cases, will resume on Monday with a train carrying pilgrims to Dwarkadhish in Gujarat.
The train for Dwarkadhish carrying 1000 elderly pilgrims from Delhi will be flagged off from the Safdarjung railway station at 7 PM on Monday. Another train for Rameshwaram will leave on February 18, said Kamal Bansal, chairman of the Delhi government's Tirth Yatra Vikas Samiti.
The Mukhya Mantri Tirth Yatra Yojna was halted in January amid rise in cases of Covid. As a result of the disruption, a train of pilgrims scheduled to Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Tamil Nadu's Vailankanni on January 7 was cancelled. ''We are likely to announce trains for other pilgrimage places as the Railway is likely to inform us about the availability of trains,'' Bansal said.
He said maximum demand from the senior citizens was for Rameshwaram and Dwarkadhish. Around 15,000 applications for Rameshwaram and 7000 for Dwarkadhish were pending.
''We are ready to arrange as many trips as possible due to popular demand from our elderly but it depends upon the availability of trains,'' Bansal said.
Under the scheme for free pilgrimages to the elderly from Delhi, 11 train trips for different pilgrim sites were planned in January that could not materialise due to the third wave of Covid, he said.
The trains of pilgrims including one for Kartarpur Sahib route as well as Amritsar and Ayodhya in January also got cancelled, he said.
''Now, we will have to again work out schedules for trains as there are already thousands of pending applications due to cancelled trips,'' Bansal said.
Under the scheme, people aged 60 years and above are sent on pilgrimage to 15 routes on trips fully sponsored by the Delhi government. The government pays for travel, accommodation and other expenses of each pilgrim who can also take along an attendant with them.
The scheme halted due to the second Covid wave last year was resumed with a train of pilgrims leaving for Ayodhya on December 3, 2020. Pilgrims also went to Rameshwaram and Dwarka before the pandemic applied brake on the scheme. Under the scheme, the Delhi government sanctioned Rs 81.45 crore of which Rs 66.92 crore was spent in 2020-21. Nearly 38,000 senior citizens have benefitted from the scheme so far, officials said.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Delhi govt okays streetscaping of sample road stretch near Model Town | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920861-pilgrimage-scheme-set-to-resume-train-for-dwarkadhish-to-be-flagged-off | 2022-02-13T08:36:05 | en | 0.964582 |
THE PLAINS, Ohio (AP) — Joe Burrow has become something akin to a mythological figure in the weathered southeastern Ohio village where the Super Bowl quarterback spent much of his youth.
In a region with more than its fair share of sorrow from poverty, the opioid epidemic and ongoing pandemic, Burrow has given people something good to claim as their own.
“I think these people are proud that he’s from here, that he carries himself the way he does off the field, as much as they are proud of what he can accomplish on the football field,” said Matt Frazee, a service manager for an auto dealership who on Friday nights in the fall is the radio voice of the Athens High School Bulldogs.
Athens High School is here, but the more picturesque and bustling college town of Athens is nine miles away. About 3,000 people live in The Plains, including Burrow’s parents, Jimmy and Robin.
The community has a couple of stop lights, a few restaurants, scattered businesses and a lot of trailers in one of the poorest areas of the state. Burrow has talked about going to school with kids here who often didn’t have enough to eat.
“Let’s set the record straight — he’s from The Plains, Ohio,” said Sam Smathers, who started the youth football program here and was Burrow’s first coach. “So when you see it on TV and it says Athens, he is not from Athens.”
Close enough, say the people of Athens and the 20,000 or so students at Ohio University who have claimed a piece of him. Bars and restaurants have renamed menu items after him. There’s a Burrow banner stretched across Court Street and signs all over town. Burrow spent plenty of time in Athens, so it’s legit.
It’s different in The Plains though, more personal.
At the center of it is a feeling that Burrow left but didn’t leave the people behind.
Burrow’s poignant mention during his 2019 Heisman Trophy speech of the poverty in the region turned into the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund, which has taken in $1.5 million in two years. Donations are still rolling in.
His face is not ubiquitous on national TV commercials, at least not yet, but last fall he used his name to help publicize a nonprofit program to help train Ohio workers for in-demand jobs.
People here see Burrow projecting the same unassuming cool, polite forthrightness and unshakeable confidence he always did. That he hasn’t changed makes him even more appealing: They can still identify with him.
Smathers, the former youth coach, is a 56-year-old retired electrician who now keeps busy driving a shuttle bus for the university. A big, gregarious guy with a graying ZZ Top beard, Smathers has lived across North McDonald Street from the scoreboard at the football field since 1988.
He watched from his porch this week as dozens of cars, many with out-of-state plates, rolled by slowly and went up the hill to the “Joe Burrow Stadium” sign. GiGi’s Country Kitchen, a breakfast place on the main drag where Burrow was fond of the Western omelet, is a regular tourist stop.
Bursting with pride that sometimes makes him emotional, Smathers is eating up the media attention this week. Everyone wants to come talk to the coach who first installed Joey as the peewee team’s quarterback in the third grade.
“Everybody is seeing what I’ve seen for years — you put Joe Burrow on the team, that’s the X factor,” Smathers said.
His garage, known locally as the Dog Pound, once stored football equipment for the youth league. Now it’s decorated with Burrow photos and memorabilia and serves as a gathering place for anybody who wants to talk football, watch games, or even review footage of Joey tossing TD passes as a sixth grader. Burrow himself headed to the Dog Pound to hang out when he was in town before the season.
That’s where Smathers will be watching Burrow and the Bengals face the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl on Sunday night.
Burrow grew up here because this is where his parents bought a house when Jimmy Burrow was hired away from North Dakota State by coach Frank Solich in 2005 to be defensive coordinator for the Ohio Bobcats. It was a reunion for the two coaches with deep Nebraska ties.
A lot of people are very glad he did.
Kevin Wiseman is the sports editor of The Athens Messenger and covered Burrow’s high school career. He thinks Burrow’s skyrocketing notoriety has been a galvanizing force for good that has nothing to do with whether the Bengals win the Super Bowl.
“I know Joe always talks a lot about how he’s thankful for the people from southeast Ohio,” Wiseman said, “but sometimes I’m not sure he understands — or he even could — how much people appreciate him here and how much he’s loved.”
___
More AP Super Bowl coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/tiny-ohio-town-bursting-with-pride-over-local-hero-burrow/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:08 | en | 0.977315 |
Non-financial debt jumps 11.9 pc to Rs 371 lakh cr in Sept quarter: Report
- Country:
- India
Led by the general government debt, the country's non-financial sector debt grew 11.9 per cent year-on-year to Rs 371 lakh crore, or 170.2 per cent of GDP, in the September 2021 quarter, even as the indebtedness of the households declined marginally, according to a report.
However, this is lower than the previous fiscal, when it had touched 180.2 per cent of GDP after a three per cent contraction in the nominal GDP during FY21, according to the report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
At 180.2 per cent of GDP in FY21, this was the peak as against 155 per cent in FY20. Also, the debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio contracted to 170.2 per cent of GDP in the June 2021 quarter, with the normalisation of nominal GDP, which grew at 14.7 per cent.
The general government debt (Centre and states combined) has grown strongly by 16.1 per cent in the September 2021 quarter; while non-government, non-financial debt rose at a much slower pace of 7.7 per cent, according to the report.
The total non-financial sector (NFS) debt stood at Rs 371 lakh crore in the September 2021 quarter, up from Rs 356 lakh crore in the March 2021 quarter and Rs 361 lakh crore in the June 2021 quarter.
As much as two-thirds of the rise in debt in the second quarter over the previous quarter was due to the government sector, as household debt growth ebbed, corporate debt growth spiked leading to an overall rise of 11.9 per cent in the second quarter, similar to the 12.2 per cent average growth over the previous two quarters.
Government borrowing has been the key driver of higher debt growth over the past few quarters. General government debt continued to rise at 16.1 per cent in the September 2021 quarter, though the Centre and states debt rose 15.1 per cent and 13.6 per cent, respectively. However, both fell to 57.6 per cent and 29.1 per cent of GDP in Q2FY22, from the 15-year peak of 58.9 per cent and 30.5 per cent in the March 2021 quarter, respectively.
In contrast, non-government non-financial debt rose 7.7 per cent or 83.5 per cent of GDP in Q2FY22, lower than the peak of 90.9 per cent of GDP in FY21, which is the highest growth in nine quarters, but still modest.
Within this, household debt growth softened to a five-quarter low of 9.1 per cent.
Household debt fell to 34.9 per cent of GDP in Q2FY22, from its peak of 38.1 per cent in Q4FY21. Non-financial corporate debt stood at 48.6 per cent of GDP, lower than the peak of 52.8 per cent in Q1FY21, thus marking the lowest level in seven years.
While housing and non-housing debt grew slower, non-housing debt continued to outpace housing debt. Non-housing debt grew 9.7 per cent, which is the slowest in five quarters and accounted for 71.2 per cent of total household debt. Housing debt rose a modest 7.7 per cent, which is the slowest in three quarters. But, this is modest given that the average growth of this debt was 15 per cent in the pre-pandemic decade.
An analysis of non-government non-financial debt suggests that growth by banks, NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) and bonds stood at two-three quarters high, while growth was at a five-quarter high through external commercial borrowings.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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- Q1FY21
- Q2FY22
- September 2021 quarter
- Motilal Oswal Financial Services | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920869-non-financial-debt-jumps-119-pc-to-rs-371-lakh-cr-in-sept-quarter-report | 2022-02-13T08:36:13 | en | 0.958536 |
BEIJING (AP) — It’s no secret the young United States men’s hockey team is fast and skilled.
Turns out the kids can hit, too.
Answering all the questions raised about their youth and inexperience, the U.S. went toe to toe with Canada in a bruising matchup between the longtime rivals. Using not just speed and skill but also a healthy dose of physicality against bigger, stronger opponents, the Americans emerged with a hard-earned 4-2 victory Saturday and are unbeaten in two games at the Olympics.
“We didn’t back down from their physical play,” said captain Andy Miele, who led the U.S. with a goal and an assist. “I love the way our team responded. I’m so proud of this group. We took a beating. They kept on going forward, we kept on coming back at them and got the outcome that we deserved.”
Thanks to Miele’s response goal 70 seconds after Canada scored and 35 saves by Strauss Mann, the U.S. is in the driver’s seat to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Beating Germany on Sunday night would put the Americans first in the group and could made them the top seed in the knockout round.
With eight players under age 21, the U.S. was one of the hardest teams to figure out in a tournament without NHL talent. The boom or bust potential of the youngest team in the tournament was on full display against Canada.
With Claude Julien back behind the bench two weeks after breaking his ribs in a sledding accident, the Canadians figured they’d use their size and physicality to wear down the smaller Americans over the course of 60 minutes. Instead, the U.S. — with 12 college players on the ice — went hit for hit with Canada and used a combination of offensive skill and bad opposing goaltending to take control of the game.
“The kids can play, I think it’s safe to say,” said Kenny Agostino, who scored the fourth U.S. goal. “It’s clear we’ve got a lot of speed and a lot of talent, but I think this was a man’s game tonight: Canada-U.S.A., there’s no real explanation needed. I think all of them stepped up and played like men out there.”
There were some hiccups, like Mann allowing a soft goal to Mat Robinson from the boards 40 feet away 1:24 in. Miele’s goal kept the U.S. from playing from behind for too long.
Brian O’Neill, the lone returnee from the 2018 Olympics, called falling behind early “good adversity” after routing China 8-0 in the opener. Facing and beating Canada was a test that the U.S. passed by leaning on strengths like playing fast and also adapting to changes in the pace of the game.
“The biggest thing for us is just playing fast,” said Harvard forward Sean Farrell, who assisted on Ben Meyers’ goal and has six points through two games. “We have a bunch of guys who can play fast, and if we add that physical component as well, it’s going to be really hard for teams to break pucks out, and when we turn pucks over we have the skill to capitalize.”
Canada has plenty of skill up and down the lineup, too, but goaltender Eddie Pasquale gave the U.S. a gift when he flubbed the puck behind the net to set up Brendan Brisson’s second goal of the tournament. He was also shaky on Agostino’s goal.
“I fought the puck pretty much all night,” said Pasquale, who allowed four goals on 27 shots. “I gave up two weak ones. If I make those two saves, we’re 2-2 going into overtime.”
Instead, Canada wraps up preliminary round play against China on Sunday night hoping to pick up one of the other three spots in the quarterfinals and avoid the qualification round.
“Sometimes you ask your players have short memories,” Julien said. “And that’s what we have to have. At the same time, you’ve got to remember why we lost this game and make sure it doesn’t happen in the next one.”
In other action, the Czech Republic beat the Russians 6-5 in overtime, Germany beat China 3-2 and Denmark beat Switzerland 5-3.
NOTES: The U.S. and Canada faced off at the Olympics for the first time since the semifinals at the 2014 Sochi Games, the last time NHL players participated. Canada won that game 1-0 on the way to a second consecutive gold medal. … U.S. defenseman Jake Sanderson played 16:59 in his first game at the Olympics. He was a late arrival in Beijing after being stuck in Los Angeles in virus protocol.
___
Follow AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SWhyno
___
More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/us-beats-canada-young-americans-start-olympics-2-0/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:15 | en | 0.96879 |
Godrej Properties plans Rs 7,500 cr investment in next 12-18 mths to acquire, develop new projects
- Country:
- India
Sitting on a huge cash pile, Godrej Properties plans to invest around Rs 7,500 crore over the next 12-18 months on acquisition and development of new real estate projects.
In an interview with PTI, Godrej Executive Chairman Pirojsha Godrej sounded upbeat on the growth potential in the housing and commercial real estate segments especially in four major markets -- Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Pune -- where the company has a huge presence. ''We will invest USD 1 billion (around Rs 7,500 crore) over the next 12-18 months on development of new projects,'' Pirojsha said, adding that the planned investments would be in mix of equity and debt.
Godrej Properties, the largest listed realty firm in the last fiscal in terms of sales bookings, acquires new projects through outright purchase of land parcels and also forming joint ventures with land owners.
Pirojsha said the company acquired three projects in the third quarter of this fiscal and the pipeline is strong.
''Q4 should be good for us in both sales bookings and new project acquisitions. We are likely to close many deals this quarter,'' he hoped.
In March last year, Godrej Properties had raised Rs 3,750 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) process as part of its objective to strengthen the company's balance sheet and future business growth.
Its net debt is mere Rs 313 crore as on December 31, 2021. The debt equity ratio is also only 0.04.
When asked about entering into new cities, Pirojsha said: ''We are interested in Hyderabad. But its not our top priority. There are huge opportunities in top four key markets where we have a major presence.'' The company intends to enter Hyderabad in a big way and not just for development of one or two projects, he said.
On operational performance, Pirojsha said the company is likely to achieve an all-time high sale bookings in the 2021-22 financial year, beating the last year's record of Rs 6,725 crore.
''We will have decent growth in sales bookings this fiscal,'' he said.
During the first nine months of the current 2021-22 fiscal year, the company has clocked a sales bookings of Rs 4,613 crore -- up 13 per cent from the year-ago period.
Out of the total sales bookings, residential properties contributed Rs 4,559 crore and commercial Rs 54 crore.
Pirojsha expressed confidence of achieving its highest quarterly sales bookings during January-March 2022, beating previous record of Rs 2,632 crore, on the back of launch of 10 new projects.
He noted that the residential market has revived strongly after the second wave of the COVID pandemic.
Mumbai-based Godrej Properties Ltd, which is part of business conglomerate Godrej Industries Ltd, plans to launch two housing projects in the national capital in the next 2-3 months.
Recently, Godrej Properties Ltd reported that its consolidated net profit in December quarter nearly trebled to Rs 38.95 crore.
Its net profit stood at Rs 14.35 crore in the same period of 2020-21.
Total income increased to Rs 466.91 crore in the quarter from Rs 311.12 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Net profit jumped multi-fold to Rs 91.68 crore during the first nine months of 2021-22 from Rs 2.19 crore in the year-ago period.
Total income rose to Rs 1,063.12 crore during the April-December period of this fiscal year from Rs 757.01 crore a year ago. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to invest Rs 700 crore in D B Realty but later cancelled the proposed deal after its minority shareholders and other stakeholders raised concerns.
''There were concerns with the structure of the investment as well as with the slum redevelopment business in general,'' Pirojsha had said.
Established in 2010, Godrej Properties has successfully delivered around 20 million square feet of real estate in the past five years.
