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Malaysian Airline System Flight 684 crash
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Malaysian Airline System Flight 684 was an international flight from Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore to Subang International Airport, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. On 18 December 1983, the Airbus A300 operating the flight crashed 2 km short of the runway at Kuala Lumpur Airport, Malaysia with no fatalities among the 247 passengers and crew. [1][2]
Malaysian Airline System Flight 684 departed Singapore Changi Airport in Changi, Singapore on 18 December 1983 at 18:53 local time. As the flight approached Subang International Airport (now Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) in Subang, Selangor, Malaysia at 19:20 local time, it was cleared for an instrument landing despite poor runway visibility of 450 m (1,480 ft) due to rain. Airline policy required visibility of at least 800 m (2,600 ft), but the pilot assumed control from the first officer and began his descent. Furthermore, the air crew did not turn on the Instrument Landing System on the aircraft due to increased workload which was exacerbated further due to the different cockpit switch configuration between the A300 owned by Malaysia Airlines & that of the crashed aircraft, which was leased from Scandinavian Airlines System. [3]
The altimeter warning sounded and within 30 seconds the aircraft struck trees 2 km (1.2 mi; 1.1 nmi) short of the runway. The plane slid along the ground for 436 m (1,430 ft), skipped for 36 m (118 ft), and finally struck a stream embankment where it slid another 109 m (358 ft) before coming to rest. The aircraft was still 1,200 m (3,900 ft) short of the runway and had lost its landing gear and both engines. [1]
All 247 passengers and crew survived, evacuating the aircraft before the fire destroyed it, making the accident the second hull loss of an Airbus A300. [4]
The probable cause was ascribed to pilot error in not monitoring descent rate during approach in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and continuing an approach below company minima without sighting the runway. [4]
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Air crash
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Refunds on hundreds of special deer hunting bow licenses for an outbreak of disease in whitetails
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North Dakota wildlife officials are offering refunds on hundreds of special deer hunting bow licenses in the Bismarck-Mandan region due to an outbreak of disease in whitetails. The severity of the outbreak is still being investigated, and it's possible the Game and Fish Department might offer more refunds before the start of the November gun season, as it did last year. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease -- commonly called EHD -- is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges. It's been present in North Dakota for decades, and there's a low level of activity in the state most years. But sometimes environmental conditions create perfect breeding areas for the insects, and outbreaks occur. That happened last year in southwestern North Dakota. The disease was documented again this year in August, with the Bismarck-Mandan region appearing to be the hardest-hit area, with smaller outbreaks elsewhere in the state. Game and Fish asked people to report sick or dead deer to help them gauge the extent of the problem. Reports now number about 370, and "that's a lot," Game and Fish Wildlife Veterinarian Charlie Bahnson said Wednesday. The most heavily affected area is along the Missouri River from just south of Bismarck-Mandan to the Garrison Dam, as well as a smaller area near Williston, according to the department. “With the help of public reports, we are able to get a pretty good idea on where the outbreak is occurring,” state Wildlife Chief Casey Anderson said. Game and Fish is offering refunds for more than 400 special herd-reduction bow season license holders in south Bismarck-Mandan and northern Burleigh County. Those special licenses allow hunters to pursue deer in certain areas such as within city limits, on state Corrections Department land and at the federal Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, to reduce problem deer, according to Bahnson. It's possible the EHD outbreak is more widespread. The reports Game and Fish has received so far "might be a little bit habitat-driven, and there might be a little bit of reporting bias ... where people live and recreate," Bahnson said. Outbreaks end only after a hard freeze kills off the midges. That hasn't happened yet this fall, and the department will continue to take reports of sick or dead deer at https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/mortality-report through the opening weekend of pheasant season, Oct. 9-10, when bird hunters will be covering a much broader area of the state. Officials then will decide whether the outbreak warrants refunds for the deer gun hunting season, which starts Nov. 5. “Tracking an outbreak like this would not be possible without the public's involvement,” Anderson said. Game and Fish last year offered license refunds to more than 9,000 deer hunters, and only about 400 hunters took up the offer. There also was an outbreak in 2011, and only about 300 of 13,000 possible hunters requested a refund.
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Disease Outbreaks
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Singapore beefs up preparedness for infectious diseases of the future
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SINGAPORE - The Covid-19 vaccination drive in Singapore is well under way, putting the country on track to a semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy. But the Republic is continuing to beef up its preparedness for infectious diseases of the future. For instance, the Stronghold Diagnostics Lab used for Covid-19 testing can be deployed for other screening efforts in the future, said Professor Patrick Tan, founding programme director of the lab and executive director of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's (A*Star) Genome Institute of Singapore. The lab was set up to boost national polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing capabilities and has been operational since mid-2020. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat toured the lab at Biopolis, Singapore's biomedical hub in Buona Vista, on Monday (April 12). In a Facebook post on Tuesday morning, he thanked the scientists and researchers at A*Star and other research institutions in Singapore for their work, calling them "silent heroes" in the nation's fight against the coronavirus. "They have made a real difference to our pandemic response. I was fascinated by their sharing of the science behind innovations such as the Fortitude diagnostic test kits, and cPass - the world's first serology test for neutralising antibodies," he said in the post. Mr Heng, who chairs the National Research Foundation Board, added that he was glad that A*Star worked closely with Singapore's broader research and development ecosystem and private companies to develop these solutions for Covid-19 together. "This strong partnership has been vital for Singapore's collective response to the pandemic, and it is important that we continue to strengthen and deepen the collaborations. In this way, we will be better prepared for future pandemics, including Disease X," said Mr Heng. The Stronghold Diagnostics Lab was established by the A*Star and the National University Health System (NUHS), with Temasek Foundation as a strategic industry partner. A*Star and its partners had been approached by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to contribute to national testing capacity. Testing facilities at the lab, set up in repurposed laboratories at Biopolis, leverages A*Star's strengths in biomedical sciences with technology, such as in automation and smart sensing. The clinical director and initial laboratory testing training was supplied by NUHS, while Temasek Foundation contributed towards testing instruments and diagnostic kits. A*Star's Prof Tan told The Straits Times that the lab processes tests from a wide variety of sources and formats, including from the local community, dormitories and stay-home notice hotels. "We coordinate closely with MOH to respond and process samples based on current needs," he added. Even though vaccinations are under way, testing for Covid-19 remains an important pillar of Singapore's strategy to control the coronavirus outbreak by preventing the seeding of new clusters. This is especially since data has shown that people who have been vaccinated against or infected with the virus before can get Covid-19 again. On Sunday, a migrant worker who had been vaccinated against Covid-19 was found to have been infected with the coronavirus. And earlier this year in February, Singapore's first case of Covid-19 reinfection was detected. Singapore last year said it aims to conduct about 40,000 Covid-19 tests a day, and the latest figures from MOH's website showed that the testing rate over the past week now stands at about 34,800 tests a day. "While Singapore's population is increasingly being vaccinated, the need for Covid-19 testing will still continue for the foreseeable future as Singapore further reopens and resumes activities," Prof Tan said. The lab is manned by a specially hired workforce of over 150 staff from across the Singapore ecosystem, including volunteer scientists from A*Star, the universities, and medical staff from NUHS, as well as fresh graduates and professionals with relevant experience and qualifications. "Besides providing jobs for Singaporeans, Stronghold Diagnostics Lab has also trained many staff in clinical diagnostics, increasing the local pool of skilled qualified staff for future pandemic contingencies. The lab's platforms are adaptable and can be deployed to other screening efforts in future, including for other infectious diseases," Prof Tan said. A*Star said sustained national investments in research and development had enabled the rapid assembly of this highly qualified pool, which has prior expertise in fields like molecular biology, microbiology and diagnostics. All lab staff are required to undergo additional Covid-19 biosafety training and procedures for personal protective equipment. Mr Philip Lim, programme director of Stronghold and A*Star's chief risk officer, said the need for scale required the use of automation. This included the use of laboratory automation systems like the Bio Rapid Automated Valence Engine, an A*Star initiative. The system includes barcode scanning for the identification of samples, and custom robotic and automation systems for automated handling of test samples, including capping and uncapping of test tubes, and pipetting and movement of liquids. A*Star said this helps to minimise human errors and reduce contamination and infection risks for laboratory staff, resulting in accurate, reliable and high-throughput testing processes within a safer environment. Mr Lim said local small and medium-sized enterprises were involved in the assembly and roll-out of these automation solutions, which have also been delivered to other commercial labs in Singapore. The average turnaround time for PCR tests is usually more than a day, from the time the samples are taken from a person to receipt of the results. This is much longer than antigen rapid tests, which can deliver results within a matter of minutes. However, PCR tests are usually much more sensitive and accurate than antigen rapid tests, and are considered the gold standard for diagnosing Covid-19. Asked the turnaround time for samples processed at Stronghold, A*Star's Mr Lim said: "(Stronghold's) processing time is well within industry benchmarks and the standards expected for testing facilities."