It currently has around 186 million square feet of developable area in 81 projects across India.
Besides the four major focus cities, the company has small presence in Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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All higher education institutions in Chandigarh to reopen on February 1 | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920874-godrej-properties-plans-rs-7500-cr-investment-in-next-12-18-mths-to-acquire-develop-new-projects | 2022-02-13T08:36:21 | en | 0.955347 |
BEIJING (AP) — The 15-year-old figure skating star at the center of Russia’s latest doping scandal, now stretching toward its second week and some form of resolution, seems to be the only person in the world without a word to say about it.
Instead, Kamila Valieva continues to gamely practice at the Beijing Olympics amid a sea of media and camera crews as the Court of Arbitration for Sport decides whether she is even allowed to compete this week. An expedited hearing was scheduled for Sunday night, with a ruling expected sometime Monday.
Valieva has yet to miss a scheduled practice since a drug test taken in December was flagged last Monday for traces of a banned heart medication. That was the same day the reigning European champion helped the Russian skaters win team gold with a dynamic free skate in which she became the first woman to land a quad in Olympic competition.
It hasn’t always been easy to plug along as the world implodes around her, though. On several occasions, the stress appeared to have gotten to Valieva, including a moment during Saturday’s practice session when she fell during a triple axel and eventually skated to the boards and tearfully hugged her embattled coach, Eteri Tutberidze.
“Kamila is a strong girl,” offered Russian ice dancer Nikita Katsalapov, who along with her partner, Victoria Sinitsina, have tried to provide Valieva some much-needed support as three men in a Beijing hotel decide the fate of her Olympic dreams.
One way or another, Valieva will know soon whether she will be allowed to compete in the women’s short program on Tuesday. A decision by CAS is expected roughly 24 hours before the overwhelming favorite to win the gold medal is due on the ice at Capital Indoor Stadium; she drew the 26th starting spot Sunday among the 30 in the event.
“Victoria had a few minutes to share some words with her,” Katsalapov said. “(Victoria) asked her to, like, calm down just a little bit, even if it’s a hard situation around her right now.”
Valieva has yet to speak to the media since the news conference following the Russians’ team gold, when the seemingly unbeatable star looked every bit the precocious teenager. Between questions, she was snapping photos and texting with friends on her pink-cased cellphone, while squeezing tightly the plush Bing Dwen Dwen mascot given to each medalist.
Her joy was unmistakable: “We all did such a good job,” she gushed. “I’m very proud of my team.”
Now, all their gold medals hang in the balance, unlikely to be decided until long after the Olympics have ended.
The closed-loop system of the Olympic bubble, put in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19, has had the unintended consequence of giving Valieva some peace away from the rink. There are no people staking out the Olympic Village, trying to get even the shortest sound bite, providing her a bit of sanctuary from the nonstop news cycle.
Most critics taking to social media have largely supported Valieva, too, leveling their ire instead at Russian coaches and administrators responsible for her well-being. That includes Tutberidze, who also coaches teammates Alexandra Trusova and Anna Shcherbakova, and who has earned a reputation for using up and discarding her young athletes.
“Let’s be kind to the 15-year-old who produced a positive drug test because she lives in an institutionalized system where she was most likely guided and trusted the adults around her,” tweeted Mirai Nagasu, a member of the U.S. figure skating team four years ago at the Pyeongchang Games.
Ashley Wagner, another American figure skater who competed at the 2014 Sochi Games, was appalled that Russia is at the center of another doping scandal yet seems to continually get a pass from the International Olympic Committee.
Wagner also took aim at a skating culture that often champions teenagers with little regard for their long-term health.
“Yes, a 15-year-old can be mature, and have a life that is already full of incredible experiences, but still, she is a kid,” Wagner said. “She’s not the first kid put in this position and she won’t be the last unless we start taking this seriously.”
At the center of the firestorm is Valieva, a high schooler with fuzzy pink skate guards and a beloved Pomeranian puppy back home. She did a perfect run-through of her record-setting short program during Sunday’s early practice at the main rink, then returned for a second session at the nearby practice rink a few hours later.
At one point, as dozens of cameras clicked for pictures, Valieva reached down and touched the ice.
The wait is on to see whether she can again at the Olympics.
“It’s always bad when something like that happens, so we’re very sorry for any athlete,” Russian ice dancer Gleb Smolkin said. “I think like everyone else, we are just waiting for the results of this story. We wish Kamila all the best. She’s a great athlete, she’s a great skater. She has a bright future.”
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Associated Press writer Sally Ho contributed to this report.
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More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/valieva-gamely-presses-on-amid-olympic-doping-controversy/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:22 | en | 0.972621 |
Union minister makes case for turning Odisha’s Word War-II airstrip into modern airport
Union minister Bishweswar Tudu on Sunday said he is hopeful that the Centre will give its nod for turning the now-defunct Armada Road Airstrip in Odishas Mayurbhanj district, which was operational during World War-II, into a modern airport.
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- India
Union minister Bishweswar Tudu on Sunday said he is hopeful that the Centre will give its nod for turning the now-defunct Armada Road Airstrip in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, which was operational during World War-II, into a modern airport. Making an aggressive pitch for its revival, Tudu said the airstrip is located 225 km from state capital Bhubaneswar and only 90 km from the Kalaikunda air force station, and can be used for commercial and defence purposes. “I have taken up the matter with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Both of them have found the place suitable for a modern airport as it is strategically located,” Tudu told PTI over phone. A team of experts from the Airports Authority of India has already visited the site, and “we are hopeful that the authorities will soon accord a no-objection certificate”, said the Union minister of State for Tribal Affairs and Jal Shakti. The 1,000-acre piece of land in Rasgovindpur block falls under the purview of the defence ministry and it needs to be handed over to the civil aviation ministry, he said.
The Armada Road Airstrip, once it turns into an airport, will cater to an estimated 82 lakh people, mostly in north Odisha, south Bengal and east Jharkhand.
Tudu said the proposed airport will also address the requirements of key institutions like the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district and IIT-Kharagpur in West Bengal.
“If the airstrip becomes operational, it can be used for both commercial and defence purposes, akin to the airports in Pune and Guwahati,” he said.
The Rasgovindpur Airstrip (as it is known today) has a short but “secret illustrious history”, which has never been made public, said war historian Anil Dhir, adding, it had the “longest runway in Asia, over 3.5-km long”.
“Today, if you look at the silent runway lying mostly vacant apart from a few odd cows grazing, it would be difficult to associate the airport with activities of any kind. But, this airstrip played a very important role in Indian defence during World War-II,” Dhir said.
He said no details of the events that took place here between 1943 and 1945 exist, not even in government and military records.
“The station came into existence during the war as a forward airfield against the Japanese conquest of Burma. The large airstrip served its purpose well as a landing ground for planes and also as a training space for special bombing missions,” the historian said.
Built in the 1940s at a cost of Rs 3 crore, it was eventually abandoned after the war.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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BEIJING (AP) — Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva will find out Monday if she can compete at the Olympics in the women’s competition, which starts a day later.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Saturday the expedited hearing on Valieva’s doping case will be held Sunday night in Beijing, with a ruling by Monday afternoon.
The 15-year-old skater, the favorite to win the gold medal, broke down in tears after an emotional practice session Saturday.
At the court’s closed-door hearing, which will be held by video link, lawyers for the Russian Olympic team and Valieva can ask the three judges to listen to a personal statement from her.
“If she attends I assume it will be by video conference,” CAS director general Matthieu Reeb said at the court’s hotel base. “It will be a long night. It could be four or five hours.”
Valieva’s status at the Olympics became unclear after she tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine in Russia in December. She won a gold medal in the team event five days ago, before the test result was known, and is scheduled to compete as an individual Tuesday.
On Saturday, Valieva fell during practice on a triple axel — a jump she typically executes without a problem — while doing a run-through of her short program. She later landed two combos, a triple flip-triple toe loop and a triple lutz-triple toe loop before skating to the boards and giving her coach, Eteri Tutberidz e, an emotional hug.
Earlier Saturday, CAS confirmed it has received appeals from both the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency challenging Valieva’s right to compete.
The Russian Anti-Doping Agency gave her an automatic ban after testing positive. A day later, RUSADA lifted the provisional ban. The IOC filed an urgent appeal, which the Court of Arbitration of Sport will hear Sunday.
“It was sending a signal that we want this solved as quickly as it can be,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams.
The legal process is unusually complex because of Valieva’s status as a minor, which gives her protections in the anti-doping rule book.
Because Valieva is only 15, her ultimate penalty could be as little as a reprimand. Her entourage of coaches and doctors face more scrutiny because the World Anti-Doping Code mandates they are automatically put under investigation.
Valieva tested positive in a sample given on Dec. 25, when she won the Russian national championships.
That sample was the responsibility of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, known as RUSADA. It was sent to a WADA-approved laboratory in Stockholm, Sweden, for analysis.
On Monday — hours after Valieva’s skating helped the Russians win the Olympic team event — the Stockholm lab notified RUSADA the test was positive.
The three CAS judges, from Italy, the United States and Slovenia, will consider only the request to re-impose the interim ban on Valieva. It will be chaired by Milan-based lawyer Fabio Iudica.
The American judge, Jeffrey Benz, is a former national-level figure skater and one of the most in-demand arbitrators for CAS cases. Vesna Bergant Rakočeviċ is a high court judge in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana.
Whether the Russian team keeps the gold medal in the team event is a separate issue that will be decided later.
The full investigation of the doping case is for RUSADA to handle and could take months. That could also be appealed to CAS.
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AP Sports Writers Dave Skretta and James Ellingworth contributed to this report.
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More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/valievas-doping-case-on-the-docket-at-beijing-olympics/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:29 | en | 0.9595 |
Fire breaks out at adjacent sweet shops in Uttam Nagar; 3 people rescued
Three people were rescued after a fire broke out at two sweet shops located next to each other in the Uttam Nagar area of southwest Delhi on Sunday, fire service officials said.The flames have been doused by fire-fighters, they said, adding that there were no casualties.Atul Garg, Director General, Delhi Fire Service, said a call regarding the fire was received around 10.45 am and five fire tenders were pressed into service.The fire was in two sweet shops.
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- India
Three people were rescued after a fire broke out at two sweet shops located next to each other in the Uttam Nagar area of southwest Delhi on Sunday, fire service officials said.
The flames have been doused by fire-fighters, they said, adding that there were no casualties.
Atul Garg, Director General, Delhi Fire Service, said a call regarding the fire was received around 10.45 am and five fire tenders were pressed into service.
''The fire was in two sweet shops. Three people who got trapped inside were rescued by our team. No causality has been reported, and the fire was doused by 11.45 am,'' he said.
The cooling process will be carried out as per procedure, and the cause of the fire is being ascertained, Garg said.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Covid cases decline in Delhi, but containment zone count still over 40K | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920894-fire-breaks-out-at-adjacent-sweet-shops-in-uttam-nagar-3-people-rescued | 2022-02-13T08:36:36 | en | 0.984541 |
Jacques Villeneuve tried 14 years ago to race the Daytona 500 to add to his storied racing resume. He failed to make the field and moved on with his career.
Now he’s returning to Daytona International Speedway to give it another shot. The Canadian will attempt to qualify for the biggest race on the NASCAR calendar next week for a team trying to work its way to the top of stock car racing.
Why would a 50-year-old former Formula One champion and Indianapolis 500 winner even bother?
“The Daytona 500 is one of the three big races on the planet,” Villeneuve said. “You have the Le Mans 24, the Indy 500 and Daytona, so that’s one reason for doing it. And you know, you have a good race, then you end up doing a few more?”
Villeneuve won the Indy 500 in 1995 and two years later was the F1 champion. He spent 11 seasons at the top level of motorsports. When he lost his F1 seat at the end of 2006, he simply searched for new racing opportunities.
His journey took him to Talladega Superspeedway for a 21st-place finish in his NASCAR debut in 2007, five races in the Xfinity Series at the Montreal road course named after his late father, and seven Truck Series races. Villeneuve raced in a handful of NASCAR feeder series, in supercars, in Formula E and finally two seasons in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.
Now he’s trying to help Team Hezeberg launch its program and hopes to qualify his way into his first Cup race since 2013 at Sonoma. Team Hezberg is a new collaborative effort between former sports car driver Toine Hezemans, Dutch businessman Ernst Berg and Reaume Brothers Racing.
The team is planning a partial schedule this season that focuses on the six road course races on the 2022 Cup schedule. Loris Hezemans, son of the team owner, has been announced as the primary driver but the 24-year-old is not approved to race at Daytona.
And that’s where Villeneuve, who counts four Cup races among his 20 starts across NASCAR’s national series, entered the picture. He drives for the team in Europe alongside the younger Hezemans and agreed to help with the Daytona 500 effort.
“I’ve never stopped racing. I’ve never stopped wanting to race in NASCAR, which is why I was racing a little bit in Europe,” he said. “But now with the European team, coming in with a Heisenberg, we got in contact so they were wanting the general experience. It’s not everyone who wants to drive for an unqualified car. It’s a tough endeavor and it is a small team. But there are good chances that we make the show.”
The No. 27 Ford will be among six expected entries trying to claim one of four open spots in the 40-car field. Villeneuve can make the show either through time trials on Wednesday night, or in Thursday night’s qualifying races. He said the situation reminds him of the start of his career racing Formula 3 in Italy and under immense pressure to make the field.
“If you don’t make Daytona, having won F1 and the Indy 500, I guess it could be a bit difficult,” he said. “If you don’t make the show, you just damage yourself. Basically you damage your reputation, you can damage the 30 years of hard work you put into your career. So there’s always a big risk involved in that aspect.
“But I just love racing. I’m passionate. I’m alive when I’m behind a steering wheel and the bigger the race, the better.”
He’s embracing the pressure, turning the experience into a big family adventure. Villeneuve and his wife will pull his two teenage children out of school to travel to Daytona, along with their two-week old newborn.
“It’s going to be quite a weekend, an important weekend,” he said. “If we can make the show in qualifying, it will be a very exciting time.”
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More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/villeneuve-tries-to-add-daytona-500-to-his-storied-career/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:36 | en | 0.974624 |
BEIJING (AP) — Sunday is a sports bonanza for NBC, which is airing the Super Bowl in addition to the Winter Olympics. It’s the first time those two events are happening at the same time, and the chance to air them both is part of the reason NBC switched Super Bowl spots with CBS and took this year’s game.
The football game is obviously forcing some changes in NBC’s Olympic schedule. Instead of its usual afternoon and prime time slots, NBC will have coverage from 8 a.m. ET until Super Bowl pregame coverage at noon. Olympic coverage picks up again after the game, when NBC plans to show live coverage of ice dancing’s free dance.
For those uninterested in the football game, USA Network will also carry the ice dancing live, starting at 8:15 p.m.
Here are some things to watch (all times Eastern):
ICE DANCING
Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France lead after the rhythm dance, with world champions Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia second. The American duos of Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue and Madison Chock and Evan Bates are third and fourth.
Papadakis and Cizeron finished second at the 2018 Olympics to the now-retired Canadian team of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.
“These Olympics are so different from four years ago. We are in a very different place,” Cizeron said. “I think with all the experience we’ve gained we have become more mature. We know better what we are doing, so we are enjoying it better.”
SPEEDSKATING
Erin Jackson is a favorite in the 500 meters, although she nearly missed out on competing. She slipped at the U.S. trials in this event and didn’t make the team, but Brittany Bowe gave up her spot in the 500. Bowe ended up in the event anyway because the U.S. received a third quota spot.
The 500 is supposed to start just before 9 a.m. NBC plans to carry it live, with an encore presentation after the Super Bowl. USA Network will also have coverage of it at 7:30 p.m.
BOBSLED
Monobob gives women’s bobsledders a second medal event at the Olympics, along with the two-woman competition. U.S. standouts Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor were hoping four-man would be added on the women’s side, but many nations lack depth among female bobsledders, so monobob is in the Olympics instead.
“Nothing’s a given here,” Meyers Taylor said. “I think some good things can happen, but it’s going to take everything I have and I’m going to give it everything I have.”
NBC plans to show the final monobob run live after the Super Bowl.
TWO FOR GU?
Eileen Gu, already an Olympic champion this year in freestyle Big Air, has a chance to win another gold medal in slopestyle. The California native, who competes for China, was the 2021 world champion in that event.
NBC plans to show slopestyle during its late-night coverage.
ALSO OF NOTE
The U.S. men’s hockey team faces Germany live on USA Network at 8 a.m. NBC will also have live coverage of that game. … China has another good chance for a gold medal in the men’s 500 in short track speedskating. The final is scheduled to start at 7:14 a.m. and will be shown live on USA Network. The final of the women’s 3,000 relay is a half-hour earlier, also live on USA Network. NBC will air both those events in the morning as well, and USA Network will show them at night.
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Follow Noah Trister at https://www.twitter.com/noahtrister
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More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/winter-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/what-to-watch-football-then-ice-dancing-on-big-day-for-nbc/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:43 | en | 0.961203 |
Volumes to recover after two quarters along with margins: Godrej Consumer
- Country:
- India
FMCG major Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is expecting volume growth to recover gradually next fiscal along with improvement in margins, coming out from the consumption slowdown and inflationary pressures, according to company Managing Director & CEO Sudhir Sitapati.
The company will continue to focus on three existing categories - Household Insecticides, Air Care and Hair Colours - in both domestic as well as international markets for growth, as it believes there is ''plenty of opportunities'' in these areas.
The Godrej group FMCG arm expects to have a ''low volume growth and gradual improvement in EBITDA'' for the ongoing January-March and coming April-June quarters.
''As next year progresses, I expect volume growth to gradually recover but the EBITDA journey and the margin journey to go up continuously. I expect after two quarters or so, volumes will go up and margins will be a steady story going up,'' Sitapati told PTI.
Terming the current situation in the market as ''unprecedented'', the slowdown in the volumes is largely on account of inflation in the market.
''Given our portfolio, a lot of this volume loss is inventory led. Typically what happens when you take up prices, suddenly inventory is reduced at home in the pipeline. I hope at least some of this volume growth comes back,” Sitapati added.
Even in the past, when the market faces this kind of “massive inflation in the short term”, there is a very sharp contraction in volume and then goes back to some kind of number, not the normative number.
“The long-term objective for a company like GCPL is to move to double-digit volume growth. This year, with this kind of inflation, if we get a moderate volume growth, that would be good,” he added.
Like other FMCG makers, GCPL had last week also reported a price-driven high single-digit growth in its revenue from operations in Q3, though its volume growth in the domestic market was flat.
Sitapati said some volume growth should come back in the current quarter.
''… it takes a few quarters for it to come back. I do not think it will come back in a quarter or two. I think it should take two to three quarters for some amount of volume growth to come back,” he added.
However, Sitapati said there is a “silver lining” with GCPL and that is its margin story, which is better.
All leading FMCG companies, in their respective quarter results declared for October-December period, have reported a decline in the consumptions impacted by inflationary pressure, especially in the rural market.
“I actually feel there is a general slowdown in consumption, largely driven by inflation and pricing,” he said.
Sitapati believes presently GCPL’s category penetrations are “very low” and “pretty underdeveloped” and should focus on existing categories rather than do new things.
“The three big categories are our Household Insecticides, Air Care and Hair Colours businesses, both in India and abroad - at GCPL. Almost half the business is international. These are the portfolios we would focus on anywhere in the world,” he added.
The company as per its retail strategy would remain channel agnostics and follow the consumer first policy and be present whether online or offline, wherever shoppers shop.
Like others, GCPL also witnessed a rapid growth in the sales numbers after the pandemic and had also launched some digital native brands in baby care and in some product innovations.
“Consumers are increasingly shopping on e-commerce and therefore we have got a dedicated e-commerce team like many other companies, and our team is growing really fast. But I would still say that our strategy is not a channel strategy as much as it's a consumer strategy, and channel serves that need,” he said.
Over Capex, Sitapati said it has projects lined up for innovations and capital for automation, though he did not share any numbers.
“A lot of companies need to automate and invest more in the capital in the near future. I feel like that is the appropriate strategy for companies to spend on Capex and automation,” he added.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920896-volumes-to-recover-after-two-quarters-along-with-margins-godrej-consumer | 2022-02-13T08:36:43 | en | 0.969133 |
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kevin Fiala and Frederick Gaudreau each had a goal and an assist for the Minnesota Wild, who held on for a 3-2 victory over Carolina after consecutive goals by Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov tightend the game in the third period on Saturday night.
Kirill Kaprizov also scored and Cam Talbot made 37 saves for the Wild, who are 10-1-1 in their last 12 games. Talbot has won four straight starts, with a total of five goals allowed.
“It just continues to grow our confidence, to know that we can hang in there with one of the best teams in the league and come out on top,” Talbot said. “They were relentless all over the ice.”
Svechnikov has 11 goals in his last 17 games. He scored 1:21 apart, giving the Hurricanes more than two-thirds of the final frame to tie it, but Talbot was up to the task.
“When you play a pretty good game and create enough to win, those are tough,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said.
The Hurricanes and Wild brought two of the top six records in the NHL into this game, and the pace of play was on par with their lofty perches in the standings.
“If they’re contenders, so are we. That’s what we feel like,” said Fiala, who has 10 goals and eight assists in his last 14 games.
Frederik Andersen stopped 24 shots for the Hurricanes, who fell to 17-5-2 in their last 24 games. Andersen is 14-2-1 in his last 17 starts, with just 34 goals allowed in that stretch, but the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes went 1-2-1 on this four-game road trip.
“It’s a playoff type feel to the game. A real physical team, good team,” said defenseman Tony DeAngelo, who had two assists. “If we keep playing like that — we’ve just got to do it for 60 minutes — I’m not too worried.”
The game was scoreless until the 10:14 mark of the second period.
After Gaudreau maneuvered around Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei as they chased a loose puck along the boards, Gaudreau’s centering pass to Matt Blody was poked away by Brett Pesce. Fiala snagged it in the slot, drifted to his left and snapped a shot past Andersen’s right shoulder that scraped the underside of the crossbar.
That was the first goal against the Hurricanes, who have given up the fewest goals per game in the league, in a span of 127 minutes and 20 seconds.
Following the second intermission, the teams let loose. Kaprizov knocked in his own rebound for his 20th goal of the season to give the Wild a 2-0 lead at 1:16 of the third period. Gaudreau followed him just 78 seconds later, set up by a slick drop pass from a pivoting Fiala, and the fans fired up the “Sieve! Sieve! Sieve!” chant to taunt Andersen.
Then Svechnikov, the second overall pick in 2018 who is still just 21, single-handedly brought the Hurricanes back by finally solving the All-Star Talbot with a rocket from deep in the slot. Svechnikov tacked on another one, his 20th goal of the season, with a one-timer on the power play at the 6:23 mark.
The Hurricanes, who were coming off a 6-0 win at Boston on Thursday, allowed only one third-period goal over their previous three games and have the NHL’s best goal differential in the final 20 minutes of regulation.
“It is as good a team as we’ve seen. They do everything well. Their depth is great. Their sticks are great. They play fast. They compete. They’re heavy. It’s a real good hockey club,” Wild coach Dean Evason said.
The game was postponed from Dec. 14, when six Hurricanes players were placed in the COVID-19 protocols in a 24-hour period. As that wave of cases washed over the league, the NHL backed out of the Beijing Olympics and used the space on the schedule this month to make up the 98 games that were called off between mid-November and mid-January.
HURRICANE HOMECOMING
Carolina right wing Derek Stepan (Hastings) and Skjei (Lakeville) are both natives of the Twin Cities area who had plenty of family and friends in attendance. This was their first game at Minnesota as a member of the Hurricanes, whose last visit to Xcel Energy Center was on Nov. 16, 2019.
GAME NOTES
Minnesota played without Marcus Foligno, who served the first game of a two-game suspension for kneeing Winnipeg’s Adam Lowry against the Jets on Tuesday. Brandon Duhaime replaced Foligno on the second line. … Jesperi Kotkaniemi cleared COVID-19 protocols and returned to Carolina’s lineup after missing the last three games.
UP NEXT
The Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night, their first home game in 17 days.
The Wild host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.
___
More AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/wild-get-goal-assist-from-fiala-gaudreau-beat-canes-3-2/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:50 | en | 0.972681 |
Bank loan fraud: ED arrests Hyderabad-based jewellery firm promoter
The stock was already hypothecated to the PNB against gold loan availed by the firm, it said.The CBI had also booked Agarwal and others others for fraudulently removing gold and jewellery hypothecated to the PNB against gold loan availed by his firm and thereby causing a loss of Rs 31.97 crore to the Punjab National Bank. PTI NES DV DV
- Country:
- India
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday said it has arrested a managing partner of a Hyderabad-based gems and jewelry firm in a money laundering case linked to an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 67 crore.
Sanjay Agarwal was produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Hyderabad on February 11 and the court remanded him to 15 days of judicial custody.
Agarwal is a managing partner in Ghanshyamdas gems and jewels, Hyderabad is engaged in wholesale trading of gold.
He was already lodged in a Kolkata jail after the ED had arrested him in another money laundering case linked to the alleged diversion of duty-free export bound gold in the domestic market.
The latest case, the agency said in a statement, is related to a ''loan fraud case in which the State Bank of India (SBI), Hyderabad, suffered a loss of Rs 67 crore.'' The probe found that ''in In 2010-2011, Agarwal fraudulently procured gold bullion from SBI by producing fake and forged bank guarantees and covering letters purportedly issued by PNB and sold the gold bullion in the local market to various jewelers and small traders in cash.'' The cash was ''diverted'' to several other firms floated by Agarwal in the name of his wife, brothers, and his employees, it alleged.
''Later, after default on the gold loan happened, the SBI found that the bank guarantees and letters were forged. On 17.08.2011, Agarwal and his brothers Ajay and Vinay clandestinely removed the entire stock of gold and jewelry kept at their store in Abids, Hyderabad,'' the ED said. The stock was already hypothecated to the PNB against gold loan availed by the firm, it said.
The CBI had also booked Agarwal and others for ''fraudulently removing gold and jewelry hypothecated to the PNB against gold loan availed by his firm and thereby causing a loss of Rs 31.97 crore to the Punjab National Bank.''
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Opinion divided on minister Ajay Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920902-bank-loan-fraud-ed-arrests-hyderabad-based-jewellery-firm-promoter | 2022-02-13T08:36:52 | en | 0.971962 |
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson had 22 points and No. 8 Kansas used a late run to beat Oklahoma 71-69 on Saturday.
The Jayhawks (20-4, 9-2 Big 12) scored 11 straight points during a 15-2 burst to take the lead in the final minutes.
The Sooners closed to 70-69 before Wilson hit a free throw. Jordan Goldwire’s jumper in the last seconds caromed away for Oklahoma (14-11, 4-8).
“How about that? We had to win it about three times and then almost lost it,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “We had one timeout left and I probably should have called it. I thought I’d save it in case something bad happened.”
“Just don’t let them shoot a 3 and fortunately they had to shoot a hard two and missed. I thought we defended the last possession pretty well,” he said.
Christian Braun had 18 points for Kansas. Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack each added 11.
Agbaji was held nearly 10 points below his season average of 20.3, best in the Big 12. Wilson and Braun knew they had to step up, especially in the second half.
“There was so much more energy,” Wilson said. “We were dead at the start of the game. The thing we do best is run. When we do that, it ignites everyone and gets the crowd going.”
Goldwire had 20 and Tanner Groves 19 for the Sooners. Elijah Harless had 12 points and Jalen Hill had 10.
Groves hit four of his first eight 3-point attempts, but Kansas freshman Zach Clemence, who had missed six weeks with a broken toe, caused him to miss his last three attempts.
“He was the only big who could hedge a ball screen and get back to Groves,” Self said. “I thought our best chance to win was with Zach. I think he played a big role in us winning.”
Neither team got much production from its bench. Oklahoma had just eight points for its reserves while Kansas had only three.
McCormack’s hook shot from the baseline with 14:23 left in the second half gave the Jayhawks a 46-45 edge, their first lead since 11-9. Oklahoma pulled away again by five points, but Clemence hit a 3 with 7:01 left to give Kansas the lead — those were the only points off the KU bench.
Braun’s basket moments later gave Kansas a three-point lead. Agbaji hit the front end of a one-and-one and Braun hit a layup late in the shot clock, capping an 11-0 run and giving the Jayhawks their largest lead of the game at 63-57 with 3:50 left in the game. Oklahoma went nearly seven minutes without scoring a point.
Kansas was intent early on getting the ball into the low post. McCormack, who touched the ball on each of the team’s first six possessions, responded by scoring seven of the team’s first nine points.
Oklahoma took an eight-point lead and was up 34-31 at halftime.
BIG PICTURE
Oklahoma: The Sooners had trouble with Kansas’ size. The Sooners were outrebounded 32-26.
Kansas: The Jayhawks maintained their half-game lead over Baylor at the top of the Big 12.
UP NEXT
Oklahoma hosts No. 20 Texas on Wednesday night.
Kansas hosts Oklahoma State on Monday night.
____
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/College-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/wilson-scores-22-no-8-kansas-beats-oklahoma-71-69/ | 2022-02-13T08:36:57 | en | 0.982135 |
Govt to tighten MGNREGA scheme to plug 'tremendous leakages'
The government is working to tighten the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act MGNREGA scheme as tremendous leakages have been noticed in the flagship rural jobs programme for the past two years, a top official said.The Centre has allocated Rs 73,000 crore for 2022-23, which is 25 per cent lower than the Rs 98,000 crore provided in the revised estimate RE for the current fiscal.
- Country:
- India
The government is working to tighten the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme as ''tremendous leakages'' have been noticed in the flagship rural jobs programme for the past two years, a top official said.
The Centre has allocated Rs 73,000 crore for 2022-23, which is 25 per cent lower than the Rs 98,000 crore provided in the revised estimate (RE) for the current fiscal. The allocation for the next fiscal is same as was budget estimate (BE) for the current fiscal, which will end in March 2022.
The official said in the last two years, the RE has been higher than the BE significantly and it has been noticed that tremendous leakages are going on and middlemen are taking money for enrolling names of beneficiaries under the scheme.
''Direct Benefit Transfer has succeeded in reaching money directly to the person, but still there are human systems... . There are middlemen who are telling the people that I will put your name in the MGNREGA master roll, but you will have to withdraw cash and give me after you get the DBT transfer. It is happening in a big way," the official told PTI.
''It is a recent phenomenon in the last two years. So much money has flown that there is now a temptation to grab the money deceitfully. The Ministry of Rural Development will tighten it,'' he added.
Explaining the modus operandi, the official further said that the arrangement between the beneficiary and the middlemen is that since the beneficiary is giving some share to the middleman he would not even go for work and hence no work is taking place.
''The government has been very liberal in allocating MNREGA funds in the last two years. We put in Rs 1.11 lakh crore in 2020-21. It used to be Rs 35,000 crore in 2014-15," the official said.
During the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when the scheme was ramped up and given its highest-ever budget of Rs 1.11 lakh crore, higher than the budget estimate of Rs 61,500 crore.
For the next financial year, the budget allocation is Rs 73,000 crore, while the revised estimates for the current fiscal pegs the expenditure at Rs 98,000 crore.
MGNREGA is aimed at enhancing livelihood security of households in rural areas of the country by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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MGNREGA allocation not slashed, clarifies Finance Secretary | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/1920908-govt-to-tighten-mgnrega-scheme-to-plug-tremendous-leakages | 2022-02-13T08:37:00 | en | 0.951802 |
Priya Bapat wraps 'Visfot' shoot
Finished shooting for visfot Cant thank you enough kookievgulati it was an amazing experience working with you and the entire team of visfot Thank you sanjaygupta tseries.official for giving me this opportunity, Bapat wrote.Gulati, who last helmed Abhishek Bachchan-starrer The Big Bull, called Bapat a talent powerhouse and said it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.Visfot marks the reunion of Khan and Deshmukh after the 2007 comedy Heyy Babyy.
- Country:
- India
Actor Priya Bapat on Sunday said she has finished filming her upcoming thriller ''Visfot'', featuring Riteish Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan.
Produced by filmmaker Sanjay Gupta's White Feather Films and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series, ''Visfot'' is the official remake of the 2012 Venezuelan film ''Rock, Paper, Scissors''.
The 35-year-old actor took to Instagram and posted pictures from the sets of the Kookie Gulati directorial.
''And that’s a wrap! Finished shooting for #visfot Can’t thank you enough @kookievgulati it was an amazing experience working with you and the entire team of #visfot Thank you @_sanjaygupta @tseries.official for giving me this opportunity,'' Bapat wrote.