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Disease Outbreaks
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Airbus Industrie Flight 129 crash
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Airbus Industrie Flight 129 was an Airbus Industrie A330-321 test flight that ended in a crash on 30 June 1994 at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, killing all seven people aboard. The last test flown was to certify the plane's takeoff capability with a single engine failure. [1] It was the first fatal accident involving an Airbus A330 as well as the first hull loss of the type. [2] It remained the only fatal accident involving an A330 until the crash of Air France Flight 447 on 1 June 2009. [2]
The aircraft involved in the accident was an Airbus A330-321, registration F-WWKH, c/n 42. Equipped with twin Pratt & Whitney PW4164 powerplants, it first flew on 14 October 1993. [3] The aircraft was 259 days old at the time of the accident. The aircraft belonged to Thai Airways International and was being flight-tested under agreement with the owner. Airbus Industrie already owed Thai Airways compensation for the hull loss of another plane it had damaged during testing in December 1993. [4]
The objective of the flight was to test the performance of the aircraft in simulated engine failures after takeoff, which meant throttling down one of the aircraft's engines to idle and switching off a hydraulic circuit. [5] During most of the tests, the aircraft's autopilot would be set to fly the plane to an altitude of 2,000 feet (610 m). [5] The particular test that led to the crash flew in a configuration with the plane's center of gravity near its aft limit, achieved by carrying tons of water in bladders in the rear of the aircraft's cabin. [6]
The captain was Airbus chief test pilot Nick Warner. The co-pilot was Michel Cais, an Air Inter training captain who had been working with the Airbus training organization Aeroformation. A flight test engineer, Jean-Pierre Petit, was on board as the third member of the crew. [7][8]
Airbus management was interested in promoting the plane to potential customers, and did not perceive the test to be hazardous, so they invited four passengers on the plane: two Airbus executives (Philippe Tournoux and Keith Hulse), and two Alitalia pilots, Alberto Nassetti [it] and Pier Paolo Racchetti [it], who were in Toulouse for a commercial training programme at the Airbus headquarters. [9][8]
The aircraft had just successfully completed a landing, after the captain had performed two simulated engine loss go-arounds, taking a total of 55 minutes. The second takeoff would be made with the aircraft's center of gravity located in an extreme aft position. [7] This time the aircraft was flown by the co-pilot, while the actions to shut off the engine and hydraulic circuit, and engage the autopilot, were carried out by the captain. [7][10] The takeoff was completed successfully and the captain shut off the engine and hydraulic circuit. Three attempts were needed to engage the autopilot[10] and the aircraft started to ascend to 2,000 ft (600 m). The aircraft climbed too steeply, decreasing airspeed to 100 knots (120 mph; 190 km/h), below the minimum 118 knots required to maintain control. [10] The aircraft started to roll, so the crew reduced power on the operating engine to counter the thrust asymmetry. This exacerbated the problem and the aircraft pitched down 15 degrees and soon after crashed into the ground. All seven people on board were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed. [1]
The crash was investigated by a commission of enquiry within the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), the French Government Defense procurement and technology agency responsible for investigating flight test accidents. The commission found the crash was due to "a combination of several factors, no one of which, in isolation, would have caused the crash. "[7] These included:[7]
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Air crash
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Covid and cancer: A dangerous combination, especially for people of color
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LANCASTER, S.C. — Oncologist Kashyap Patel brandishes test results he’s eager to share with his patient, Tamaki Caldwell, showing that her advanced ovarian cancer, once the size of tennis balls, is in remission. Smiling, she says, “I’m going to frame this.”
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It’s a rare bright moment for Caldwell, 53, who knows she is in the fight of her life, one made significantly more arduous by the coronavirus pandemic. She started having abdominal pain last year — “it was like grab and release, grab and release” — but she didn’t see a doctor for months because of concerns about the pandemic and because she was taking care of her grandmother, who had covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Now, after six months of chemotherapy, Caldwell feels “like somebody whopped me,” she said during a visit to Patel’s clinic in late summer. “But I did what I had to do.”
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Covid and cancer are a menacing mix — for everyone, but especially for people of color from low-income communities. African Americans and Hispanics are about twice as likely as White people to die of covid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black cancer patients are at particularly high risk for complications and hospitalizations. Even before the pandemic, Black people had lower survival rates for many cancers compared with White people. Now, with the pandemic grinding on, many doctors fear those inequalities will worsen.
“Covid put cancer and health-care disparities on steroids,” Patel said as he walked through his clinic, offering patients words of encouragement. “I have never seen this many people presenting at Stage 3 and 4.” Even for people like Caldwell, who responded to the treatment, he said, “Stage 4 cancer is like sitting on a volcano” because it frequently recurs.
Last year, as the pandemic unfolded, millions of cancer screening and diagnostic tests were canceled and thousands of surgical procedures postponed, in part to protect patients. Researchers say the pause, and subsequent delayed diagnoses and treatments, will probably result in an increase in cancer deaths over the next several years — but they don’t know the extent.
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Jennifer S. Haas, a cancer prevention expert and primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said she and her colleagues have seen an unusually high number of advanced stomach cancers and esophageal malignancies over the past several months.
“People have been trying to ignore symptoms for a year because they didn’t want to come in,” Haas said.
Covid and cancer share risk factors that disproportionately affect people of color: higher rates of underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension; a lack of health insurance or access to a primary-care physician; and jobs that can cause health problems.
Many of those most acutely affected are women, whose family responsibilities and financial stress can make it difficult to focus on their own health, doctors say.
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“They have sacrificed themselves to deal with the needs of the family: Are my children getting schooling, how do I take care of the older adults in my life, how do I manage everything?” said Debra Patt, a breast cancer specialist in Austin and an executive vice president of Texas Oncology.
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Long after the pandemic subsides, she worries, some patients will be struggling with advanced cancer.
“The effects of this will go on for years,” Patt said.
One of her patients, Christina Cook, a 44-year-old African American woman who lives in San Marcos, Tex., discovered a small lump in her right breast just as the pandemic unfolded last year.
“It felt like a baby rock,” Cook said. “But I had bigger things to worry about.”
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As stores closed, Cook was busy looking for food, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products for her two daughters. She soon lost her job shuttling people from an apartment complex to Texas State University. Her younger daughter, a high school senior, was so miserable about the disruption to school and graduation festivities that Cook bought a cat to cheer her up.
By last December, the peach-size mass in Cook’s breast was extremely painful. When Cook, who was uninsured, sought care at a hospital, staffers said their ultrasound machine was broken, she said. At the urging of her older daughter, she went to a Planned Parenthood clinic, where staffers quickly arranged for a mammogram, got her enrolled in Medicaid and helped her find Patt, who has been treating her for triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease more prevalent among Black women.
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Cook is responding to treatment and plans to have a mastectomy in December.
“But I’m terrified that I cut it too close, that I neglected myself too long and could have easily taken myself out,” Cook said.
Crystal Whetstone, 37, one of Patel’s patients, said she found a dime-size lump in her right breast in spring 2020 but was too nervous about the coronavirus and too busy with two jobs — one in sales, the other running a dance studio called Diamond Divas — to get it checked. In addition, she was taking care of her 13-year-old son, who was struggling with remote school, and she was having trouble enrolling in Medicaid.
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By the time she was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, “I had a big cluster of cancer,” said Whetstone, who wore a red T-shirt emblazoned with Mickey Mouse. Now, she requires more intensive treatment than if she had been diagnosed at an earlier stage.
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Recently, she and her son were diagnosed with covid-19.
“I was stuck in bed for two weeks,” said Whetstone, who is still debating whether to get vaccinated.
Patel, a 60-year-old native of western India, said patients with delayed diagnoses represent collateral damage from the pandemic. In addition to their lowered chances of survival, the cost of their treatment is much higher, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.
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The pandemic has dealt setbacks to cancer prevention efforts among people of color but also has compelled doctors to think of new ways to reach these communities.
Sophie M. Balzora, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health in New York, worries that the pause in colorectal cancer screening in early 2020 has hurt progress against the disease in Black Americans, the racial group most likely to be diagnosed with the illness and to die of it.
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Federally qualified health centers, which provide care to many low-income Americans, routinely hand out fecal immunochemical tests, called FIT and administered at home to detect blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. If the test is positive, a patient is advised to get a colonoscopy. During the pandemic, distribution of the tests was temporarily suspended, as were follow-up colonoscopies at many facilities.
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“It is going to be a huge mountain to climb to get back to where we were” in narrowing disparities, Balzora said. “People will be diagnosed at a later stage and the later your stage, the worse your likelihood of survival.”
Kavita Patel, a health policy expert and primary-care physician who works at Mary’s Center clinic in Prince George’s County, Md., an area hit hard by the pandemic, said uninsured patients are facing major delays in getting colonoscopies and other tests. “I have written orders for mammograms eight months ago that have expired, and I have had to reorder,” she said.
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Haas at Massachusetts General said the lesson from the pandemic is that “maybe we shouldn’t expect everyone to come to doctors’ offices,” knowing that it is easier for people who are affluent and insured. She said more at-home tests, including for the human papillomavirus, a major cause of cervical cancer, would increase screening. Hospitals, including hers, are hiring more community health nurses to reach people outside of the hospital and doctors’ offices, she said.
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Other groups are urging people of color and other patients to resume cancer screening , including the Community Oncology Alliance, which represents cancer doctors, and the nonprofit group CancerCare. Kashyap Patel is the president of the community oncologists’ group.
When the pandemic hit last year, Patel, who is chief executive of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates, scrambled to keep treating patients while keeping them and his staff safe. He closed the Lancaster clinic for several months and referred his patients to his second clinic, in Rock Hill, S.C.
Patel switched some patients from chemotherapy infusions to oral anti-cancer drugs to minimize the risks of in-person visits. Once coronavirus vaccines became available, he and his staff persuaded more than 150 patients and their relatives to receive the shots, including some skeptics who described the vaccine as “chemical warfare.” He added several hours to his clinics’ schedules to try to catch up with patients, while worrying about the stress on his staff.