Gulati, who last helmed Abhishek Bachchan-starrer 'The Big Bull', called Bapat a ''talent powerhouse'' and said it was an ''absolute pleasure'' to work with her.
''Visfot'' marks the reunion of Khan and Deshmukh after the 2007 comedy ''Heyy Babyy''. It also marks the return of Khan to screens after the 2010 film ''Dulha Mil Gaya''.
According to the makers, the film ''thrives on the collision between Mumbai's stark contrasts - the chawls of Dongri and the highrises.'' Bapat was last seen in season two of ''City of Dreams''.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Religious leaders call on Zuckerberg to scrap Instagram Kids plans | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/1920862-priya-bapat-wraps-visfot-shoot | 2022-02-13T08:37:07 | en | 0.906299 |
Rihanna makes red carpet debut with A$AP Rocky post pregnancy revelation
Pop icon Rihanna reflected her fashion best as she made her red carpet debut with beau A$AP Rocky, post the pair announced they are expecting their first baby.
- Country:
- United States
Pop icon Rihanna reflected her fashion best as she made her red carpet debut with beau A$AP Rocky, post the pair announced they are expecting their first baby. The Grammy winner opened up on how she is embracing her ever-changing body post-pregnancy on Friday night during her Fenty Beauty Universe Event in Los Angeles.
Speaking about styling her new physique, Rihanna said it is a "fun," yet, "a challenge" to showcase her eclectic style while with a child in an interview with People magazine, adding, "I like it. I'm enjoying it." "I'm enjoying not having to worry about covering up my tummy," Rihanna said adding, "If I feel a little chubby, it's like, whatever! It's a baby!"
The songstress added that fashion has given her great confidence as she prepares to become a first-time mother. "Right now, being pregnant, some days you just feel like, 'Ugh, I just want to lay here on this couch all day.' But when you put on a little face and a little lipstick, you transform," she shared with People magazine.
"You put some clothes on, and it's like when you look good, you feel good," Rihanna said adding, "I've heard that for a very long time, but it's true. It really can get you up off that couch and make you feel like a bad bitch." The beauty mogul is expecting her first child with beau, rapper A$AP Rocky. She debuted her baby bump beneath a long pink jacket that was kept closed by just one button. Rihanna completed the look with a long embellished necklace, which adorned her bump with jewels. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/1920883-rihanna-makes-red-carpet-debut-with-aap-rocky-post-pregnancy-revelation | 2022-02-13T08:37:15 | en | 0.981747 |
There's a tonal shift: Kevin Feige on Disney Plus' 'Moon Knight' series
In an interview with Empire magazine, Feige said the Disney Plus show, based on the Marvel comics character, marks a tonal shift in the way the studio has perceived its content till now.
- Country:
- United States
Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has revealed that the upcoming ''Moon Knight'' series is a lot more edgier than their other films and shows.
The series follows Oscar Issac's Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, as he becomes troubled by blackouts and memories of another life.
Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with Marc Spector, an elite soldier and mercenary who decides to fight crime after he becomes the human avatar of Khonshu, the Egyptian god of the moon. In an interview with Empire magazine, Feige said the Disney Plus show, based on the Marvel comics character, marks a ''tonal shift'' in the way the studio has perceived its content till now. ''He’s brutal. It’s been fun to work with Disney+ and see the boundaries shifting on what we’re able to do. There are moments (in the series) when Moon Knight is wailing on another character, and it is loud and brutal, and the knee-jerk reaction is, ‘We’re gonna pull back on this, right?’ No. We’re not pulling back. There’s a tonal shift. This is a different thing. This is Moon Knight,'' he said.
Feige is attached as executive producer on ''Moon Knight'' series along with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Jeremy Slater, Diab and Isaac.
Mohamed Diab and the duo of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead have directed the episodes. Jeremy Slater is credited as the head writer.
Also starring Ethan Hawke and and May Calamawy, the show will start streaming on Disney Plus from March 30.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/1920906-theres-a-tonal-shift-kevin-feige-on-disney-plus-moon-knight-series | 2022-02-13T08:37:23 | en | 0.941292 |
UP polls Phase 2: Sugarcane farmers to decide fate of candidates in 55 seats on Monday
With problems faced by sugarcane farmers being one of the top poll issues in Uttar Pradesh, the state's major belt for the cashcrop is going for second phase voting on February 14.
- Country:
- India
With problems faced by sugarcane farmers being one of the top poll issues in Uttar Pradesh, the state's major belt for the cashcrop is going for second phase voting on February 14. The state is estimated to have a sugarcane area of 23.08 lakh hectares, as against 23.07 lakh hectares in 2020-21, and the cane belt of Uttar Pradesh is home to at least 35 lakh farmers.
The predominance of sugarcane farming could be guaged from the fact that the the western UP districts have overwhelming proporting of the cash crop. Bareilly has 70 per cent sugarcane farmers, Moradabad has around 60 percent, Badaun has 40 per cent, Bijnor has more than 50 per cent, and Rampur has around 45 per cent of the cash crop growers, according to the information provided by the district administrations and local farmers. Among other districts Sambhal has 35 per cent sugarcane farmers, Saharanpur and amroha have 65 per cent and 60 per cent respectively, and Shahjahanpur has 35 per cent cash crop grwoers.
The seats which are going to polls for the second phase in Uttar Pradesh are Najibabad, Nagina (SC), Barhapur, Dhampur, Nehtaur (SC), Behat, Nakur, Saharanpur Nagar, Saharanpur, Thakurdwara, Moradabad Rural, Moradabad Nagar, Bijnor, Chandpur, Bithari Chainpur, Bareilly, Bareilly Cantt., Noorpur, Kanth, Dhanaura (SC), Naugawan Sadat, Amroha, Hasanpur, Gunnaur, Bisauli (SC), Kundarki, Bilari, Chandausi (SC), Asmoli, Sambhal, Suar, Chamraua, Bilaspur, Rampur, Milak (SC), Deoband, Rampur Maniharan (SC), Gangoh, Sahaswan, Bilsi, Badaun, Shekhupur, Dataganj, Baheri, Meerganj, Bhojipura, Nawabganj, Faridpur (SC), Aonla, Katra, Jalalabad, Tilhar, Powayan (SC), Shahjahanpur and Dadraul. In phase two, there are a total of 586 candidates in the electoral fray for the 55 Assembly seats spread across nine districts that also includes nine constituencies reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
Pravesh Pathak, a farmer from Babura Village told ANI, "Our stress continues. We want the government to look after our payments, taking loans is not a solution." "The mill is not paying us our payment. A few days ago I was in dire need of money to take my wife to the hospital, I had to borrow it and that too with interest. The government must ensure that payments get cleared and look into the matter of the rise in the price of fertilizers as well as pesticides," said Brajesh, another farmer from Nawabganj.
The key constituencies and candidates include Congress' Nawab Kazim Ali Khan from Rampur, Samajwadi Party's Supriya Aron from Bareilly Cantt, Keerat Singh Gurjar from Gangoh and BJP's Devendra Nagpal from Naugawan seat. At present, the sugarcane economy in the state of Uttar Pradesh is estimated at Rs 40,000 crore. The early variety rate of sugarcane here in UP which is also considered as the best variety is Rs 350 per quintal whereas the reject variety is sold at Rs 340 per quintal, the officials informed.
Two crore voters will decide the fate of 586 candidates in the second phase of assembly elections. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1920870-up-polls-phase-2-sugarcane-farmers-to-decide-fate-of-candidates-in-55-seats-on-monday | 2022-02-13T08:37:31 | en | 0.940008 |
Saudi Arabia transfers 4% of Aramco shares to sovereign wealth fund
The transfer of existing shares would help to boost PIF's assets under management, which are targeted to grow to about 4 trillion riyals ($1.07 trillion) by the end of 2025, it added. "It supports the outlook for the PIF raising funds internationally, including bonds, and could potentially support a future Aramco share sale going forward," said Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Saudi Aramco said in a statement the transfer was a private transaction between the government and the state fund.
- Country:
- United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has transferred 4% of Saudi Aramco to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the government said on Sunday. The nearly $80 billion worth of shares will bolster the PIF's strong financial position and high credit ratings in the medium term, the crown prince said in a statement. The fund is the prince's vehicle of choice to transform the Saudi economy and diversify away from oil revenues.
The state remains the largest shareholder in Saudi Aramco after the transfer process, as it retains more than 94% of the company's shares, the statement said. The transfer of existing shares would help to boost PIF's assets under management, which are targeted to grow to about 4 trillion riyals ($1.07 trillion) by the end of 2025, it added.
"It supports the outlook for the PIF raising funds internationally, including bonds, and could potentially support a future Aramco share sale going forward," said Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Saudi Aramco said in a statement the transfer was a private transaction between the government and the state fund. "The company is not a party to the transfer and did not enter into any agreements or pay or receive any proceeds from that transfer," it said.
It said the move would not affect the number of issued shares nor the company's operations, strategy, dividends distribution policy or governance framework. It added that the shares transferred would rank equally among other existing ordinary shares.
Saudi officials had previously raised the possibility of Aramco share sales. The PIF did not comment. The head of the sovereign wealth fund Yasir al-Rumayyan said last year that Saudi Aramco may consider selling more shares if market conditions are right, while the Wall Street Journal recently reported that the kingdom could target a stake sale of as much as $50 billion.
Aramco, the world's biggest oil company, completed the world's largest initial public offering in late 2019, raising $29.4 billion, with the proceeds transferred to the PIF. Aramco's shares are up just over 4% so far this year, valuing the company at $1.99 trillion, behind the world's most valuable company, Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp .
After a sharp fall in energy prices in the early days of the pandemic, demand for oil is nearing pre-Covid levels with Brent crude trading around $94 a barrel amid concerns over tight global supplies. ($1 = 3.7516 riyals)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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CRYPTOVERSE-Bitcoin squeezes smaller rivals to its crown | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1920873-saudi-arabia-transfers-4-of-aramco-shares-to-sovereign-wealth-fund | 2022-02-13T08:37:38 | en | 0.949804 |
Hunar Haat spreads wings, Puducherry hosts 36th edition
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan on Saturday inaugurated the 36th "Hunar Haat" in the Union Territory.
- Country:
- India
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan on Saturday inaugurated the 36th "Hunar Haat" in the Union Territory. 'Hunar Haat' has been organized at Old Port Ground, Puducherry, from February 11 to 22 this year in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directions to the ministries to work for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and "Vocal for Local".
The 'Hunar Haat' is open for the public from 10 am to 10 pm till February 22, 2022. "The event is a spectacular and perfect platform for protection, preservation and promotion of a proud legacy of Indian artisans and craftsmen, and also to provide market and opportunity for their indigenous products," said the Union Ministry for Minority Affairs in a statement.
More than 7 Lakh 50 thousand artisans, craftsmen and people associated with them have been provided employment and employment opportunities through Hunar Haat during the last about seven years, added the statement. More than 600 artisans and craftsmen from more than 30 states and UTs are participating in the Hunar Haat, organised by the Union Ministry for Minority Affairs in Puducherry this year. A total of 300 stalls have been set up for this event, said the official statement.
Earlier, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh and others have visited and inaugurated the "Hunar Haat" at various places so far, encouraging indigenous artisans and craftsmen, said the statement. The first "Hunar Haat" was organised in 2016 from November 14 to 27 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, during India International Trade Fair (IITF). Since 2016, a total of 35 "Hunar Haats" have been organised across the country.
"The event is encouraging master artisans and culinary experts who come from every corner of the country. The visitors purchase at a large scale the handmade products made by these artisans. These craftsmen also receive large scale orders from domestic as well as international markets," said the Ministry of Minority Affairs in the statement. Besides, traditional dishes from different regions of the country are available at "Bawarchikhana", and the visitors are also enjoying Vishwakarma Vatika, traditional Circus and different cultural and musical programmes of renowned artists of the country at Hunar Haat in Puducherry. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1920876-hunar-haat-spreads-wings-puducherry-hosts-36th-edition | 2022-02-13T08:37:46 | en | 0.955939 |
Former J-K High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal appointed as chairperson of Committee of Administrators to run TTFI
The Delhi High Court has appointed former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal as the chairperson of the Committee of Administrators to discharge the functions of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).
- Country:
- India
The Delhi High Court has appointed former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal as the chairperson of the Committee of Administrators to discharge the functions of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Justice Rekha Palli, in its detailed order, appointed former Jammu and Kashmir High Court judge justice Gita Mittal as chairperson and Chetan Mittal, Senior Advocate and SD Mudgil, a renowned athlete as a member of the committee.
"This Court is, therefore, of the opinion that to a deeper scrutiny of respondent no.1's (TTFI) affairs is carried out, either by the Union of India or by an independent Committee, a Committee of Administrators is required to be immediately appointed to conduct the affairs of the respondent no.1 federation, " the court said. The court also issued various directions in its detailed order.
The Executive Body of respondent no.1 TTFI will acquiesce their administrative duties to the Committee of Administrators, while the staff engaged by the respondent no.1 federation will continue to work on the same terms and conditions as was applicable to them, " the court said adding that there are a number of tournaments coming up in the near future, it is expected that the Executive members of the Committee, who claim to be working in the interest of the sportspersons, will render all assistance to the Committee of Administrators, as and when required. The court directed that a monthly honorarium be paid to the members of the Committee of Administrators.
The court also said that the existing office bearers of the respondent federation shall no longer be entitled to discharge any function of the federation but will, as already directed, render assistance to the Committee of Administrators, as and when requested by the said Committee. The court also said that all communications on behalf of the respondent federation with any sportsperson or international sports bodies will now take place only through the Committee of Administrators.
The court said that the Committee of Administrators will submit a periodic report, including that relating to accounts, every two months. The court listed the matter for further hearing on April 13 2022 for further hearing.
The Court order came while hearing Manika Batra's petition. Manika Batra was represented by senior advocate Sachin Datta, with lawyer Akshay Amritanshu.
The Delhi High Court earlier directed to appoint a three-member committee to examine star table tennis player Manika Batra's complaint. The Court today said that the report reveals a sorry state of affairs.
The Court observed that instead of working on the issues and promoting the players, the Federation has been trying to dictate its own terms to players. On September 23, 2021, the Delhi High Court put an interim stay on the Table Tennis Federation of India's rules that made it compulsory for players to attend a national camp for selection in international events.
Table Tennis player Manika Batra has earlier filed a plea against the Table Tennis Federation of India's decision not to take her in the Asian championship squad. The Court had expressed anguish with the Table Tennis Federation on framing of the rules and said what was the hurry of making these new rules. Senior Advocate Sachin Dutta, appearing for the petitioner Batra, had earlier told the Court about a past incident how national coach Soumyadeep Roy has pressurized the petitioner to throw away a match only with a view to help one of his trainees at his private academy to qualify for the Olympics 2020. He had also raised apprehension on the conduct of Roy.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1920879-former-j-k-high-court-chief-justice-gita-mittal-appointed-as-chairperson-of-committee-of-administrators-to-run-ttfi | 2022-02-13T08:37:54 | en | 0.968906 |
Dry winter drains reservoirs, ruins crops in Spain, Portugal
By the end of January, 45 of the country was enduring severe or extreme drought conditions, according to the national weather agency IPMA.Rainfall from Oct 1 through January was less than half the annual average for that four-month period, alarming farmers who are short of grass for their livestock.Unusually, even the north of Portugal is dry and forest fires have broken out there this winter.
Roofs peeking out of the water have become a common sight every summer at the Lindoso reservoir in northwestern Spain. In especially dry years, parts would appear of the old village of Aceredo, submerged three decades ago when a hydropower dam flooded the valley.
But never before has the skeleton of the village emerged in its entirety in the middle of the usually wet winter season.
With almost no rain for two months and not much expected any time soon, the ruins of Aceredo are dredging up a mix of emotions for locals as they see the rusted carcass of a car, a stone fountain with water still spouting and the old road leading to what used to be the local bar.
“The whole place used to be all vineyards, orange trees. It was all green. It was beautiful,'' said 72-year-old Jose Luis Penin, who used to stop at the bar with pals at the end of a day's fishing.
“Look at it now,” said Penín, who lives in the same county, pointing at the cracked, yellow bed of the reservoir. ”It's so sad.'' While the arid zones of the Iberian Peninsula have historically experienced periods of drought, experts say climate change has exacerbated the problem. This year, amid record levels of low or no rainfall at all, farmers in both Portugal and Spain, who are growing produce for all of Europe, are worried that their crops for this season will be ruined.
In the last three months of 2021, Spain recorded just 35% of the average rainfall it had seen during the same period from 1981 to 2010. But there has been almost no rain since then.
According to the national weather agency AEMET, in this century, only in 2005 has there been a January with almost no rain. If clouds don't unleash in the next two weeks, emergency subsidies for farmers will be needed, authorities said.
But Ruben del Campo, a spokesman for the weather service, said the below-average rainfall over the last six months is likely to continue for several more weeks, with hopes that spring will bring much-needed relief.
While only 10% of Spain has officially been declared under a “prolonged drought”, there are large areas, particularly in the south, which are facing extreme shortages that could impact the irrigation of crops.
The valley around the Guadalquivir River in Spain's southwest was declared under prolonged drought in November. It is now the focus of a fierce environmental dispute over water rights near Donana National Park, a World Heritage wetland site.
The government of the Andalusia region wants to grant water rights to farmers on land near the park, but critics say the move will further endanger a major wildlife refuge that is already drying up.
“The past two, three years have been dry, with the tendency toward less and less rain,” said Andres Gongora, a 46-year-old tomato farmer in southern Almeria.
Gongora, who expects the water he uses from a desalinating plant to be rationed, is still better off than other farmers who specialise in wheat and grains for livestock feed.
“The cereal crops for this year have been lost,” Gongora said.
Other areas in central and northeast Spain are also feeling the burn.
The leading association of farmers and livestock breeders in Spain, COAG, warns that half of Spain's farms are threatened by drought this year. It says if it does not rain heavily in the coming month, rain-fed crops including cereals, olives, nuts and vineyards could lose 60% to 80% of their production.
But the association is also worried about crops that depend on irrigation, with reservoirs under 40% of capacity in most of the south.
Spain's left-wing government plans to dedicate over 570 million euros ($647 million) from the European Union's pandemic recovery fund to make its irrigation systems more efficient, including incorporating renewable energy systems.
Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said this week the government will take emergency measures if it doesn't rain in two weeks. Those would likely be limited to economic benefits to palliate the loss of crops and revenues for farmers.
Neighbouring Portugal has also seen little rain since last October. By the end of January, 45% of the country was enduring “severe” or “extreme” drought conditions, according to the national weather agency IPMA.
Rainfall from Oct 1 through January was less than half the annual average for that four-month period, alarming farmers who are short of grass for their livestock.
Unusually, even the north of Portugal is dry and forest fires have broken out there this winter. In the south, crickets are already singing at night and mosquitoes have appeared - traditional signs of summer.
The IPMA doesn't forecast any relief before the end of the month.
Portugal has witnessed an increase in the frequency of droughts over the past 20-30 years, according to IPMA climatologist Vanda Pires, with lower rainfall and higher temperatures.
“It's part of the context of climate change,” Pires told The Associated Press.
And the outlook is bleak: Scientists estimate that Portugal will see a drop in average annual rainfall of 20% to 40% by the end of the century.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1920881-dry-winter-drains-reservoirs-ruins-crops-in-spain-portugal | 2022-02-13T08:38:02 | en | 0.970438 |
Innovations to be key growth engine; Costa Coffee to have pan-India presence in 3 yrs: Coca-Cola
Innovation is going to be the key growth engine in India for Coca-Cola contributing 15-20 per cent in growth and the beverage major will focus on urban areas by adding premium offerings and expanding its rural footprints with affordable options, said its President Sanket Ray.Besides, the presence of Costa Coffee, a coffee chain brand owned by Coca-Cola, will also be expanded to newer cities aiming to have a pan-India presence in the next three years, he added.Coca-Cola India is expanding its network in rural areas, which nearly contribute 38 per cent to the overall business.
- Country:
- India
Innovation is going to be the ''key growth engine'' in India for Coca-Cola contributing 15-20 percent in growth and the beverage major will focus on urban areas by adding premium offerings and expanding its rural footprints with affordable options, said its President Sanket Ray.
Besides, the presence of Costa Coffee, a coffee chain brand owned by Coca-Cola, will also be expanded to newer cities aiming to have a pan-India presence in the next three years, he added.
Coca-Cola India is expanding its network in rural areas, which nearly contributes 38 percent to the overall business. It had focused more on the urban market in the pandemic-impacted 2021 than rural areas, due to affordability and other issues.
According to Ray, the business of Coca-Cola India is still under-penetrated in the consumer business category and will grow its business through expansion of the portfolio, marketing, and distribution.
''We are highly optimistic on the growth numbers for both short-term and medium-term,'' Coca-Cola President (India and Southwest Asia) Sanket Ray told PTI.
According to global forecasts, two of the company's markets in the region, India, and Bangladesh will be among the top-10-growing GDP markets till 2030, he added.
When asked as to whether Coca-Cola will introduce some new brands from its global portfolio into the Indian market as the economy and purchasing power are improving, Ray said the right categories will be introduced at the right time.
''The urban market of India has a decent per-capita income and is exposed to global things (brands). We will have to get into the premiumization part, where the other FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies have done work. We have the option to do and will see the action happening,'' he said.
Strengthening its portfolio, Coca-Cola recently introduced 'Zero Sugar' in December in India and more new categories will come in, said Ray.
''In the new category, it would not only be global brands but also local brands, with regional flavors,'' he said adding that the cola major is now taking its sparkling Zeera (cumin) flavor drink RimZim to the national level with a strong campaign and distribution drive.
In local flavor, Coca-Cola is going to launch the 'aam Panna' flavor under its mango-based drink Maaza.
''Similarly, we are also looking to launch in the sports segment and something in the mass-energy. We are going to drive innovation as a key growth engine. Mostly, we are looking at 15-20 percent of our growth coming from innovations,'' said Ray.
He added that this would be both from the global and local portfolio, in premium and affordable segments.
The company has plans to introduce an apple sparkling drink under the brand Fanta next week also. The new products will be both in the fizz and non-fizz categories, Ray added.
While talking about Costa Coffee's expansion plans, Ray said it is a small business compared to rivals such as Starbucks in the coffee chain segment.
''We are small and present in a very small number of cities. Our goal is to expand the chain and be a pan-India player in the next three years,'' he said adding that ''we would be expanding in top 10-20 cities''.
Costa Coffee chain is operated in India by Devyani International Ltd, owned by RJ Corp, which is also a bottling partner of rival PepsiCo. Costa Coffee was acquired by the Coca-Cola Company in 2018 from Whitbread Plc.
Over the e-commerce and channels that have witnessed exponential growth after the pandemic, Ray said it will use the strength of its channel partners in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer spaces in 2022 and has no such plans for direct-to-consumer as no specific exclusive brand right now.
Currently, e-commerce contributes three percent of the overall sales in India.
Coca-Cola India had committed an investment of USD 1.7 billion towards creating a Fruit Circular Economy to aid the Indian agri-ecosystem till 2023. It is working on fruits such as mango, grapes, apple, and litchi, getting them to its supply chain and sourcing.
''The plan for us to focus on mango as a product and other areas where we want to expand further. The other areas, which we are evaluating to expand opportunities in oranges and also we are looking at sugar cane,'' he added.
Besides, Coca-Cola is also working on gender diversity and inclusion in the organization here.
''The gender balance in my leadership team is 43 percent and overall, Coca-Cola is 40 percent,'' he said adding that ''we commit 50:50 gender balance''.
It is also working on clean energy in India and 49 percent of power consumption in India during 2021 was from solar and wind power and in some markets, it will reach up to 75 percent by 2023.
Plastics recycling and collection is also a big focus area and is working with the government to also use recycled plastics in its PET bottles.
Coca-Cola's unit case volume grew 11 percent in the Asia-Pacific market during 2021, driven by growth in markets such as China, India, and the Philippines, the company had said last week in an earnings statement.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/1920893-innovations-to-be-key-growth-engine-costa-coffee-to-have-pan-india-presence-in-3-yrs-coca-cola | 2022-02-13T08:38:09 | en | 0.966312 |
Sleep apnea in pregnancy linked with increased post-delivery risk of hypertension: Study
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. A new study by researchers examined whether sleep disordered breathing (primarily obstructive sleep apnea) during pregnancy and in the years after delivery is associated with an increased risk for hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
- Country:
- United States
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. A new study by researchers examined whether sleep disordered breathing (primarily obstructive sleep apnea) during pregnancy and in the years after delivery is associated with an increased risk for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The study was published online in the American Thoracic Society's 'American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine'.
Metabolic syndrome consisted of a cluster of conditions that increased the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In "Sleep Disordered Breathing in Pregnancy and Post-Delivery: Associations with Cardiometabolic Health," Francesca L. Facco, MD, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, and colleagues conducted sleep apnea tests. Participants were a subgroup of 1,964 women who were part of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be Heart Health Study (nuMoM2b-HHS) and were experiencing their first pregnancy, and 1,222 of the same study participants who were examined 2-7 years after delivery. The researchers then determined whether participants were at increased risk for hypertension or metabolic syndrome.
"While epidemiologic data from cohorts of middle-aged and older adults indicate that sleep disordered breathing is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, less is known about how sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy and in the post-delivery period impacts maternal health," stated the authors. Sleep disordered breathing during pregnancy has been associated with a two to three-fold increased risk for preeclampsia--persistent high blood pressure during pregnancy that can lead to serious health consequences--and/or gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy). These and other adverse pregnancy outcomes are risk factors for later development of hypertension and metabolic disease in the mother.
Study participants were tested both during pregnancy and two to seven years later, each using the same model home sleep apnea test. Among other factors, sleep apnea tests measure the number of times a person experiences breathing pauses and associated drops in oxygen levels. Study participants were considered to have sleep apnea if they experienced five or more breathing pauses or drops in oxygen during their estimated sleep period. "We found that the presence of sleep apnea measured both during pregnancy and two to seven years after delivery was associated with the development of hypertension and metabolic syndrome," said Dr. Facco.
In addition, participants with sleep apnea that persisted during pregnancy and the two-to-seven-year follow-up visit were at more than three-fold increased risk for incident hypertension and a more than two-fold increased risk for metabolic syndrome compared to participants who never had an abnormal sleep study. Incident hypertension is defined as the first occurrence at any follow-up visit of systolic blood pressure 140 mm HG or higher or diastolic blood pressure 90 mm HG or higher. "Our data also demonstrated a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and hypertension using a simple measurement of oxygen dips per hour of sleep," said study co-author Susan Redline, MD, MPH, who directs the Sleep Medicine Epidemiology program at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston. "These results suggest that use of simple oxygen monitoring devices may be useful for identifying women in pregnancy and in the post-delivery period at risk for adverse health outcomes and identifying women who may potentially benefit from treating sleep apnea."
"These data underscore the need to rigorously evaluate the role of screening and treating sleep apnea during pregnancy and in the post-delivery period as new strategies for early interventions aimed at improving long-term maternal health," the authors concluded. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/1920884-sleep-apnea-in-pregnancy-linked-with-increased-post-delivery-risk-of-hypertension-study | 2022-02-13T08:38:17 | en | 0.962151 |
Germans pin hopes on Novavax moving the needle among anti-vaxxers
Data unearthed by Reuters suggests the new two-dose vaccine, recommended in Germany for basic immunisation for people over 18, is already going some way to convince more of the as-yet unvaccinated to get a shot. Some federal states have opened waiting lists to receive Novavax shots.
- Country:
- Germany
Benedikt Richter, a 40-year-old teacher in the southwest German city of Kaiserslautern, long held out against getting vaccinated against COVID-19. He felt uneasy about the novelty of the mRNA technology used in two of the most commonly administered shots.
It did not help that his sister-in-law was hospitalised with heart muscle inflammation a day after receiving her second shot, which doctors officially linked to her vaccine, Richter said. Regulators have acknowledged such conditions as a rare and mostly mild side-effect. But when the European Union in December approved the use of the Novavax vaccine Nuxavoxid, which deploys a long-established protein-based technology, he became interested.
"I have done my research and I have a slightly better feeling about it," said the father of two. Data unearthed by Reuters suggests the new two-dose vaccine, recommended in Germany for basic immunisation for people over 18, is already going some way to convince more of the as-yet unvaccinated to get a shot.
Some federal states have opened waiting lists to receive Novavax shots. In Rhineland-Palatinate where Richter lives, for example, more than 14,300 people have put down their names. A private Berlin vaccination centre told Reuters they had around 3,000 people registered. "The number is gigantic. We're overwhelmed ourselves by how many people have signed up," said Daniel Termann, a doctor at the Historic Factory vaccination centre in Berlin.
The recombinant protein technology behind the Novavax shot has been in use since the mid-1980s and is now a standard tool to fight hepatitis B, the human papillomavirus behind cervical cancer, and bacteria that cause meningitis. A recent survey by researchers at the University of Erfurt with 1,000 participants found that even though unvaccinated Germans had more confidence in traditional vaccines than in mRNA vaccines, trust generally was still low.
Almost two thirds of the unvaccinated were completely against vaccination, the survey found, suggesting that only a small proportion would ever consider taking the Novavax shot. "We are not convinced that it will be a game changer," study co-author Lars Korn told Reuters.
Much is on the line. Germany has a lower inoculation rate than many other countries in western Europe at just 74.4% fully vaccinated. But if Nuxavoxid were able to move the needle, that could prompt an easing of restrictions on public life that are dragging on the recovery of Europe's largest economy.
A JAB FOR FREEDOM The problem then would be more of how to ensure supply.
Germany is set to receive up to 34 million Nuvaxovid doses in 2022 and around 4 million doses should be delivered in the first quarter, a spokesperson for the health ministry said. But there are around 20 million unvaccinated people in Germany. And a Reuters report showed on Tuesday that Novavax had delivered just a small fraction of the 2 billion COVID-19 shots it plans to send around the world in 2022 and had delayed first-quarter shipments in Europe and lower income countries such as the Philippines.
Health sector workers will be prioritised to receive the vaccine in the first quarter as a vaccine mandate for them will come into effect in mid-March, according to the federal health ministry. That could prove frustrating for those who are nervous of mRNA vaccines but also fed up with restrictions on public life.
In many states in Germany, the unvaccinated are banned from non-essential shops and service providers like restaurants and barber shops. In a group chat about Novavax on the Telegram messenger service, many of the more than 1,500 members toyed with getting the shot due to pandemic curbs.
Richter, who has had to take a daily COVID test to teach and learned how to cut his hair by himself, said his main motivation to get vaccinated was freedom. He misses sauna visits, which get him through Germany's dark winters, and would love to take his two children swimming again.
"I have two children and they are also restricted because of me," he said. "I am not doing it out of conviction, but rather from external pressure."
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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- Germany
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- Kaiserslautern
- Novavax
- European Union
- COVID
- Europe
- Philippines
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US, South Korea, Japan emphasize importance of Taiwan Strait peace
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Chung Eui-yong and emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
- Country:
- United States
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Chung Eui-yong and emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Blinken, Yoshimasa and Eui-yong met on Saturday (local time) in Honolulu, Hawaii, to reaffirm the critical importance of strong US-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) trilateral cooperation as we seek to address the most pressing 21st-century challenges, said the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Japan, and South Korea.
The statement said that Blinken and Foreign Ministers emphasized their three countries share a common view of a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, and shared respect for the rules-based international order and pledged to further expand their cooperative relationships. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers welcomed the United States' newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy. As the tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalates, Blinken and Foreign Ministers discussed the Russian military build-up along Ukraine's borders and shared unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"US Secretary of State and Foreign Ministers reiterated their governments' longstanding support for international law, highlighting in particular the importance of compliance with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," read the statement. The statement further said that Blinken and Foreign Ministers reaffirmed support for the unity and centrality of ASEAN, which is currently chaired by Cambodia, as well as ASEAN's efforts to resolve the crisis in Myanmar.
They also condemned the Myanmar regime's violence committed against the people of Myanmar and committed to intensify efforts toward the immediate cessation of all violence, the release of those who are arbitrarily detained, and a swift return to the path of inclusive democracy, the statement added. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/1920864-us-south-korea-japan-emphasize-importance-of-taiwan-strait-peace | 2022-02-13T08:38:34 | en | 0.932157 |
Pakistan among least open economies in the world: ADB Report
Pakistan has one of the lowest trade-to-GDP ratios at just 30 per cent, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- Country:
- Pakistan
Pakistan has one of the lowest trade-to-GDP ratios at just 30 per cent, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB says Pakistan is a relatively large country, however its trade openness remains remarkably low.It is only more open than Ethiopia, Brazil and Sudan.