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And he is trying to expand services, hoping to receive funding for mobile lung-cancer screening next year.
The coronavirus remains a serious threat in Lancaster County, which is an hour south of Charlotte and dotted with tobacco and corn farms and mobile homes. The positive rate for coronavirus tests is about 12 percent, about double the national average, according to the CDC. Less than half of the population in that county has been fully vaccinated, the CDC says.
Still, Caldwell remains upbeat, praising Patel and her siblings for taking care of her. Looking back, she said, she “really had too much going on” to immediately react to the pain she now realizes was caused by cancer.
“Hopefully, I am getting over this,” she said. “I am going to beat this and get back to my regular life.”
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Famous Person - Sick
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Air France Flight 007 crash
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Coordinates: 48°43′N 2°22′E / 48.72°N 2.37°E / 48.72; 2.37
Air France Flight 007 crashed on 3 June 1962 while on take-off from Orly Airport. The only survivors of the disaster were two flight attendants; the rest of the flight crew, and all 122 passengers on board the Boeing 707, were killed. The crash was at the time the worst single-aircraft disaster and the first single civilian jet airliner disaster with more than 100 deaths. According to witnesses, during the takeoff roll on runway 8, the nose of Flight 007 lifted off the runway, but the main landing gear remained on the ground. Though the aircraft had already exceeded the maximum speed at which the takeoff could be safely aborted within the remaining runway length, the flight crew had no other choice and attempted to abort the take off. With less than 3,000 feet (910 m) of runway remaining, the pilots used wheel brakes and reverse thrust to attempt to stop the 707. They braked so hard, they destroyed the main landing gear tires and wheels, but the aircraft ran off the end of the runway. They plowed into the town of Villeneuve-le-Roi. The left undercarriage failed and a fire broke out from the fuselage. Three flight attendants initially survived the disaster. Two attendants survived, but the third died in the hospital. At the time, it was the world's worst air disaster involving one aircraft. This death toll would be surpassed over 3.5 years later, when in February 1966, All Nippon Airways Flight 60 crashed into Tokyo Bay for reasons unknown, killing all 133 people. Later investigation found indications that a motor driving the elevator trim may have failed, leaving pilot Captain Roland Hoche and First Officer Jacques Pitoiset unable to complete rotation and liftoff. [1]
The Atlanta Art Association had sponsored a month-long tour of the art treasures of Europe, and 106[2] of the passengers were art patrons heading home to Atlanta on this charter flight. The tour group included many of Atlanta's cultural and civic leaders. Atlanta mayor Ivan Allen Jr. went to Orly to inspect the crash site where so many Atlantans perished. [3]
During their visit to Paris, the Atlanta arts patrons had seen Whistler's Mother at the Louvre. [4] In late 1962, the Louvre, as a gesture of good will to the people of Atlanta, sent Whistler's Mother to Atlanta to be exhibited at the Atlanta Art Association museum on Peachtree Street. [5]
The crash occurred during the civil rights movement in the United States. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte announced cancellation of a sit-in in downtown Atlanta (a protest of the city's racial segregation) as a conciliatory gesture to the grieving city. However, Nation of Islam leader Malcolm X, speaking in Los Angeles, expressed joy over the deaths of the all-white group from Atlanta, saying
I would like to announce a very beautiful thing that has happened...I got a wire from God today...well, all right, somebody came and told me that he really had answered our prayers over in France. He dropped an airplane out of the sky with over 120 white people on it because the Muslims believe in an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But thanks to God, or Jehovah, or Allah, we will continue to pray, and we hope that every day another plane falls out of the sky. These remarks led Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty to denounce him as a "fiend" and Dr. King to voice disagreement with his statement. Malcolm later remarked, "The Messenger should have done more." This incident was the first in which Malcolm X gained widespread national attention. [6] Malcolm later explained what he meant: "When that plane crashed in France with a 130 white people on it and we learned that 120 of them were from the state of Georgia, the state where my own grandfather was a slave in, well to me it couldn't have been anything but an act of God, a blessing from God (...)"[7]
Atlanta's Center Stage (a theatre now primarily used as a music venue) was built as a memorial to Helen Lee Cartledge, a victim of the plane crash. It was almost entirely funded by her mother Frania Lee, heiress to the Hunt Oil fortune. The theatre opened in 1966. The Woodruff Arts Center, originally called the Memorial Arts Center and one of the United States' largest, was founded in 1968 in memory of those who died in the crash. [8] The loss to the city was a catalyst for the arts in Atlanta, helped create this memorial to the victims, and led to the creation of the Atlanta Arts Alliance. The French government donated a Rodin sculpture, The Shade, to the High Museum of Art in memory of the victims of the crash. [9]
Ann Uhry Abrams, the author of Explosion at Orly: The True Account of the Disaster that Transformed Atlanta, described the incident as "Atlanta's version of September 11 in that the impact on the city in 1962 was comparable to New York of September 11. "[2]
One of the victims of the flight was artist Douglas Davis Jr., known for his astonishing portraits of singer Edith Piaf that can be seen on album covers late in her career. Davis had a studio in Paris and he returned to Atlanta at the urging of his friends who were part of the Atlanta Arts patrons onboard the flight. Douglas's father was Douglas Davis Sr., an accomplished air racer, who died after crashing his plane at the National Air Races in September 1934. His son was about the same age as his father when he died in the Air France 707 Boeing crash. Andy Warhol painted his first "disaster painting", 129 Die in Jet!,[10] based on the 4 June 1962 cover of New York Daily Mirror, the day after the crash. At that time, the death count was 129. [11] The two known paintings are one in the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany, and one in a private collection. Elizabeth Musser wrote The Swan House, which highlighted this tragic time in Atlanta. In 2018, Hannah Pittard published Visible Empire, a work of historical fiction that deals with the effects of the crash on the city of Atlanta. [citation needed]
Air France continues to use the flight number AF7 today (with AFR007 as the ICAO flight number and callsign). However, the flight number is used on the trip back to France, and the flight now only runs from New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport, the airline operates currently operates the Boeing 777 aircraft interchangeably on this trip. The airlines also used an Airbus A380 on the route until its retirement in June 2020. The forward trip is now Flight 6, terminating in New York. [12]
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Air crash
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AFL hits GWS Giants with $20,000 fine for Jason McCartney's clash with umpires during match
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A Victorian man who flew from Brisbane to Hobart on flight VA702 today has tested positive to COVID-19 and has not been allowed to board a flight to Melbourne
A Watch & Act warning is in place for a fire in the northern parts of Mokine, in WA's Northam Shire. Keep up to date with ABC Emergency
The AFL has fined Greater Western Sydney $20,000 in the wake of the club's general manager of football, Jason McCartney, approaching umpires during last Friday night's match against the Bulldogs in Canberra.
The incident, a breach of AFL rules, occurred at half-time in the round-six match at Manuka Oval, which the Bulldogs won by 39 points.
McCartney was reportedly upset by the free kick count that heavily favoured the Bulldogs in the opening two quarters. The Giants were trailing by eight points at half-time.
"I unreservedly apologise and accept responsibility for my actions on Friday night," McCartney said in a Giants statement.
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"Umpires play a vital role at all levels of our game and those of us fortunate enough to work at the elite level must set an example in the way we show respect towards those officiating our game."
AFL executive general manager football operations Steve Hocking said every stakeholder in the league had a responsibility to set the right example for those involved at the grassroots level.
"We can never underestimate the impact of the actions of those at AFL level on all levels of the game," he said in an AFL statement.
"Whether you are involved in Australian football at the elite level or the community level, everyone has a responsibility to demonstrate respect towards umpires at all times.
"The rules are clear. Disrespect towards umpires has no place in our game."
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Organization Fine
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‘IT WAS LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF’ . . . 4 men burned in explosion that blew roof off print shop expected to survive
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Karen Goetz was going about her work as office manager at Arizona Community Church on the morning of Aug. 26 when a thundering boom startled and shook her.
“It was like a bomb went off or something,” she said.
“We thought maybe it was a natural-gas explosion somewhere because it was like an atmospheric thing, where it changed the air pressure. It was strange. We all ran outside to see what it was because it felt like it was fairly close.”
It was. A half-mile south, an explosion had blown the roof off of Platinum Printing in a strip center at the northeastern corner of Ray and Rural roads in West Chandler. Two young men were critically burned in the blast, two others were seriously burned. It will be a long road, but all four are expected to make a full recovery, according to their physician.
Brothers Dillon and Andrew Ryan, co-owners of Platinum Printing, and Parker Milldebrandt, a lifelong friend of the Ryans who works at the shop, are among the victims. All three were in the shop at the time of the explosion.
The fourth victim is Glenn Jordan, who owns All-American Eyeglass Repair, a couple of suites west of the print shop in the strip center. It is not clear if he was in the print shop at the time of the blast.
While expected to make full recoveries, the four face heavy medical bills during a lengthy process to get there.
____________________
GoFundMe pages have been set up to help the four victims of the print-shop explosion.
For Ryan brothers click here.
For Parker Milldebrandt click here.
For Glenn Jordan click here.
____________________
Andrew Ryan and his wife, Christy, have a son, 12, and daughter, 8. Dillon and his wife, Casi, have a son, 4, and daughter, 3 months. The print shop was their sole source of income.
Milldebrandt, 29, was placed in a medically induced coma and still was heavily sedated for pain management Sunday night, according to an update on his GoFundMe page. His first operation will be early this week, the update says. He and his wife, Sierra, are expecting their first child, a daughter, this week.
Jordan and his wife, Cindy, have a daughter.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has sent a response team to work with Chandler police to investigate the cause of the explosion. CPD said it does not suspect a criminal act. A gas leak was discovered under the parking lot but cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
Goetz said that staff felt the blast at the church, 9325 S. Rural Road, a block north of Corona del Sol High School at Knox Road.
“I was coming up the hallway and I heard this loud thing, like somebody was at the door, but it was like the door was exploding or something. When I looked, there was nobody at the door,” Goetz said. “It sounded like the door moved on its own and then shut again. Then, (a coworker) came from the building across the way and … she said, ‘Did something funny happen a few minutes ago?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’
“It definitely moved all the doors that were unlocked. We walked outside but couldn’t see anything that looked like it was on fire or anything like that. … We still didn’t see anything but there were tons of fire trucks going by. … I was really, really glad it wasn’t the library or the preschool. There’s a lot of stuff in that shopping center.”
Corona del Sol, just a few blocks north of the strip center, was not impacted, according to Megan Sterling, executive director of community relations for the Tempe Union High School District. She said that the blast was close enough that it was felt on campus but that there was not a disruption to the school day or the need to evacuate.
Corona principal Nathan Kleve, however, sent an advisory to families saying that the TUHSD safety team had reviewed information and continued to monitor the situation.
The situation was elevated to a second-alarm hazardous-materials response that brought 50 pieces of emergency apparatus and more than 100 firefighters to the scene, according to Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Keith Welch. Units from Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix fire departments responded, as did crews from Southwest Gas.
An aerial view in the aftermath shows buckled walls and a debris-filled crater inside Platinum Printing, 4940 W. Ray Road, Suite 1. Still images pulled from a video shot by Matt Lee, who was in line at a nearby coffee shop at the moment of the explosion, show debris rising about 80 feet into the air. Rubble and broken glass were sent as far as 100 yards across the parking lot.
Welch said that first responders found a natural-gas leak under the strip-center parking lot, however officials are not prepared to say what caused the explosion. That remains under investigation, he said.
“We are starting the investigative process,” Welch said. “It’s going to take a while to figure it all out.”
Gary McKay, owner of McKay’s True Value, 4939 W. Ray Road, directly across the street from the explosion, needed a few moments to figure it out for himself.
He said the noise reminded him of the time a vehicle drove through his front door.
“There was a boom that shook the building,” McKay said. “It was almost like when that car ran into the building, but even worse. It sounded like something landed on our roof, and so I immediately ran up here to the front. Then I ran and looked out the back door and there was nothing. I was standing outside and a customer was coming up to the store and said something happened across the street and that he saw the debris flying in the air. And then that’s when we found out that the building had exploded.”
A woman who works at a fabric store across the street from the blast, who did not want to be identified, said that she felt the impact of the explosion reverberate in her chest.
“A lot of dust fell from the ceiling and our door blew open. The building and the windows shook,” the woman said.
Chandler Sunset Library, next door to the print shop, suffered damage inside from the force of the explosion, according to Welch.
The library remains closed until further notice, city officials said. The public may continue to access library services, including the catalog, downloadable ebooks, and other resources 24/7 online at chandlerlibrary.org. Library patrons may return checked out items to any of the library’s three branches.
Maxwell Preschool Academy, at the opposite end of the center, was evacuated. None of the children were injured.
In all, approximately 15 businesses and 25 homes in the neighborhood were evacuated as a precaution, according to Welch. Power also was turned off in the area for about a half hour. Traffic on Ray and Rural near the scene was closed for several hours, until early evening on Aug. 26.
The director of Valleywise Health’s Arizona Burn Center said that the four victims suffered second-degree burns over 16 to 30 percent of their bodies. Two have undergone surgery and initially were in the intensive-care unit. Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the burn center, said that all are expected to survive and make a fully recovery, although it will be “a prolonged process.”
Foster said the injuries resemble flash burns that often are associated with exploding gas.
“Something exploded. There was a big flash,” Foster said. “I’m not an expert on explosions but I’ve seen some photographs of the building. It’s not a building anymore. It’s just a hole in the ground. And the fact that anybody walked away from that is amazing to me.
“The injuries certainly are consistent with a flash, with something that exploded and burned very quickly and was very, very hot for a short period of time, some type of volatile flash, not like a flame.”
Chandler firefighters got the call at about 9:30 a.m. Aug. 26 and upon arrival found the print shop’s roof gone and fire in the structure, according to Welch.
Welch said there were no other injuries and no extension of fire to other suites in the strip center, however, structural instability was found in walls of three suites west of the print shop, which is in the extreme eastern end of the center.
While the walls still stand, they belie the seriousness of the damage. Aerial views reveal nothing but a debris-filled crater where the print shop was.
“The inside of the building is completely destroyed, and if you get closer to the building, the walls have been pushed out,” Welch said.
“So it was a significant explosion.”
An explosion and fire that collapsed the roof at a West Chandler print shop Thursday morning critically injured two people, seriously injured two others and prompted a massive response.
In "Chandler"
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Chandler Police Department ruled Aug. 31 that an unintentional natural-gas leak caused the Aug. 26 explosion at Platinum Printing in West Chandler.
In "Chandler"
“The cause of the leak and the subsequent explosion was premature degradation in a certain type of natural gas pipe (Driscopipe 8000)," Southwest Gas said in a statement.
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Family shares carbon monoxide warning after daughter, 21, drowns on boat trip
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Every year, thousands of people seek emergency care for poisoning from carbon monoxide — an odorless, colorless gas produced when fuel is burned. It can be deadly for humans and animals who breathe in the fumes.
Most people think of carbon monoxide as building up indoors, but it can also be a lethal danger out on the open water — one of the top five causes of boating-related deaths each year, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Ally Sidloski was 21 when she died in May . As a student and soccer player at the University of Cincinnati, she was the picture of health, her family said. But after a day of boating on an Ohio lake, she went into the water for a dip and never resurfaced.
Ally Sidloski was soccer student-athlete at the University of Cincinnati and had recently completed her sophomore soccer season. Courtesy University of Cincinnati
The coroner ruled Sidloski’s cause of death as drowning with a contributing cause of carbon monoxide intoxication. When her parents first found out she drowned, they said they were confused.
“Ally knew how to swim. It didn't make sense,” Tracie Sidloski, Ally’s mom, told TODAY.
“It doesn't feel real,” David Sidloski, Ally’s dad, added.
David and Tracie Sidloski hope sharing their daughter Ally's story will save lives.TODAY
The family spoke out about the incident for the first time, hoping to turn their tragedy into a life-saving warning.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported 41 incidents of boat-related carbon monoxide poisoning and five deaths in 2020.
Related
Health & Wellness Mom shares warning after son, 9, dies of carbon monoxide poisoning on lake trip
Experts said carbon monoxide from a boat’s engine can build up, especially while the boat is idling or moving at slow speeds, creating an invisible cloud of toxic gas that can cause lethargy, headaches and nausea. Too much exposure can be lethal, so people should avoid breathing in the exhaust expelled from the engine, which is usually located in the back.
The Sidloski family attorney rented a boat similar to the one Ally was riding in for a demonstration. Friends who were with her on the vessel that day said she was sitting in the back, in an area known as the swimming deck. There are places shaped like seats, cushions and even a cup holder for drinks. But those are not designated seats, according to the boat maker.
Ally Sidloski grew up swimming in the family's backyard pool, so her parents said they were shocked to get the call that she drowned.Courtesy Sidloski family
The Yamaha owner’s manual states: “Passengers must always sit in a designated seating area.” A diagram highlights certain seats as safe, but not the swimming deck. Yamaha also warns: “Stay away from the swim platform area while the engines are running. Exhaust gases coming from underneath it contain carbon monoxide.”
But attorney John Uustal, who plans to file a lawsuit on behalf of Sidloski’s family, said “this is not a problem to be solved in the owner’s manual. There should not be seats in the danger zone.”
Yamaha declined to be interviewed. “We do not make comments regarding current, pending or possible litigation,” the company wrote in a statement.
How to keep your family safe on this water this holiday weekend
July 3, 201901:11
Swimming decks can be particularly dangerous when the engine is on because the area is right on top of where it vents the exhaust, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Marine Manufacturers Association said. It’s a tempting place to hang out because it’s comfortable, but people need to pay attention to where they sit and whether they’re starting to feel symptoms .
To understand how quickly carbon monoxide can build up in that area of the boat, TODAY used a carbon monoxide meter to measure the fumes. Any reading above 200 parts per million sets off an alarm. With the boat engine idling, it only took a few minutes for that to happen. The reading spiked to 700 parts per million at one point.
“That is definitely a danger zone and you should remove yourselves and your children from that area of the boat immediately,” said Dr. Bill Benda, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Florida Atlantic University who is also an avid boater.
Panicked Texans seek help for carbon monoxide poisoning in 911 calls
April 28, 202102:56
He believes carbon monoxide poisoning incidents are under-reported because victims often don't tell doctors the circumstances around which they started feeling ill. “So we assume it's something much more simple and common like dehydration, sun exposure, alcohol use, seasickness,” Benda noted.
Experts also warned people shouldn’t swim near an idling boat. When TODAY took the carbon monoxide meter to a popular swimming spot in Florida and measured the air around various boats, the readings climbed to up to 400 parts per million.
Symptoms to watch for:
If anyone on the boat starts feeling sleepy, nauseated or dizzy, move to the front of the vessel to get fresh air. Keep a life vest on just in case. Kids are more sensitive to the fumes because of their smaller bodies so monitor their breathing and if it stops, perform CPR and call 911.