Pakistan has historically experienced uneven growth and remains among the least open economies in the world, even after taking its relatively large size into account, says the report. ADB, in its report titled 'Pakistan's Economy and Trade in the Age of Global Value Chains', says the economic openness of Pakistan is less than India and Bangladesh, reported Dawn.
Furthermore, Pakistan's exports are mostly dependent on textile products and thus its trade is less diversified. It mentions that Pakistan's exports are less diversified than India's. Moreover, India's GDP is almost 10 times larger than Pakistan, according to the report. It said that Pakistan's trade is currently oriented to the United States, Europe, and China and it does not have a significant trading relationship with its proximate neighbours in South Asia.
The report further points out that the only economy for which it is a major market is its northern neighbor Afghanistan. Concentrating too much on only a few sectors or products poses risks to an economy since shocks to the dominant sector can more easily cause an economy-wide recession, reported the newspaper. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/1920867-pakistan-among-least-open-economies-in-the-world-adb-report | 2022-02-13T08:38:42 | en | 0.966168 |
Two killed, two injured in shooting in cafe in Donetsk region
Two people were killed in a shooting in a cafe in the Donetsk region in early hours of Sunday, and two people were hospitalized, while the perpetrators were detained, the regional department of the national police said.
- Country:
- Ukraine
Kiev [Ukraine], February 13 (ANI/Sputnik): Two people were killed in a shooting in a cafe in the Donetsk region in early hours of Sunday, and two people were hospitalized, while the perpetrators were detained, the regional department of the national police said.
"Donetsk police detained two men for shooting in a cafe. The incident took place in [the city of] Hranitne. As a result of the shooting, two people were killed and two others were hospitalized... Police have launched an investigation," the police said in a statement.
The shooting was prompted by a conflict between guests, according to the police. Criminal proceedings have been initiated. (ANI/Sputnik)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/1920899-two-killed-two-injured-in-shooting-in-cafe-in-donetsk-region | 2022-02-13T08:38:50 | en | 0.990932 |
Karzai slams US decision of splitting funds, says USD 7 Billion assets belong to Afghan people
Afghanistan's former president Hamid Karzai said the USD 7 billion frozen assets belong to no government, but to the people of Afghanistan.
- Country:
- Afghanistan
Afghanistan's former president Hamid Karzai said the USD 7 billion frozen assets belong to no government, but to the people of Afghanistan. This comes after US President Biden on Friday signed an executive order to free 7 billion US dollars out of more than 9 billion frozen Afghan assets, splitting the money between humanitarian aid for Afghanistan and a fund for 9/11 victims.
While addressing a press conference in Kabul Karzai called on the US government to return all of the funds to Afghanistan's central bank." He further said the people side with the Islamic Emirate in calling for the return of all the frozen funds. If funds are returned, he said, they should not be spent on daily expenses but be preserved, and more funds should be added, Tolo reported.
"Osama bin Laden was not brought to Afghanistan by Afghans, Karzai said. He was brought in by foreigners from Pakistan and then he returned to Pakistan. Osama bin Laden was killed on Pakistan soil, but now the Afghan people are paying the price for Pakistan's actions," Tolo News quoted Karzai as saying. Earlier in the day, Afghanistan's central bank also criticized the US decision to split USD 7 billion of the frozen Afghan assets and said it is an "injustice" to the people of Afghanistan.
"Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) considers the latest decision of USA on blocking FX (foreign exchange) reserves and allocating them to irrelevant purposes, injustice to the people of Afghanistan," DAB, Central Bank of Afghanistan, said in a statement. "DAB will never accept if the FX reserves of Afghanistan is paid under the name of compensation or humanitarian assistance to others and wants the reversal of the decision and release of all FX reserves of Afghanistan," the statement added.
Afghanistan's banking system remains crippled after the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban in mid-August last year. A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban have plunged the country, already suffering from high poverty levels, into a full-blown economic crisis. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/1920900-karzai-slams-us-decision-of-splitting-funds-says-usd-7-billion-assets-belong-to-afghan-people | 2022-02-13T08:38:57 | en | 0.953313 |
Ex-China Development Bank exec arrested on bribery suspicion
A former vice president of China Development Bank (CDB), He Xingxiang, was arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes, China's Supreme People's Procuratorate said on Sunday, amid a series of probes into officials at state financial firms.
- Country:
- China
A former vice president of China Development Bank (CDB), He Xingxiang, was arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes, China's Supreme People's Procuratorate said on Sunday, amid a series of probes into officials at state financial firms. He is also suspected of issuing financial bills in violation of regulations, illegally issuing loans and concealing overseas deposits, said a notice on the Supreme People's Procuratorate's website.
The Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate made the decision "in recent days" to arrest He after an investigation by the National Supervisory Commission, the notice said. China's top graft-busting agency, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, announced in September that He was under investigation, the latest in a series of corruption probes into officials at government-run financial firms.
He, born in 1963, worked at state lenders Bank of China and Agricultural Development Bank of China before serving as a member of the Communist Party Committee at policy bank CDB.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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- China
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- Central Commission for Discipline Inspection | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920865-ex-china-development-bank-exec-arrested-on-bribery-suspicion | 2022-02-13T08:39:05 | en | 0.958552 |
Modi govt approves Rs 26,275 cr scheme for continuation of police modernisation
- Country:
- India
The Modi government has approved the continuation of a mega police modernisation scheme for five years up to 2025-26 with a financial outlay of Rs 26,275 crore.
The Union Home Ministry said the scheme includes security-related expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir, northeastern states and Maoists-affected areas, for raising new battalions, developing high-tech forensic laboratories and other investigation tools.
The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF), an official statement said.
The approval for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26 moves forward the initiative of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to modernise and improve the functioning of the police forces of states and union territories, it said.
This scheme comprises all relevant sub-schemes that contribute to the modernisation and improvement with a total central financial outlay of Rs 26,275 crore, the statement said.
It said provision has been made under the scheme for internal security, law and order and adoption of modern technology by police.
Assistance will be given to states for narcotics control and strengthening the criminal justice system by developing a robust forensic set-up in the country.
A central outlay of Rs 18,839 crore has been earmarked for security-related expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir, insurgency affected northeastern states and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
According to the statement, Rs 4,846 will be given by the central government for the modernisation of state police forces.
To develop operationally independent high-quality forensic sciences facilities in states and union territories for aiding scientific and timely investigation, Rs 2,080.50 crore will be given.
With the implementation of the 'National Policy and Action Plan' for combating Maoists or LWE, the LWE violence incidents have come down drastically, the statement said.
To further pursue this accomplishment, six LWE-related schemes with a central outlay of Rs 8,689 crore have been approved. These schemes include Special Central Assistance (SCA) to most LWE-affected districts and districts of concern to consolidate the gains, it said.
For the raising of India Reserve Battalions or Specialised India Reserve Battalions, a central outlay of Rs 350 crore has been approved.
The statement said Rs 50 crore has been approved under the central sector scheme of Assistance to States and Union Territories for narcotics control.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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MoU signed between AIIMS Jammu and CSIR-IIIM Jammu for close scientific collaboration | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920866-modi-govt-approves-rs-26275-cr-scheme-for-continuation-of-police-modernisation | 2022-02-13T08:39:12 | en | 0.92171 |
Punjab polls: Bhagwant Mann asks people to vote for AAP, many in Dhuri call for change
- Country:
- India
At Benra village in Punjab's Dhuri, as a group of residents eagerly awaits AAP's chief ministerial face Bhagwant Mann to stop by on his campaign trail, a budding singer sings for them, asking for votes for the party to "save" the state.
Outside the Benra Cooperative Agricultural Service Society office in the village, elderly male villagers sitting on a cemented floor and women, some along with kids, on a cotton carpet laid on the road listen to a local AAP leader slamming political rivals for ''looting'' the state over the last several years.
''Oh Jatta, vote (Bhagwant) Mann nu pa deen, Je Punjab bachauna hai (farmer, vote for Bhagwant Mann if Punjab is to be saved),'' the 19-year-old singer goes on, seeking to highlight corruption, rising debt and the drug menace in the state.
The wait ends as Mann's cavalcade rolls down the road surrounded by wheat and mustard fields and enters the village. Benra was the first village Mann visited on his campaign trail on Saturday.
Standing out of the sunroof of his car, Mann greeted the local people with ''Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal'' as many held out mobile phones to record videos.
''Vote for 'Jharoo' (broom, the AAP's poll symbol) on February 20. Our button is in third place (on the EVM) but we will come first (victorious in elections),'' Mann told the gathering on a mike.
After his brief address, the cavalcade leaves for another village.
At the next stop on the trail, Mann and his friend and Punjabi movie actor Karamjit Anmol sang a famous song of poet Sant Ram Udasi, and said, ''A new sun will rise in Punjab on March 10 (counting day)." Mann urged the villagers to defeat rival political parties and help the AAP form the government in the state. He was also joined by Punjabi actor Dev Kharoud.
Bhagwant Mann, the comedian-turned-politician, is contesting the Punjab assembly polls from the Dhuri seat, one of the assembly constituencies of Sangrur district. Mann is a two-time MP from the Sangrur parliamentary constituency.
After the Aam Aadmi Party announced Mann as its chief minister candidate, the Dhuri assembly seat has shot into limelight.
As Mann exudes confidence that his party will form the next government in the state, many residents of Dhuri say they want to give an opportunity to the AAP.
People in Dhuri, especially in the villages, suggest a mood for a change in the state, seemingly giving an edge to the AAP over its rivals.
Some of them, not even averse to shedding their old political affiliations, suggested they wanted to vote for the AAP this time.
Bhagwant Singh, a 55-year-old tea seller near a fuel pump along Dhuri road, wants to see a change in the February 20 state assembly polls. "We have seen two traditional parties for the last 70 years. We are fed up with them. Now we want to see a change this time," he said.
Interestingly, Singh's family has been supporting a traditional political party for the last several years.
He reasoned, "Bhagwant Mann has a clean image. Moreover, the AAP is promising to improve health services and education which is in the doldrums now." A resident of Dhura village, Harvinder, who is into shuttering business, echoes similar sentiments, "Two parties have been ruling the state for so many years. But now people like to see the AAP in the saddle." "They have shown the Delhi model where they improved the condition of health and education in the national capital," he added.
An 80-year-old Balbir Singh from Fatehgarh Ganduan village in Sunam tehsil of Sangrur is also supporting the AAP. "Our vote is with 'jharoo' only," he said, claiming other political parties did nothing for the people.
Twenty-year-old Sukhwinder, a mason, lauded Mann for his help in getting some rooms constructed and benches arranged for students of a government school in Benra village.
"Our children are now studying in that school," he said, adding that 20-25 labourers who work with him are likely to vote for the AAP as well.
A shopkeeper in Dhuri town said the AAP has an edge over other rival political parties in the Dhuri assembly seat.
However, other traders in Dhuri were not so forthcoming. One shopkeeper flatly refused to talk about the polls.
The Aam Aadmi Party's stronghold in Malwa region can also be gauged from the fact that it had won 18 seats from here out of the total 20 in the 2017 assembly polls.
The Malwa region, comprising several districts including Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Moga, and Ferozepur, account for 69 seats of the total 117 assembly segments in the state.
Seeking to form the next government in Punjab, the AAP has made several promises, including 300 units of free electricity per month, round-the-clock electricity, Rs 1,000 per month for women, improving the condition of health and education, opening 16,000 mohalla clinics, corruption-free governance and controlling drug-menace among others.
The Congress has fielded its sitting legislator Dalvir Singh Goldy from the seat, while the Shiromani Akali Dal's candidate is Parkash Chand Garg.
Dhuri, being a railway junction, is primarily a rural segment, comprising 74 villages, and the assembly constituency is located in Sangrur district.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Congress appoints 4 region-wise observers for Punjab polls | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920868-punjab-polls-bhagwant-mann-asks-people-to-vote-for-aap-many-in-dhuri-call-for-change | 2022-02-13T08:39:20 | en | 0.974068 |
PDP's Political Affairs Committee meets to discuss initial report of delimitation commission
- Country:
- India
A meeting of the PDP's Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the highest decision-making body of the party, is underway here on Sunday to discuss the report of the delimitation commission for Jammu and Kashmir and the future strategy of the party.
The PAC of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is meeting under the chairmanship of party president Mehbooba Mufti at her ''Fairview'' residence in the Gupkar area of the city here, a PDP spokesperson said.
He said this is the first meeting of the PAC after the initial report of the delimitation commission surfaced.
''The report (of the commission) and the future strategy of the party are on the agenda of the meeting,'' the spokesperson said.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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J&K: Social activist joins Ikkjutt Jammu | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920875-pdps-political-affairs-committee-meets-to-discuss-initial-report-of-delimitation-commission | 2022-02-13T08:39:27 | en | 0.9191 |
Two detained near technical airport in Jammu
Two persons were detained near the technical airport in Jammu, said Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday.
- Country:
- India
Two persons were detained near the technical airport in Jammu, said Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday.
Further investigation is underway.
More details are awaited. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Advertisement | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920887-two-detained-near-technical-airport-in-jammu | 2022-02-13T08:39:35 | en | 0.983146 |
That corny country TV variety show “Hee-Haw” had a gag called, “Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me.” Sad sacks laid around a cabin porch and wailed in woebegone misery, “If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all.”
That was a comedy sketch. But the man we’re about to meet could have sung those words and meant them. Because if anybody was ever born under an unlucky star, it was Ambrose Everett Burnside.
It’s not that Burnside was a bad guy. Far from it. But he couldn’t have caught a lucky break had he paid for it.
Born in Indiana in 1824, he grew up in Rhode Island. He later graduated from West Point. So far, so good. Then things went rapidly downhill.
Burnside joined the Army in time for the Mexican War. Heading for the action south of the border, he was cleaned out by riverboat gamblers. Arriving after the fighting was over, he was stuck pulling guard duty in Mexico City.
Switching to the cavalry, he spent the next few years chasing natives around the Southwest and was rewarded with an arrow shot into his neck for his efforts.
In 1853, he went home, met a nice woman, and proposed. During the wedding ceremony, when the minister asked the traditional question, she answered, “No,” leaving him standing at the altar.
Burnside then tried his hand at inventing, designing a modern repeating rifle. He founded the Burnside Arms Co. to produce and sell the gun ... whereupon his usual pattern of failure returned. Good as it was, the carbine was just too expensive for the cash-strapped U.S. government of the late 1850s. Burnside ran for Congress and, of course, lost. Then his gun factory burned down, and with it went all his money. To pay off his creditors, he sold the patents to his firearms — right as the Civil War was about to erupt. Washington bought thousands of the guns, the guy who bought the patents made millions, and Burnside was left holding the bag.
The War Between the States was the next stop on Burnside’s path of failure, and where he really did it up big. He joined the Union army and quickly rose to major general
Here’s the thing about Ambrose Burnside: He naturally, and without effort, presented the aura of a guy who had it all together. When people met him, they thought, “Wow!” It’s not that he tried to deceive anybody; quiet, decent, and gentle, he nonetheless gave off a confident vibe that left people in awe. But an officer who served under him said, “You had to be around him for a while to realize he just wasn’t that smart.”
He proved that with the blood of his soldiers in September 1862 at Antietam, when he ordered repeated attacks across a stone structure now called Burnside’s Bridge. Some 450 Georgians on the opposite hilltop held off 14,000 Union troops for hours during charge after charge, killing many of them. A scout later discovered the Yankees could easily wade the creek downstream, avoiding the Rebel stronghold.
Just weeks after that disaster, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Burnside commander of the Army of the Potomac. Historian Bruce Catton wrote, “It was to Burnside’s eternal credit that he told Lincoln he wasn’t up to the job, and to Lincoln’s eternal discredit that he didn’t listen.”
Burnside hurled the entire Union army uphill at entrenched Confederates waiting for it at Fredericksburg, Virginia. The result: 12,653 men were mowed down.
He was then bounced from one second-tier command to another for the remainder of the war. The general was in Washington when Lee surrendered and decided to celebrate the war’s end by seeing a play. You guessed it: He was sitting directly below Lincoln’s box in Ford’s Theatre when John Wilkes Booth crept inside it. In fact, the president was looking down at the time, and Burnside was among the last faces Lincoln ever saw.
Surprisingly after his unbroken string of failure, Burnside returned to Rhode Island with his popularity intact. He was elected governor, helped found the National Rifle Association, and capped it off by winning election to the U.S. Senate. He died of a heart attack in 1881 at age 57.