If you’re in the water and start feeling unwell, get out and return to solid ground. If the symptoms are severe, Benda advised going to the emergency room and telling doctors you suspect you may have carbon monoxide poisoning — they may treat you with oxygen.
Related
Health & Wellness Is your home prepared for a carbon monoxide leak? Here's what you need to know
Boat owners may consider buying a carbon monoxide meter, which costs less than $100 and is a good indicator of when the levels of the gas might be too high or which areas of the boat are more likely to have gas build-up.
The U.S. Coast Guard offers a carbon monoxide safety checklist that urges owners to check for exhaust leaks and inspect rubber exhaust hoses once a month, and to always let all passengers know about the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Meanwhile, Ally Sidloski’s family hopes her legacy will save lives.
“We can't bring our daughter back. But if we can try to save other people from having to go through this, we want to do our best to do that,” her mom said. “It is preventable.”
Vicky Nguyen
Vicky Nguyen is the Investigative and Consumer correspondent for NBC News. See her reports on “TODAY,” “Nightly News with Lester Holt,” and MSNBC.
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MPD continues to investigate a shooting Wednesday in Toulminville that injured 1 person
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Updated
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MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- The Mobile Police Department continues to look into a shooting in Toulminville on Wednesday that left one person injured.
Mobile police officers responded to the Quik Pick gas station at 2311 St. Stephens Road about 3:10 p.m. Wednesday where they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the left leg.
According to investigators, the victim and male subject were involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical. The subject remained on the scene and was detained by officers.
The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for a non-life-threatening injury.
Authorities said that once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office to determine what, if any, criminal charges are appropriate.
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Landing in Ecuador on Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis began his tri-nation visit to Latin America
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Landing in Ecuador on Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis began his tri-nation visit to Latin America by stressing the Gospel’s role in fostering respect, dialogue, and care for the vulnerable, while praising the nation’s centuries-old Catholic heritage.
“We can find in the Gospel a key to meeting contemporary challenges, respecting differences, fostering dialogue and full participation, so that the growth in progress and development already registered will ensure a better future for everyone, with particular concern for the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters.”
“For centuries that faith has shaped the identity of this people and borne much good fruit,” he added.
Speaking of Ecuador’s Catholic heritage, the Pope cited the saints who have been produced by the country, such as St. Mariana de Jesus, St. Miguel Febres, and St. Narcisa de Jesús, as well as Blessed Mercedes de Jesús Molina, beatified in 1985 during St. John Paul II’s visit.
“These, and others like them, lived their faith with intensity and enthusiasm, and by their works of mercy they contributed in a variety of ways to improving the Ecuadorian society of their day.”
Pope Francis made these remarks during a welcoming ceremony at Ecuador’s Quito International airport shortly after his arrival. He spoke to a delegation which included Ecuador’s president, Rafael Correa, government authorities, and his fellow bishops.
The Pope told the delegation that his reason for coming to Ecuador was to be “a witness of God’s mercy and of faith in Jesus Christ.”
Ecuador is the first stop in Pope Francis’ visit to the continent of his birth, which is taking place July 5-13. The journey will also include stops in Bolivia and Paraguay.
Having reflected on the nation’s Catholic heritage, the Pope noted the Christian significance of Ecuador being home to the peak “closest to the sun” of Chimborazo, the point closest on earth nearest to outer space.
“We Christians identify Christ with the sun, and the moon with the Church, the community of the faithful. No one, save Jesus Christ, possesses his or her own light.”
“May the coming days make all of us ever more clearly aware of how close is the sun which ‘dawns upon us from on high’. May each of us be a true reflection of his light and his love.”
Pope Francis expressed his desire “to embrace all of Ecuador,” adding: “May you never lose the ability to protect what is small and simple, to care for your children and your elderly, to have confidence in the young, and to be constantly struck by the nobility of your people and the singular beauty of your country.”
The Pope concluded his address by appealing to “the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to which Ecuador has been consecrated.”
Although President Correa was present at the welcoming ceremony, the Pope – digressing from custom – will not officially meet with the Ecuadorian leader until after his July 6 visit to the sanctuary in Guayaquil, followed by lunch with the Jesuit community at the Colegio Javier.
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2021 Alaska Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter crash
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On 27 March 2021, an Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter crashed near the Knik Glacier, Palmer, Alaska. Five occupants died, including Czech billionaire entrepreneur Petr Kellner; one occupant survived. The helicopter involved in the accident was an Airbus AS350 B3, registration N351SH. [1]
On 27 March 2021, an Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter crashed near the Knik Glacier, Palmer, Alaska during a heliskiing trip in Alaska's backcountry. Five occupants died, one survived. One of the victims was Czech billionaire entrepreneur Petr Kellner. [2][3]
The helicopter crashed into a mountain between Metal Creek and Grasshopper Valley at about 5,500 feet (1,700 m), 10 or 15 feet (3 or 4 m) from the top of the ridge, and rolled some 800 or 900 feet (240 or 270 m) downhill. [4] The missing helicopter was reported to the authorities two hours after the tracking signal stopped. [5]
The wreckage was moved to Anchorage for investigation. A preliminary report on the accident was published 13 April 2021; according to the preliminary report, GPS data show the helicopter hovered at a low altitude and speed (about one knot, about 1 mph), maneuvering over the ridge in the last three minutes of the flight. It crashed at about 18:35 AKDT. [6]
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NiSource Beats Shareholder Suit Over Deadly 2018 Gas Explosion
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Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world.
Americas+1 212 318 2000
EMEA+44 20 7330 7500
Asia Pacific+65 6212 1000
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world.
Americas+1 212 318 2000
EMEA+44 20 7330 7500
Asia Pacific+65 6212 1000
By Jennifer Bennett
NiSource Inc. is free of a shareholder derivative suit over the fallout from a natural gas explosion that killed one person after a federal judge in Delaware dismissed the case due to demand failures.
The natural gas distribution company’s shareholder didn’t make a required pre-suit demand on NiSource’s board before filing the derivative complaint or demonstrate why doing so would have been futile, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware said. A NiSource subsidiary, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to violations of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act after the 2018 explosion in and around Andover, ...
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N. Korea recently established the “External Trade Information Technology Exchange Center” in Pyongyang
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The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have led to new thinking among North Korea’s leadership about how to digitalize trade-related documents North Korea recently established the “External Trade Information Technology Exchange Center” under the Cabinet’s Ministry of External Economic Relations, Daily NK has learned. The new organization is located in Pyongyang’s Nungra Trade Company building. A source in North Korea told Daily NK on Tuesday that preparations for the establishment of the new organization began in early March on orders from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and that these preparations ended in early April. “Its offices cover an entire floor of the Nungra Trading Company building, and there is even a signboard,” he added. According to the source, the new organization has been tasked with digitalizing, storing, and managing documents related to foreign trade activities. Up until this point, viewing trade-related documents was only possible offline (through, for example, the sending of documents through the mail). The COVID-19 pandemic, however, appears to have led to new thinking among North Korea’s leadership about how to digitalize these documents. Kim’s order directed the Cabinet to create a new organization that would set up and manage a comprehensive online system to view trade-related documents. The order emphasized that the establishment of the new online system would be a “short cut” for traders to “develop their qualifications” while operating in a uniform manner under the guidance of the communist party. The order also highlighted the idea that modern trade is a “war of the brain, electronics and talent” and that traders are in dire need of understanding trends related to global trade. “The center will store secret documents related to trade while managing and operating an online program that allows [traders] to easily view documents containing the latest trade-related information, success cases, and developmental trends. [The center] will also manage the internet-based network needed for this program,” the source said. “[The program] is essentially a digital library for those working in the trade sector.” Following Kim’s order, the center’s director and party secretary set about making preparations to establish the center. The center has one department that stores and manages secret trade-related documents and another department that collects, digitalizes, and updates various trade-related documents on a regular basis. The center has around 100 employees, including researchers and engineers who graduated from some of North Korea’s best universities (including Kim Il Sung University, Kim Chaek University of Technology, among others), along with researchers from the Academy of Sciences and employees from the country’s Invention Office. All employees have been issued entry cards, and the authorities are reportedly paying close attention to setting up security-related measures for the new organization. “The Nungna Trading Company building has its own security force managed by the company, while the new center will have its own contingent of Ministry of Social Security [MSS] officers standing guard,” the source said. “There are plans for the MSS to create a checkpoint to manage the center’s security.” The new center is currently building a separate internet-based network for the program and providing traders all over the country with access to it so they can view trade-related documents.
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AGL issued $1 million penalty by Environment Protection Authority after ash waste pollutes Hunter Valley creek
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AGL issued $1 million penalty by Environment Protection Authority after ash waste pollutes Hunter Valley creek
A Victorian man who flew from Brisbane to Hobart on flight VA702 today has tested positive to COVID-19 and has not been allowed to board a flight to Melbourne
A Watch & Act warning is in place for a fire in the northern parts of Mokine, in WA's Northam Shire. Keep up to date with ABC Emergency
Energy giant AGL will be forced to spend more than $1 million on community projects and rectification works after one of its ageing coal-fired power stations polluted a creek in the New South Wales Hunter Valley.
It is believed to be the largest form of penalty ever enforced by the state's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) on a power station.
The incident occurred at the Bayswater power plant near Muswellbrook when a pressurised pipeline carrying coal ash waste burst due to internal corrosion.
The pollution event is yet to be noted on the EPA's public register, but has been referenced in a document supplied by AGL to a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into coal ash.
According to the document, the rupture occurred on September 4, 2019 at 1:00am, but went undetected for eight hours.
The document said several warning systems were not properly configured or functioning, and one alarm, which crucially measured the rate of flow, had been turned off.
A total of 1,440 cubic metres of ash waste, enough to fill more than half an Olympic swimming pool, was released into a dry creek bed.
Coal ash, the by-product of burning coal for power, contains concentrated levels of heavy metals and is mixed with water to create a slurry before it is stored in large containment waste dams.
The EPA and AGL have now entered into what is called an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) agreement, which requires AGL to pay a total of $1.1 million.
Around half will go towards local community environment projects and the remainder will be spent on rectification work on the pipeline and industry training.
EPA regulatory director Adam Gilligan said it was the largest EU agreement he was aware of with a NSW power company, and the size was proportionate to the level of culpability, history of compliance and risk to the environment.
"We were fortunate on this occasion that the creek was dry at the time so that has minimised the extent of harm to the environment," he said.
"But of course these types of incidents reflect a significant potential for harm to the environment if the circumstances had been different."
AGL has also rehabilitated the Bayswater Creek at a cost of $320,000.
Since February 2015, AGL's Bayswater plant has recorded 52 non-compliances with its licence conditions, including two previous occasions when the ash pipeline failed or ruptured. The site has also been issued with seven penalty notices since 2015. Jocelyn McGarity, a lawyer with Environment Justice Australia, welcomed the size of the EU, but said AGL should have faced criminal prosecution.
"AGL's compliance history is quite significant and so understandably community and environmental groups feel a bit disheartened that they've managed to enter into an agreement with the regulator, rather than the regulator showing some teeth and taking AGL to court," she said.
"One of the ways that you can affect deterrence for polluters to be held to account is through prosecution and these alleged offences are criminal environmental offences.
"It's worth nothing that it doesn't appear that the EPA has ever successfully prosecuted AGL for an environmental offence, despite AGL's compliance record."
Mr Gilligan said prosecution was "carefully considered", but the EU was the best "middle ground" in terms of outcomes for the community and the environment.
The operation and the maintenance of the Bayswater ash pipeline has been contracted to TW Power Services since 2016.
But integrity issues and internal corrosion with the pipeline were first identified by AGL when it bought the power station from the state government in 2014.
Since then, implementing a solution has been much-discussed between AGL and the EPA, but ultimately none has been implemented until now.
Paul Winn, from the Hunter Community Environment Centre, which focuses on coal ash pollution, said it points to slipping standards at ageing power stations.
"The fact that the alarms weren't functioning is a grave oversight by AGL," he said.
"This is a case where AGL has basically removed some of the safeguards to allow the ash to flow more easily and that has put public health and the environment at risk.
"As these power stations get older and the maintenance costs escalate we're going to see more and more of these pollution events and we think the government needs to take responsibility."
Mr Winn has been advocating for the State Government implement a levy on coal ash waste, in order to incentivise power companies to recycle the ash rather than store it in large unlined containment dams.
In a statement, AGL said it took its environmental obligations seriously and was committed to ensuring that environmental improvement outcomes were achieved.
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'A serious issue': New Mexico health officials suspect two people dead from ivermectin poisoning
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Two people in New Mexico are suspected to have died as a result of taking ivermectin, a medicine not proven to treat COVID-19, according to state health officials.
In an update on COVID-19 in the state on Wednesday, acting state Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase said two unnamed people in the state died from ivermectin poisoning, one of which was already dealing with a severe case of COVID-19.
"It's a serious issue. We need to watch it," Scrase said.
The confirmation comes weeks after the state suspected one person was fatally poisoned by ivermectin.
More ivermectin news: A registered nurse demanded her husband be treated with ivermectin for COVID-19. A judge refused.
Fact check: Precursor to ivermectin did win Nobel Prize, but it's not a proven COVID-19 treatment
The antiparasitic drug has not been approved for treatment of viral illness such as COVID-19, but has attracted popular advocacy, particularly among skeptics of the approved vaccines, treatments and public health measures such as masking in public, including popular podcaster Joe Rogan. The Food and Drug Administration warned people against taking the medicine.
Scrase has previously expressed concern about pseudoscientific messaging about the drug, which is approved for human and veterinary use against unrelated conditions. The state's poison control center reported last week that calls related to ivermectin had already tripled compared calls in 2020, with a jump in frequency over the past month.
"It is not recommended by the FDA for this indication of treating COVID," Scrase reiterated on Wednesday. Nonetheless, he said some hospitalizations for ivermectin-related toxic reactions involved patients with prescriptions for the drug, which could be a sign of improper dosing.
Veterinary formulations are not approved for human use under any conditions, because the drug is often highly concentrated for animals and the medications include ingredients that are not approved for human use.
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Two years on, multiple investigations have shed little light on Warrnambool's nurdle spill
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It has been almost two years since millions of microplastics — nurdles — spilled onto pristine beaches in Victoria's south-west, sparking an emergency response from authorities, and the plastics' origins remains a mystery.
Early on, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recognised the nurdles had made their way to the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant run by Wannon Water and been discharged into the sea through an ocean outfall.
But two separate investigations since the November 2017 spill, undertaken by the water corporation itself and the EPA, have been inconclusive.
The woman who led a huge volunteer clean-up in the days, weeks, months, and now years since the incident said volunteers were still collecting a few thousand nurdles from the main beach affected, Shelly Beach, each week.
Colleen Hughson said she was not yet ready to stop looking for answers either about the initial spill or about how marine environments could be protected from plastic pollution.
The word nurdle, which describes a small plastic pellet used in manufacturing, has begun to enter the lexicon over the past few years, in part because of its contribution to plastic pollution in oceans across the world.
The pellets float and their appearance on beaches has been publicised following incidents where they have entered the water after being released from shipping containers.
But Wannon Water managing director Andrew Jeffers said millions of the pellets turning up in the Warrnambool plant had been "an Australia first".
"It's something that had never occurred before and hadn't been designed for within a treatment plant in Australia," he said.
An investigation by the water corporation found the nurdles had been dropped in a truck load of waste at a septic facility.
Electronic records were used to track where that load may have come from, but the company said it had never pinpointed where the nurdles originated.
An EPA investigation that wound up earlier this year concluded there was insufficient evidence that Wannon Water had breached its licence for operating the treatment plant by releasing the water containing the nurdles into the sea.
Soon after the nurdle spill, Wannon Water set up temporary fine filters to help prevent the pellets from being released from the ocean outfall.
The Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant is due to undergo a $40 million upgrade next year, and the company has committed to spending an extra $2.2 million on automated filters that will be more effective in stopping nurdles.
Those filters will be in place by early next year, ahead of the upgrade, and will be able to catch items less than a millimetre in size.
"The benefit of that is that the temporary one we put in, if we get high flow events or unusual circumstances in the plant, we need to take them out, whereas the new automated system will be able to cope 100 per cent of the time," Mr Jeffers said.
He said his organisation had looked into treating the waste water released by the plant to a higher quality, but he said the economics "don't stand up".
In the wake of the nurdle spill, Ms Hughson mobilised a large network of volunteers who headed down to the region's beaches with hats, buckets and sieves to collect thousands upon thousands of the tiny pellets that were washing up along kilometres of coastline, all the way to Port Fairy.
She set up a social media group with a quirky name — Good Will Nurdle Hunting — to coordinate the hundreds of community members who volunteered their time to pick up the pellets from beaches.
To date, those volunteers have picked up more than 650,000 nurdles.
Ms Hughson is a finalist in the Victorian Premier's Sustainability Awards this year for the work she did coordinating the clean-up and harnessing that momentum to get the community talking about plastic pollution.
She has been collecting and counting the plastic items that are littering beaches in the area and is concerned that plastic put into the sewerage system is still making its way out to sea.
"It's not just the nurdles; we find cotton buds washed up on the beach every week," Ms Hughson said.
"We can collect between 1,000 and 10,000 pieces of plastic a week, and that's only off a 300-metre beach."
She said the idea of releasing waste water through ocean outfalls was outdated and added to the plastic pollution threatening the health of marine environments across Australia.
Ms Hughson is determined to change the way things are done so future generations do not, as she said, "have to swim in an ocean that's full of plastic".
She is also concerned about the plastic's impact on local wildlife including on little penguins, migratory birds that feed along the coastline, and southern right whales that visit each winter.
"All of these animals are being affected by the amount of plastic in our ocean," she said.
"I'm quite horrified that we've got all these outfalls and we're pumping our waste water out into the ocean.
"The issue of nurdles is not going away; we're going to be fighting for a very long time."