Burnside was unlucky one last time. Famous for the distinctive whiskers worn on his cheeks, people called the style “burnsides.” But he was denied his claim to fame. Somehow, the name was inverted: You and I know them as “sideburns.”
“If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.”
In Ambrose Burnside’s case, truer words were never sung.
Holy Cow! History is written by novelist, former TV journalist and diehard history buff J. Mark Powell. | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Holy-Cow-History-Tiffany-s-extreme-White-16848777.php | 2022-02-13T08:39:39 | en | 0.985801 |
I remembered my mother, wished to be reborn to her in next life: Labourer rescued from caved in MP tunnel
Recalling the nightmare he faced on Saturday when he was inside the under-construction tunnel in Sleemanabad, Kol 30, a resident of Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh, said at around 7 pm, he experienced tremors underground and the labourers on the ground raised an alarm to run away.
- Country:
- India
Motilal Kol, one of the laborers rescued from a tunnel that caved in here, had lost all hope of coming out alive and asked another trapped worker to tell his mother to stay calm if he dies under the rubble.
"I told my friend Nandkumar Yadav to tell my mother that I will be born to her in my next life," a sobbing Kol told PTI on Sunday at the Katni district hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Recalling the nightmare he faced on Saturday when he was inside the under-construction tunnel in Sleemanabad, Kol (30), a resident of Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh, said at around 7 pm, he experienced tremors underground and the laborers on the ground raised an alarm to run away. In a split second, a part of the tunnel caved in, Kol said. ''Yadav and I had a near-death experience. The people on the ground above asked whether we needed water to drink, but I refused. We pleaded that oxygen is pumped into the tunnel,'' he said. Kol said he was rescued after Yadav, at around 4 am on Sunday.
Yadav (32), who also belongs to Singrauli, said he felt as if the stars were tumbling around him while he was trapped.
Two more survivors Vijay Kol and Indramani Kol, in the age group of 25 to 30 years, also shared a similar experience.
The four survivors said they tried to comfort each other while being trapped inside the tunnel. The survivors also said they did not hear the voices of co-worker Goralal and supervisor Ravi, who was also inside the tunnel at the time of the incident.
Goralal, a native of Singrauli, and Ravi, a resident of neighboring Maharashtra, were still trapped under the debris, as per officials.
The tunnel of the Bargi canal project had caved in late Saturday night, trapping nine laborers.
Out of them, seven have so far been rescued, according to Additional Superintendent of Police Manoj Kedia.
Efforts were on to rescue the other two trapped workers, said MP Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Rajesh Rajora, who was monitoring the rescue operation from Bhopal. | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920898-i-remembered-my-mother-wished-to-be-reborn-to-her-in-next-life-labourer-rescued-from-caved-in-mp-tunnel | 2022-02-13T08:39:43 | en | 0.981498 |
Easter has lilies. Thanksgiving has gourds. Christmas has poinsettias. And Valentine’s Day should have amaryllis.
For the uninitiated, amaryllises are big bulbs that can produce among the biggest and showiest flowers a gardener can grow indoors (maybe outdoors too). Best of all, water and a bit of light is all it takes to coax these bulbs into producing their huge flowers, 6 to 8 inches across.
Impressive is one word for them. Easy would be another. Amaryllises are “just add water and stand back” plants; they don't require any skill to grow successfully.
The bulbs usually start appearing on store shelves around the December holidays, just when they are coming out of dormancy. They grow throughout this period, sometimes even while in their packaging. They first show a bit of green shoot at the top of the bulb. It takes about six weeks for this shoot to elongate and produce two to four gigantic flowers.
While amaryllis bulbs are great Christmas stocking stuffers, the flowers themselves appear around Valentine’s Day. And while there are several different species with blooms of varying colors (pinks, whites and combinations), most specimens — as luck would have it for Saint Valentine — are that holiday's color, vibrant red.
Many of the bulbs are sold already potted up in soil. If not, use well draining potting soil, rich in organics, and a 6-to-8-inch pot that allows for an inch or two of soil between the bulb and the pot’s rim. A heavy pot is recommended since the average amaryllis stalk can reach 2½ to 3 feet tall and will tip over a light container if not supported.
If you have to plant your own bulb, place it so approximately one-third of it is above the soil line. Water well once, and after that keep the soil just slightly moist. Leaves and at least one flower stalk will quickly develop. Usually the flower stalk appears first. You can distinguish it from the developing leaves by the characteristic notch in its tip.
Once watered, you can almost see the amaryllis plants growing. If you are lucky, your bulb will produce more than one shoot. Either way, enjoy the display.
Once the flowers fade, carefully cut them off. The stalk will die next and this, too, should be removed. The leaves, however, should be left undisturbed, and the plant should be allowed to grow all spring and summer.
Some gardeners put theirs outside for the season. An application or two of an organic fertilizer will help encourage more leaf growth which, in turn, strengthens the bulb so it will produce again next year. In mid-August or so, withhold water and put the plant in a dark, cool location for at least eight weeks; it will stop growing and go dormant. After this treatment, you can bring the plant out into the light, water it and stand back again.
Because these are the most impressive flowers you can grow indoors, buy as many as you can when you come upon amaryllis bulbs for sale. Most are under $15, pot and all. Do so and you will enjoy Valentines for years to come. | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/X-16826752.php | 2022-02-13T08:39:45 | en | 0.960069 |
Sack Assam CM for remarks against Rahul Gandhi, demands Cong leader Aswani Kumar
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar on Sunday slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his comment on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded that he should be sacked from the chief minister's post.
- Country:
- India
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar on Sunday slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his comment on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded that he should be sacked from the chief minister's post. Ashwani Kumar supported Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's demand to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president JP Nadda to sack Assam Chief Minister.
"It is absolutely reprehensible and I fully endorse the views expressed by KCR, the Prime Minister must take purposive steps to ensure that this kind of language is never used in future against anyone whatsoever," Kumar said. The words used by the Sarma is shameful and condemn the strongest term cutting across the party lines, he added.
Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand, the Assam Chief Minister recently criticised Rahul Gandhi and said, "He seeks proof from our Army of the surgical strike, did we ever ask you for proof of whether you are Rajiv Gandhi's son or not? What right do you have to demand proof from my Army?" (ANI) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920903-sack-assam-cm-for-remarks-against-rahul-gandhi-demands-cong-leader-aswani-kumar | 2022-02-13T08:39:50 | en | 0.957562 |
February marks the midpoint of winter, and with spring just over the horizon, many gardeners are dreaming of sunny days and dirty fingernails. For those looking to get a jump on the growing season, starting seeds indoors offers the most gratifying – and productive — option.
Before digging in, however, it’s imperative to know exactly when to start, which means finding the last average frost date in your area. Consulting with your county’s cooperative extension office should arm you with hyper-local guidance. Absent that, there are some good online calculators that will get you close.
I like the one provided by The National Gardening Bureau. To use it, plug in your ZIP code and take note of the date in the field where the “10%” column intersects with the “Last 36-Degree” row. That represents the date when on average, there is only a 10% chance the temperature will drop below 36 degrees, meaning outdoor transplantation is a safe gamble.
Armed with the scientific knowledge that water freezes at 32 degrees, some will lament my conservative recommendation. They may even point to years past when they’ve successfully transplanted tender seedlings outdoors weeks earlier. But as someone who has been burned by a late frost, I’m here to tell you that patience is key. Remember, those dates are averages, and temperature extremes can fluctuate wildly from year to year, past luck notwithstanding.
Those gardening in horticultural zones higher than 9 can ignore this advice, as the southernmost parts of the continental U.S., as well as Puerto Rico and Hawaii, are considered frost-free (there, it’s the heat of spring and summer that should be avoided.)
The rest of us will need to do some math. Seed packets typically advise that seeds be started a set number of weeks before the last frost. After calculating your start date, which will be unique for each seed type, it’s important to respect it. Start too soon, and plants likely will grow weak and struggle to thrive; start too late, and your harvest will be delayed, sometimes even inhibited from reaching its full potential.
While you’re waiting, obtain and prepare appropriate containers, which include multi-cell plug trays, individual biodegradable pots and recycled plastic yogurt containers. Each should have a drainage hole poked in its bottom. If planning to reuse last year’s vessels, be sure to disinfect them with a solution made by combining nine parts water with one part chlorine bleach and rinse.
Fill each container or compartment with a sterile, moist, soilless seed-starting mix and, depending on seed size, sow one to four seeds per cell.
Place containers on a low-rimmed tray to which you’ve added no more than an inch of water, and monitor the soil’s moisture as it absorbs water through drainage holes. Replenish water as needed to keep the soil from drying out or becoming soggy. Bottom watering in this manner avoids accidentally washing away seeds, and reduces the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Cover the cells tightly with plastic wrap or a humidity dome, and place them in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Heating mats placed under the trays will hasten germination.
Be on the lookout for “damping off,” a fungal disease that thrives in cool, damp, dark locations. If you spot a moldy, white layer on the soil’s surface, scrape it off with a spoon and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. If there is a reoccurrence, dispose of the soil and seeds, disinfect the containers and start over with clean gear.
One way to help avoid damping off, as well as mold and algae growth, is to direct the breeze of a small fan to the soil. Later, that fan will train tender seedlings to withstand wind — and they’ll grow sturdier in response.
When seedlings poke up, remove the dome or wrap, and place containers by a sunny window, or under fluorescent or LED grow lamps for 14 hours daily. Expensive lamp models aren’t necessary; ordinary shop lights will do. Keep the light source no more than 2-4 inches above the plants, adjusting its height as the seedlings grow.
If multiple seedlings sprout in each container, clip the weakest at the soil line using manicure scissors, retaining only one sturdy plant per cell. If allowed to remain, the roots of multiple seedlings will become entangled and threaten the viability of the young plants.
A week before the last frost date, begin to “harden off” plants by placing them outdoors for incrementally longer periods each day. Place them in a shady spot protected from wind, leave them there for one hour, then bring them back indoors.
Repeat the next day, but leave them out for two hours, and continue adding an hour of outdoor exposure each day for a week, at which time your plants will be acclimated and ready to be planted in the garden. | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/X-16841508.php | 2022-02-13T08:39:52 | en | 0.935607 |
Tunisian president gets powers to dismiss judges under new body - decree
- Country:
- Tunisia
A new provisional judicial body created by Tunisia's president ruled on Sunday that he had the power to dismiss judges and removed their right to strike.
Last weekend, President Kais Saied dissolved the Supreme Judiciary Council that oversees judges, one of the last remaining institutions in the country able to work independently of him.
The new provisional body set up to replace the council issued a decree on Sunday saying Saied had the right to object to the promotion or nomination of judges, and was responsible for proposing judicial reforms.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Tunisia
- Amara
- Saied
- Kais Saied
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Tunisia seeking IMF deal, can pay state salaries - minister | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/1920905-tunisian-president-gets-powers-to-dismiss-judges-under-new-body---decree | 2022-02-13T08:39:57 | en | 0.954506 |
Raise your garden to new heights for easier access and greater productivity. Raised beds allow you to overcome poor soil by creating the ideal growing mix. They also make gardening more comfortable thanks to less bending and kneeling.
Whether you purchase a kit or build your own, there are a few things to consider when creating a raised bed garden.
Locate the garden in a sunny area if possible. Most plants require at least six hours of sun, and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and melons produce best with a full day of sunlight.
Select a long-lasting material such as interlocking block, fieldstone, plastic lumber or naturally long-lasting wood like cedar. The material selected will influence the shape and size of your garden. Some materials allow for curved beds while others are limited to squares, rectangles, and other angular shapes.
Design your raised bed to fit your space and your needs. A 3- or 4-feet width makes it easy to reach all parts of the garden for planting, weeding, and harvesting. Raising your planting bed at least 8 to 12 inches improves drainage and provides an adequate space for most plants to root and grow. If you want to minimize bending, go higher. Add benches to increase your gardening comfort and ease.
Roughen or loosen the existing soil surface if your bed is built on compact, slow-draining soil. This will allow water to readily move from the raised bed into the soil below. Cover the bottom of the bed with newspaper or cardboard, if needed, to suffocate existing weeds and grass.
Line the bottom of your raised bed with hardware cloth to reduce the risk of animals burrowing into your garden. Lay the hardware cloth over the ground and bend it up along the inside of the raised bed walls.
Fill the bed with a quality growing mix that is well drained but also able to retain moisture and nutrients. This may be a mixture of quality topsoil and compost, a high-quality potting mix, or a planting mix designed specifically for raised bed gardens.
Grow any plants that you normally would grow in ground. Just make sure the plants are suited to the growing conditions – sunlight, heat, and wind – in your area. Since the soil mix and drainage is ideal in a raised garden, you will be able to grow more plants per square foot. Just be sure to leave sufficient room for plants to reach their mature size.
Keep your plants healthy and productive with proper watering. This is critical for growing any garden, but even more crucial in a fast draining raised bed. The simple act of raising the garden height increases drainage, and a raised bed filled with planting mix means more frequent watering. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses for watering ease. Always water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
Add some mulch to help reduce watering and the need for other garden maintenance. Spread a layer of evergreen needles, pine straw, shredded leaves, or other organic matter over the soil surface. This helps conserve moisture, suppresses weeds and adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. You’ll spend less time watering and weeding throughout the season.
Add an organic fertilizer at planting if your planting mix does not already contain one. Apply again mid-season if the plants need a nutrient boost. Always follow the label directions on the fertilizer container.
The time and effort invested in creating raised beds will be returned many times over with years of healthy and productive gardens. | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/X-16842682.php | 2022-02-13T08:39:58 | en | 0.925805 |
Emily Taffel didn't pull the password plug when she divorced her first husband, and she didn't cut off the boyfriend who followed. Now remarried with four stepchildren, she continues as a model of civility when it comes to exes and logins.
The 41-year-old woman and her first husband didn't have kids, much money or own a house when they divorced. What they did have were subscriptions to Netflix and Hulu.
“We each paid for one of them and share. That was literally our divorce agreement,” Taffel said. “It was written right in there. We're still doing it.”
When boyfriend Sam came along but the romance ended three years later, they maintained close ties and joint custody of additional services, sharing logins and the cost to this day among themselves and Taffel's ex-husband. Taffel and her current husband have added more and shared down the line over a decade after her first marriage ended.
“I know it seems crazy,” she said. “The ex-boyfriend and the ex-husband aren't friends, but through me everybody is very amicable.”
In this era of cybersecurity concerns and calls for multifactor lockdown of all things digital, that approach points to a thorny issue when love goes wrong: What to do about the logins?
Nearly 8 in 10 Americans who are in a relationship share passwords across nearly every digital platform, ranging from social media to email and cell phone to mobile wallets, said Harold Li, vice president of the encryption service ExpressVPN.
“In the digital era, sharing passwords is a sign of trust and affection akin to the gift of a letterman jacket or an exchange of school locker combinations,” he said. “However, while it may seem like a romantic gesture at the moment, it poses serious risks to your personal privacy, which even the closest of relationships need.”
And when relationships end, whether romantic or of the friendship variety, he recommends a thorough “digital divorce.”
Sisi Cronin, 33, is still logged in to her college boyfriend's Netflix account, with her own profile. While they don't live near each other, they remain friendly after going their separate ways when she was 23.
“One time about three years ago he sent me a kind of funny message saying, hey, Netflix has decided to limit how many people can be on, would you mind getting your own? And I just wrote back saying I’d rather not. We haven't talked about it since,” she said. “When you’ve got all these different subscription platforms it's ideal to not be paying for all of them yourself, right?”
Nick Leighton of the etiquette podcast “Were You Raised by Wolves” equates the changing of shared passwords after a breakup to returning the sweater left behind by the ex.
“Be mindful of the fact that when a person discovers their login no longer works, it’ll be a clear reminder that the relationship is indeed over, which may cause hurt feelings,” he said. “In a relationship, asking someone for their password can make some people uncomfortable, so it's often better to wait until they volunteer to share rather than putting them on the spot. It should also be noted that sharing passwords might possibly violate the terms of service.”
Things don't always go swimmingly when logins aren't cut off post-breakup.
“Change the password. In the age of perpetual watch histories being widely available, nobody wants to know that their ex just watched `The Notebook' on Netflix. It stirs up all sorts of emotions," said John Capo, an assistant professor of communications at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
“Were they thinking about me when they watched it? Who did they watch it with? Why were they awake at midnight, anyway? Remember when we used to watch `The Notebook?'”