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Environment Pollution
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Talia Airways Flight 2H79 crash
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Talia Airways Flight 2H79 was a passenger flight which crashed into the Kyrenian mountain range on approach to Northern Cyprus on 27 February 1988. All 15 occupants on board the aircraft died in the crash and fire that followed. The Talia Airways aircraft was on a flight from Istanbul's Atatürk Airport to Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus. It was running a near-empty flight to collect 160 passengers to transport them back to Finland. [1] The airframe was a Boeing 727-200 which had been built in 1974. The flight was lightly loaded with thirteen crew and two passengers, all of whom died in the crash. [2] Seven of the crew were Yugoslavian, two of the stewardesses were British, and the rest of the crew were from Turkey. The two passengers were a senior manager at Talia Airlines and his wife. The aircraft belonged to a Yugoslavian airline company (JAT), and was on hire to Talia Airlines. [3]
As the flight approached Cyprus from the north, air traffic control informed the pilot to approach using the VOR at 6,000 feet (1,800 m), but the pilot descended the aircraft to 2,000 feet (610 m). [4] The descent took them below the Girne Arap mountain range, which peaks at (3,130 feet (950 m)). At this point, the aircraft was 15 miles (24 km) from the airfield at Ercan. [5] When the pilot saw the peak in front of him he tried to turn left, but the aircraft crashed into the mountain with the rear of the plane being wrecked on the northern side of the mountain, and the forward part being wrecked on the southern side. [6] The aircraft crashed at 10:20 am (local time), barely ten minutes before it was due to land. [7]
When the rescue services arrived on the scene, they noted wreckage strewn over large area and charred bodies. Sources vary on the breakdown of the occupants on board, however, it is agreed that 15 people died, all of whom were on the aircraft. No one on the ground was injured or died. [8] The bodies of the stewardesses were so badly charred that identification was very difficult, and resulted in the wrong bodies being sent to the families. [9]
A five-member team from the Turkish Transport Ministry flew to Northern Cyprus the day after the crash to investigate. [10]
A separate inquiry was held into the death of the two British personnel, in June 1988. [9] Much of the wreckage was left at the crash site, and still lies there in the 21st century. [11]
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Air crash
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Australian swimmers break national records, reach finals at Tokyo Olympics
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Australia has loved a productive opening session of the swimming program on the Tokyo Olympics, with two nationwide information falling and several other swimmers qualifying for finals.
Brendon Smith and Emma McKeon set new Australian marks within the heats of the lads’s 400m particular person medley and girls’s 100m butterfly respectively.
Their performances have been backed up by Elijah Winnington and Jack McLoughlin, who dead-heated of their warmth of the lads’s 400m freestyle to qualify for Sunday morning’s last.
Australia additionally certified quickest for the ladies’s 4x100m freestyle relay last because it appears to be like to win a 3rd straight gold medal within the occasion.
With Cate Campbell and McKeon rested from the warmth, Australia’s quartet of Mollie O’Callaghan, Meg Harris, Madi Wilson and Bronte Campbell nonetheless simply superior to the ultimate with the quickest qualifying time of three minutes and 31.73 seconds.
Australia holds the world and Olympic information within the 4x100m freestle relay.
Earlier, Smith confirmed no indicators of nerves in his Olympic debut, topping the qualifying occasions for the lads’s 400m particular person medley.
Reuters: Marko Djurica
)
The 21-year-old produced a stirring freestyle leg to win his warmth, breaking his nationwide report within the occasion with a time of 4:09.27.
Smith’s teammate Se-Bom Lee, additionally making his Video games debut, was second in his warmth with a time of 4:15.76 however didn’t progress to the ultimate.
McKeon dipped underneath her nationwide report within the opening preliminaries of the ladies’s 100m butterfly, stopping the clock in 55.82.
The 27-year-old, who was sixth within the occasion on the Rio Olympics, dead-heated with China’s Zhang Yufei of their warmth, with each being the quickest qualifiers for the semi-finals.
Social media response, nevertheless, urged McKeon — a two-time world championships medallist within the 100m butterfly — had been brief modified in the official end in her warmth.
Footage appeared to indicate her touching the wall first, clearly forward of her Chinese language rival.
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Fellow Australian Brianna Throssell, who competed in the identical warmth as McKeon, scraped by way of to the semi-finals because the sixteenth quickest qualifier by way of a time of 58.08.
Winnington and McLoughlin arrived in Tokyo with the 2 quickest occasions within the males’s 400m freestyle this yr.
They confirmed they weren’t overawed by the event in Tokyo, with Winnington main the sector on the 300m mark, whereas McLoughlin was in third place.
A frantic dash within the last 100m noticed the pair contact the wall collectively, with Kieran Smith of the US solely 0.05 behind in third.
Winnington and McLoughlin, who beat defending Olympic champion Mack Horton at Australia’s Olympic trials final month, have been the equal fourth quickest qualifiers for Sunday morning’s last.
They are going to be striving to win Australia’s seventh gold medal within the occasion.
Australia’s Matthew Wilson and Zac Stubblety-Prepare dinner have been eradicated within the heats of the lads’s 100m breaststroke.
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Break historical records
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Air France Flight 447 crash
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Air France Flight 447 (AF447 or AFR447[a]) was a scheduled international passenger flight from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Paris, France. On June 1, 2009, the Airbus A330 serving the flight stalled and did not recover, eventually crashing into the Atlantic Ocean at 02:14 UTC, killing all 228 passengers and crew. The Brazilian Navy recovered the first major wreckage, and two bodies, from the sea within five days of the accident, but the initial investigation by France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) was hampered because the aircraft's flight recorders were not recovered from the ocean floor until May 2011, nearly two years later. [2]
The BEA's final report, released at a news conference on 5 July 2012, concluded that the aircraft crashed after temporary inconsistencies between the airspeed measurements—likely due to the aircraft's pitot tubes being obstructed by ice crystals—caused the autopilot to disconnect, after which the crew reacted incorrectly and ultimately caused the aircraft to enter an aerodynamic stall, from which it did not recover. [3]:79[4]:7[5] The accident is the deadliest in the history of Air France, as well as the deadliest aviation accident involving the Airbus A330. [6]
The aircraft involved in the accident was a 4-year-old Airbus A330-203, with manufacturer serial number 660, registered as F-GZCP. Its first flight was on 25 February 2005, and it was delivered 2 months later to the airline on 18 April 2005. At the time of the crash, it was Air France's newest A330. [7][8] The aircraft was powered by two General Electric CF6-80E1A3 engines with a maximum thrust of 68,530 or 60,400 lbf (304.8 or 268.7 kN) (take-off/max continuous),[9] giving it a cruise speed range of Mach 0.82–0.86 (871–913 km/h, 470–493 knots, 540–566 mph), at 35,000 feet (11 km) of altitude and a range of 12,500 km (6750 nmi, 7760 statute miles). On 17 August 2006, this A330 was involved in a ground collision with Airbus A321-211 F-GTAM, at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. F-GTAM was substantially damaged while F-GZCP suffered only minor damage. [10] The aircraft underwent a major overhaul on 16 April 2009, and at the time of the accident had accumulated about 18,870 flying hours. [11]
The aircraft was carrying 216 passengers, three aircrew, and 9 cabin crew in two cabins of service. [6][25][26] Among the 216 passengers were 126 men, 82 women and eight children (including one infant). [27]
Three pilots were in the aircrew:[3]:24–29
Of the 12 crew members (including aircrew and cabin crew), 11 were French and one was Brazilian. [39]
The majority of passengers were French, Brazilian, or German citizens. [40][41][24] The passengers included business and holiday travelers. [42]
Air France established a crisis center[43] at Terminal 2D for the 60 to 70 relatives and friends who arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport to pick up arriving passengers, but many of the passengers on Flight 447 were connecting to other destinations worldwide. In the days that followed, Air France contacted close to 2,000 people who were related to, or friends of, the victims. [44]
On 20 June 2009, Air France announced that each victim's family would be paid roughly €17,500 in initial compensation. [45]
The aircraft departed from Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport on 31 May 2009 at 19:29 Brazilian Standard Time (22:29 UTC),[3]:21 with a scheduled arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport at 11:03 Central European Summer Time (09:03 UTC) the following day (estimated flight time of 10:34). [57] Voice contact with the aircraft was lost around 01:35 UTC, 3 hours and 6 minutes after departure. The last message reported that the aircraft had passed waypoint INTOL ( WikiMiniAtlas1°21′39″S 32°49′53″W / 1.36083°S 32.83139°W / -1.36083; -32.83139), located 565 km (351 mi; 305 nmi) off Natal, on Brazil's north-eastern coast. [58] The aircraft left Brazilian Atlantic radar surveillance at 01:49 UTC,[3]:49[59] and entered a communication dead zone. [30][3][failed verification]
The Airbus A330 is designed to be flown by two pilots, but the 13-hour "duty time" (the total flight duration, as well as preflight preparation) required for the Rio-Paris route exceeded the 10 hours permitted before a pilot had to take a break as dictated by Air France's procedures. To comply with these procedures, Flight 447 was crewed by three pilots: a captain and two first officers. [60] With three pilots on board, each pilot could take a break in the A330's rest cabin, located behind the cockpit. [61]
In accordance with common practice, Captain Dubois sent one of the co-pilots for the first rest period with the intention of taking the second break himself. [62] At 01:55 UTC, he woke up First Officer Robert and said, "... he's going to take my place". After attending the briefing between the two co-pilots, the captain left the cockpit to rest at 02:01:46 UTC. At 02:06 UTC, the pilot warned the cabin crew that they were about to enter an area of turbulence. About two to three minutes later, the aircraft encountered icing conditions. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recorded sounds akin to hail or graupel on the outside of the aircraft, and ice crystals began to accumulate in the pitot tubes, which measure airspeed. [63] The other first officer, Bonin, turned the aircraft slightly to the left and decreased its speed from Mach 0.82 to 0.80, which was the recommended speed to penetrate turbulence. The engine anti-ice system was also turned on. [64]
At 02:10:05 UTC, the autopilot disengaged, most likely due to icing of the pitot tubes, and the aircraft transitioned from "normal law" to "alternate law 2". [65] The engines' autothrust systems disengaged three seconds later. As the PF, Bonin took over control of the aircraft, using the command language, "I have the controls." Without the autopilot, the aircraft started to roll to the right due to turbulence, and Bonin reacted by deflecting his side-stick to the left. One consequence of the change to alternate law was an increase in the aircraft's sensitivity to roll, and the pilot overcorrected. During the next 30 seconds, the aircraft rolled alternately left and right as he adjusted to the altered handling characteristics of the aircraft. [66] At the same time, he abruptly pulled back on his side-stick, raising the nose. This action has been described as unnecessary and excessive under the circumstances. [67] The aircraft's stall warning briefly sounded twice due to the angle-of-attack tolerance being exceeded, and the aircraft's indicated airspeed dropped sharply from 274 knots (507 km/h; 315 mph) to 52 knots (96 km/h; 60 mph). The aircraft's angle of attack increased, and subsequently began to climb above its cruising altitude of 35,000 ft (FL350). During this ascent, the aircraft attained vertical speeds well in excess of the typical rate of climb for the Airbus A330, which usually ascend at rates no greater than 2000 feet per minute (10 m/s). The aircraft experienced a peak vertical speed close to 7,000 feet per minute (36 m/s; 130 km/h),[66] which occurred as Bonin brought the rolling movements under control. At 02:10:34 UTC, after displaying incorrectly for half a minute, the left-side instruments recorded a sharp rise in airspeed to 223 knots (413 km/h; 257 mph), as did the integrated standby instrument system (ISIS) 33 seconds later. [68] The right-side instruments were not recorded by the flight data recorder. The icing event had lasted for just over a minute,[69][70][3]:198[71] yet Bonin continued to make nose-up inputs.