Brian Penny, 40, doesn't have the heart to leave an ex out in the cold on his HBO Max and Hulu accounts.
“She's struggling with work and it doesn't cost me anything, but it does show her name because she added herself as a profile," he said. "I do wonder what the next girlfriend will think about seeing another woman's name in my account. I've already reasoned I would say it's a cousin or friend.”
The digital safety provider Aura commissioned The Harris Poll last year to look into the issue of prioritizing shared streaming access over security, and found that one-third of American adults of more than 2,000 polled said they continue to access the sites of a partner or friend after the relationship ends.
Eleven percent have let a former partner or friend use a streaming service, and 12% have had to explicitly ask a former partner or friend to stop using an account after the relationship ended.
“It’s no secret that password-sharing is a way for consumers to get around the cost of paying for multiple services,” said Hari Ravichandran, founder and CEO of Aura, in a statement. “What consumers aren’t considering is that these behaviors make them vulnerable to digital crime when people outside your household — even ones you trust — have your passwords on their devices.”
Researchers have found a variety of reasons people maintain streaming ties after a breakup — convenience, finances and post-breakup friendships among them. A downside: When a vindictive ex deliberately wreaks havoc with algorithms to mess up ads and suggested viewing, or creates a profile to rile up a current love interest. One sharer said the parents of an ex stayed logged into one of his sites for two years after they broke up and sent him a gift card out of the blue as thanks.
Chandler Sterling shows up as a generic “guest” profile on the Netflix and Hulu accounts of a former long-term girlfriend. He also uses his parents' cable TV subscription with his Apple TV for access to pretty much anything, including sports.
“Yes, I'm 34, and yes, I make over six figures at my job, but I won’t pay for something if I don’t have to,” he said. “My ex has never directly confronted me about the guest profile on Hulu. On Netflix, she changed the guest account’s profile picture to the guy from the show `Lucifer,' so I think she’s sending me a message about how she feels. ... I have zero guilt for all this cloak and dagger mooching."
Penny said he wasn't sure if or when he would remove his ex.
“Our relationship didn’t end well at all,” he said. “I think a part of me leaves it alone so she leaves me alone. The peace of mind is worth it.” | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/X-16844866.php | 2022-02-13T08:40:04 | en | 0.976365 |
Mayawati hits out at BJP for its 'refusal' to acknowledge issue of unemployment
Those associated with the BJP should come out of their narrow thought process, only then something good is possible for the country. She also said, The news of farmers committing suicide because of a heavy debt burden is disturbing. But now, the compulsion of the unemployed youngsters committing suicide has increased the nations anxiety, worry and anger.
- Country:
- India
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati hit out at the ruling BJP on Sunday, saying its refusal to acknowledge the issue of unemployment in the country stems from its ''arrogant thinking''.
In a series of tweets in Hindi, she said, ''BJP's refusal in Parliament (to acknowledge) the burning national problem of unemployment, if it is not their wrong and arrogant thinking then what is it? Which youngster wants to face insults and taunts for being unemployed? Those associated with the BJP should come out of their narrow thought process, only when something good is possible for the country.'' She also said, ''The news of farmers committing suicide because of a heavy debt burden is disturbing. But now, the compulsion of the unemployed youngsters to commit suicide has increased the nation's anxiety, worry, and anger. How fair are the BJP's claims of development and 'India Shining'?''
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Bahujan Samaj Party
- Parliament
- Mayawati
- India
- Hindi
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Modi govt hijacked democracy, deceived Parliament, duped SC: Cong on Pegasus row | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/1920872-mayawati-hits-out-at-bjp-for-its-refusal-to-acknowledge-issue-of-unemployment | 2022-02-13T08:40:05 | en | 0.94141 |
Millions of Americans who have never filed a tax return will need to do so this year in order to claim what's coming to them under the enhanced child tax credit.
Previously, only people who earned enough money to owe income taxes could qualify for the full credit.
But as part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden expanded the program, increasing the payments to up to $3,600 annually for each child aged 5 or under and $3,000 for those who are ages 6 to 17.
The monthly payments have amounted to $300 for each child 5 and younger and $250 for those between 5 and 17.
The government began to send the payments out — an overall $93 billion — on a monthly basis starting last July. Now, there are an additional six months' worth of payments waiting to be claimed. And some families haven't collected any of the benefits they're due yet. In all, an estimated $193 billion is yet to be claimed.
The only way to receive that money is to file a tax return.
Some questions and answers about who's eligible for the credit and how to get it:
WHO GETS IT?
More than 36 million families received the advanced payments in December alone, which marked the last month that advanced monthly payments were sent to households. Families qualify for the full credit if their 2021 adjusted gross income was at or below $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return, or $75,000 for single-filer parents.
HOW DO I KNOW?
Whether a family owes tax money or has filed taxes before, they will need to file a return to get all or the rest of their money.
Eligible families that didn’t receive any advance child tax credit payments during 2021 can still claim the full amount of the child tax credit on their federal tax return. Those families that are unsure of whether they've received payments, or potentially received paper checks that went uncashed, can visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, to see how much of the credit they should have received.
Additionally, families that received payments should have received a "Letter 6419, 2021 advance CTC" notice, which includes information on the amount of advance payments families have received and tax information for filing purposes.
However, the IRS has said that some people may have received incorrect information on their forms. The portal can help people who want to confirm the correct amount they should have received. Despite any inconsistencies in documentation, the IRS advises that taxpayers should keep the letter, and any other IRS communications about advance payments, with their tax records.
BEST WAY TO FILE?
The IRS urges individuals to file their taxes electronically to process forms quicker, and provides links on the agency website to free filing sites like GetYourRefund.org, which helps families earning less than about $66,000 a year file their taxes for free. The organization partners with IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and provides free help in English and Spanish. Another option is MyFreeTaxes.com, which provides virtual assistance to people who make $58,000 or less to file their federal and state taxes for free. That service is offered through the United Way.
The IRS also has a tool to help individuals identify other free file sites that offer tax filing help.
While the coronavirus relief package included child tax credit benefits for residents of Puerto Rico, they were not eligible to receive the advance monthly payments. Instead, Puerto Rican residents can receive the full amount of child tax credit that they are eligible for by filing a federal income tax return this year. Additionally, residents of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for the full child tax credit payments, but they will need to contact their local U.S. territory tax agency.
WHO CAN HELP?
The IRS has launched a website, called ChildTaxCredit.gov, which lists criteria that filers must meet in order to receive the full credit. Additionally, the federal agency will begin offering walk-in assistance with IRS volunteers in limited locations for individuals who need help filing their taxes, beginning Feb. 12.
Thirty-five tax assistance centers around the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the next four months.
The tax filing deadline is April 18. | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/X-16844868.php | 2022-02-13T08:40:10 | en | 0.977908 |
Goa polls: Discounts galore to push people to vote on Feb 14
A group of 30 hoteliers and beach shack owners in North Goa district has also offered heavy discounts on food at their facilities for couples who exercise their franchise on February 14, as the polling date coincides with the Valentines Day. A total of 301 candidates are in the fray for elections to 40 Assembly constituencies in the state.
- Country:
- India
Special discounts in eateries, coffee shops, on bungy jumping and hot air balloon rides, these are some of the incentives being offered in poll-bound Goa to encourage people to come out and vote in large numbers on Monday. A group of 30 hoteliers and beach shack owners in North Goa district has also offered heavy discounts on food at their facilities for couples who exercise their franchise on February 14, as the polling date coincides with the Valentine's Day. A total of 301 candidates are in the fray for elections to 40 Assembly constituencies in the state. The BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Goa Forward Party (GFP), Trinamool Congress Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), NCP, Shiv Sena, Revolutionary Goans, Goencho Swabhimaan Party, Jai Mahabharat Party and Sambhaji Brigade are contesting the polls. Besides, 68 independent candidates are also in the fray. “Celebrate the festival of democracy on 14th Feb 2022 with North Goa District Administration. There is a Special Discount offered by Goa's favourite hoteliers/restaurant owners/shack owners of Bardez taluka for couples, who cast their vote on 14th February 2022 between 7 am to 6 pm,” North Goa collector and District Election Officer has tweeted. Apart from food, voters are also being offered special incentives for recreational activities. A bungy jumping facility approved by Goa Tourism Development Corporation at Mayem lake in North Goa has offered 10 per cent discount to people who vote in the Assembly elections. “Celebrate the festival of Democracy. There is a special discount offer on Bungy Jumping at Mayem lake Goa. Those who will cast their vote on 14th February, 2022 can avail special Discount offered from 16th-21st Feb. Exhibit indelible ink on the left hand forefinger and get 10 per cent off,” the North Goa collector said in another tweet. The offers do not end here. Voters can also enjoy a 15 per cent discount on the Goa Tourism's hot air balloon ride at Chandor in South Goa district.
''There is a special Discount offer on Hot Air Balloon Goa . Those who will cast their vote on 14th February, 2022 can avail special Discount offered from 14th Feb -14th March 2022. Get 15 per cent discount for people who visit after voting,” the North Goa collector tweeted.
Goa's leading coffee shop chain Creameux has also offered 10 per cent off to voters at all its outlets in the coastal state on Monday.
The North Goa collector also mentioned about it in a tweet.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Assembly
- Development Corporation
- Mayem
- Creameux
- District Election Officer
- Goa Forward Party
- Trinamool Congress Party
- North Goa
- Bardez
- Bungy Jumping
- Sambhaji Brigade
- North Goa District Administration
- Aam Aadmi Party
- Goa Tourism
- Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party
- Jai Mahabharat Party
- Shiv Sena
- Goencho Swabhimaan Party
- South Goa district
- Revolutionary Goans
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After Goa elections, we will continue to explore opportunities to work together with NCP & Shiv Sena: P Chidambaram. | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/1920877-goa-polls-discounts-galore-to-push-people-to-vote-on-feb-14 | 2022-02-13T08:40:12 | en | 0.942604 |
People making less than $35,000 a year may be more likely to have carotid artery stenosis, a leading cause of stroke, a new study found.
Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of the large arteries on either side of the neck that carry blood to the brain. The narrowing is often a buildup of sticky plaques. Known risk factors include high levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
Previous research shows Black and Hispanic people have a lower risk of carotid artery stenosis compared to whites, and Native Americans have a higher risk. But prevalence according to factors other than race and ethnicity is less clear.
To identify possible patterns, researchers evaluated electronic health records of a diverse pool of 203,813 participants in the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program. Half of participants were white, 20% were Black, 20% were Hispanic, 3% were Asian and the rest identified as other races or ethnicities. One in 10 had less than a high school degree and 36% had a household income of less than $35,000 per year.
Overall, 2.7% of participants had been diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis. Among them, 7.3% had undergone revascularization, a surgical procedure to restore normal blood flow to the brain.
Those making less than $35,000 a year had 15% greater odds of carotid artery stenosis than those with a higher income. Lower income also was associated with 38% higher odds for carotid revascularization.
The findings, published in the journal Stroke, will be presented Thursday at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference.
"Having a lower income may affect people's food choices," said Dr. Helmi Lutsep, professor and interim chair of the department of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. She was not involved in the study. "They may not be able to buy healthy fruits and vegetables. And the more we learn about this, the more we can intervene and potentially change the pattern."
Lutsep said the study offers further evidence that doctors should be considering health disparities and using what they learn about their patients to guide preventive care.
When race and ethnicity were considered, Black and Hispanic participants had lower odds of carotid artery stenosis, echoing previous research. Black participants with the condition also were less likely to receive revascularization therapy.
"That could be due to less severe presentations," said lead author Dr. Daniela Renedo, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.
So-called volunteer bias, which leads to more healthy people enrolled, might explain the lower rates of carotid artery stenosis in certain groups, the researchers said.
Even so, Lutsep commended the diversity of the study population, especially that 61% were women, because men are overrepresented in many stroke-related trials. But she also noted the potential for bias toward participants with access to computers in the All of Us Research Program, since enrollment appeared to be done mainly through its website.
Plenty of questions remain, Renedo said. But researchers will soon have access to the All of Us participants' genetic information, and "we will use these data to better understand the interaction between social determinants of health and biological factors that ultimately lead to carotid stenosis and its consequences."
The takeaway message for now, she said, "is that more attention should be given to the present health care disparities in this condition." | https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/X-16848425.php | 2022-02-13T08:40:16 | en | 0.969644 |
TN CM dubs WB Guv Dhankar proroguing Assembly sans 'propriety'
- Country:
- India
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday said West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar's act of proroguing the state Assembly is 'without propriety', and said the 'symbolic' head should be a role model in upholding the Constitution. Stalin tweeted, ''The act of #WestBengal Governor to prorogue the WB Assembly Session is without any propriety expected from the exalted post and goes against the established norms and conventions.'' The Tamil Nadu Chief Minster further said, ''The 'symbolic' head of the state should be the role model to uphold the constitution. Beauty of democracy lies in extending mutual respect to each other.'' PTI VGN SS SS
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/1920878-tn-cm-dubs-wb-guv-dhankar-proroguing-assembly-sans-propriety | 2022-02-13T08:40:21 | en | 0.900369 |
Stage set for second phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls; 586 candidates in fray
- Country:
- India
Fifty-five seats spread across nine districts, including some in Rohilkhand region, will go to polls on Monday in the second phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh which will see senior Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan and state Finance Minister Suresh Khanna trying their luck at the hustings.
As many as 586 candidates are in the fray in this phase with the seats spread across Saharanpur, Bijnor, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Amroha, Budaun, Bareilly and Shahjahanpur.
Polling will be held on Monday from 7 am to 6 pm, the election office here said.
Of the 55 seats going to polls in this phase, the BJP had won 38 in 2017, while the Samajwadi Party had bagged 15 and the Congress two. The SP and the Congress had contested the last Assembly election in an alliance.
Of the 15 seats won by the SP, Muslim candidates had emerged victorious in 10.
The areas going to polls in this phase have a sizeable Muslim population influenced by religious leaders of the Barelvi and Deoband sects. These areas are considered to be the strongholds of the Samajwadi Party.
The prominent faces in the fray in this phase include Dharam Singh Saini, a Yogi Adityanath government minister who switched to the SP after the polls.
Khan has been fielded from his stronghold Rampur seat, Khanna from Shahjahanpur, while Saini is trying his luck from the Nakud Assembly segment.
Khan's son Abdullah Azam has been fielded from the Swar seat. He has been pitted against Haider Ali Khan, the heir of another political family, the Nawabs of Rampur, who is trying his luck on the ticket of Apna Dal (Sonelal), a BJP ally. Haider Ali Khan is the grandson of former MP Noor Bano. Outgoing Minister of State for Jal Shakti Baldev Singh Aulakh is the candidate from Bilaspur, Minister of State for Urban Development Mahesh Chandra Gupta from Badaun, and Minister of State for Secondary Education Gulab Devi from Chandausi are also in the poll fray.
The former mayor of Bareilly Supriya Aron is contesting from Bareilly Cantonment after joining the Samajwadi Party. Campaigning for the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attacked the main opposition Samajwadi Party while elaborating on why his party's government was necessary in the state to keep it riot-free.
He had also spoken about the legislation against triple talaq.
''Now these mafiawadis' (supporters of the mafia) have made the big culprit of the Saharanpur riots their partner in this election. It is not just about Saharanpur. In the entire western Uttar Pradesh, these people have selectively fielded criminals. These people are even making anti-nationals their proposers,'' Modi had said.
Leading his party campaign, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said ''Azam Khan is in jail for building a university, son of a Union minister is out of jail'' in the case of running over farmers.
This is the ''new India of the BJP'', he had said on the bail granted to Union Minister Ajay Mishra's son in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.
BSP supremo Mayawati had alleged that the Samajwadi Party government ended the Jatav-Muslim brotherhood in western Uttar Pradesh while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi focused her campaign on women welfare.
President of Rashtriya Kisan Manch Shekhar Dixit, said, ''The farmers' anger over the three farm laws, which were subsequently repealed by the Centre, will remain visible in this phase as well. In the first phase, the anger of the farmers towards the BJP was visible.'' With the elections being held amid the Covid scare, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Brahmdev Ram Tripathi said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair, transparent and Covid-safe polling. The first phase of the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh polls was held on February 10. The results will be declared on March 10.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Construction work stopped on 'land of Bhubaneswar's presiding deity' | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/1920889-stage-set-for-second-phase-of-uttar-pradesh-assembly-polls-586-candidates-in-fray | 2022-02-13T08:40:29 | en | 0.972713 |
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