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Air crash
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1995 Colima–Jalisco earthquake
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The 1995 Colima–Jalisco earthquake occurred on October 9 at 15:35 UTC with a moment magnitude of 8.0 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). The shock occurred off the coast of Jalisco, Mexico, where a tsunami was triggered that affected a 200 km (120 mi) stretch of the coast. [4] The earthquake could be felt in Mexico City and in high-rise buildings in Dallas and Houston. [5] In Mexico, the Cihuatlan-Manzanillo was the most severely affected area. At least 49 people died and 100 were injured. This earthquake occurred in the area where the Rivera Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate. [6] It was the result of the relative movements between the North American Plate, the Rivera Plate, and the Cocos Plate. [7]
Although the tsunami affected a 200 km stretch of coast, severe damage was confined to areas with shallow shoreline topography. Most of the flooding occurred in the Tenacatita Bay area. [4] Landslides blocked roads between Guadalajara and Manzanillo. [5] In Manzanillo, 18 people died in the collapse of an eight-story hotel. [8]
The earthquake rupture lasted for about a minute and involved a 200 km long break along the plate boundary. [6] The greatest displacement of the fault is about 5m. [9] A 14 cm subsidence occurred at Manzanillo. [4]
The variations in observed seismic intensity indicate that three asperities were ruptured during this event. [6]
The tsunami had a maximum run-up height of 5.1 m. There were at least two waves recorded. The tsunami was also observed in Ecuador, French Polynesia, Samoan Islands, Australia and Hawaii. [4]
The aftershocks of this earthquake marked a rectangular region of about 170 km by 70 km. [10] Postseismic deformation has been recorded after the main shock. If the postseismic moment release up to about two weeks after the main shock is included, it will be equivalent to 35% of that of the main shock, which will make the additional seismic moment equivalent to that of an Mw 7.7 earthquake. [11]
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Earthquakes
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View the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century on 27 July
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An apogee Moon that almost passes through the centre of the Earth’s shadow ensures that the duration of totality on 27 July is longer than usual – so great, in fact, that at 104 minutes it’s the longest total lunar eclipse of the entire 21st century*. Can I see the eclipse from where I live? Unlike a total solar eclipse that is only visible from a narrow swathe of land or sea where the tip of the Moon’s shadow brushes the surface of the Earth, a total lunar eclipse is visible from an entire hemisphere of our planet where the full Moon happens to be above the horizon. However, not all locations within the lunar-facing hemisphere of Earth will see the entire event as the Moon may set while it is in progress, or twilight may interfere near dusk or dawn. Weather permitting, this eclipse can be seen from Antarctica, Australasia, Russia (except northernmost parts), Asia, Africa, Scandanavia, Europe (though the Moon rises at mid-eclipse seen from the centre of the UK, see below) and Central/Eastern South America.From the table above, take note of the Universal Time (UTC) on 27 July at which the various eclipse stages occur. Armed with this information you can consult our interactive online Almanac, select your nearest city anywhere in the world, type in the Universal Time and see if the Moon is visible or not. (Almanac tip: ensure that daylight savings time is selected/deselected, as appropriate for your location.) Viewing prospects from the British Isles Observers in the UK will miss the first half of the eclipse since the Moon doesn’t rise in the southeast until shortly after 9pm as seen from the heart of the British Isles. (Note from the table above that greatest eclipse occurs at 9:22pm BST.) View the eclipse online If you happen to be on the opposite side of the Earth to where the action’s taking place, or you’re clouded out, you can still view the event online. The Virtual Telescope Project is planning a special live broadcast from the Roman Forum on Palatine Hill in Rome overlooking the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Click here to follow to view the live stream starting at 18:30 UTC (7:30pm BST) on 27 July. * Note that totality lasted 108 minutes for the lunar eclipse of 16 July 2000, but recall that the 21st century began on 1 January 2001. Do you like extreme observing challenges? If you own a quality telescope of 25-cm (10-inch) aperture or larger and have excellent sky conditions, then you might just glimpse Phobos and Deimos, the diminutive moons of Mars around the time that the Red Planet is closest to Earth on 31 July. It is a sad fact that overcast skies will spoil parts of this supermoon total lunar eclipse for some of you, but remain optimistic that your home sky will be clear! However, don’t despair if you’re clouded out — you can watch it online here! NASA will live stream the event from at least 1am—4:30am BST on Monday, 28 September, which is 8pm—11:30pm EDT on 27 September. On 17th March 2013, an object hit the Moon’s surface in Mare Imbrium and exploded in a flash of light nearly 10 times as bright as anything ever recorded before. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has found the new 19-metre-wide crater plus more than two-dozen others. Hubble camera back on line; other instruments remain in ‘safe mode’
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New wonders in nature
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John B. Goodenough just became the oldest person, at 97, to win a Nobel Prize
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Most 97-year-olds would probably feel accomplished just getting out of bed in the morning. John B. Goodenough, 97, just won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded for work on lithium-ion batteries that 'revolutionized our lives' Goodenough won the award alongside Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino for their contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries. Goodenough is the oldest person to win a Nobel Prize. Arthur Ashkin was the previous record holder , having won the Nobel Prize in physics in 2018 at age 96. "Live to 97 (years old) and you can do anything," Goodenough said in a statement. "I'm honored and humbled to win the Nobel Prize. I thank all my friends for the support and assistance throughout my life." Born in 1922 in Jena, Germany, Goodenough earned a PhD from the University of Chicago in 1952, according to the Nobel Foundation . He went on to work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, then at the University of Oxford, where he served as the head of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, according to the University of Texas at Austin, where he now works. It was at Oxford that Goodenough made the groundbreaking discovery that helped him win the Nobel, UT Austin officials said in a news release. 'The foundation of a wireless, fossil fuel-free society' Whittingham developed the first functional lithium battery in the early 1970s, but Goodenough was able to double the battery's potential in 1980 by using lithium cobalt oxide as the cathode of a lithium-ion battery, the foundation said. Using Goodenough's cathode as a basis, Yoshino created the first commercially viable lithium-ion battery five years later. John B. Goodenough still works, developing new polymers in his lab. "Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised our lives since they first entered the market in 1991," the Nobel Foundation said in a statement. "They have laid the foundation of a wireless, fossil fuel-free society, and are of the greatest benefit to humankind." From laptops to smartphones, lithium-ion batteries power some of the most commonly used devices. Electric vehicles were made possible because of the development of these batteries, and wireless communication has flourished because of the technology. "I'm extremely happy the lithium-ion batteries (have) helped communications around the world," Goodenough said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. "We are indeed happy that people use this for good and not evil." Goodenough serves as the Virginia H. Cockrell Centennial Chair of Engineering in the Cockrell School at UT Austin. Even at the age of 97, he continues to develop new polymers and battery concepts with researchers in his lab. He is now largely focused on developing all-solid-state batteries as they can offer better safety, according to Arumugam Manthiram, a longtime colleague from UT Austin.
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Awards ceremony
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Wallingford-based Connecticut Food Bank in talks to merge with Foodshare
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In this file photo, a Connecticut Food Bank employee uses a forklift to transport 500 frozen turkeys donated by Stop & Shop for into the food bank storage freezer at the Connecticut Food Bank headquarters in Wallingford on Nov. 11, 2019. The Connecticut Food Bank in Wallingford, Conn., on May 15, 2019. The state’s two largest food banks are in discussions about merging, according to officials for the two organizations. Wes Higgins, chairman of the Wallingford-based Connecticut Food Bank and Beth Henry, chairwoman of Foodshare in Bloomfield, said in a statement that merging into one statewide organization will allow the two organizations “to more effectively serve people in Connecticut who struggle with food insecurity.” “We have been engaged in a deliberate and thoughtful process to determine how we can achieve our united mission with our experienced and dedicated staff, our partner agencies, our volunteers, and our donors,” Higgins and Henry said in the statement. “We look forward to providing an update early in 2021.” Higgins said the two organizations have worked together before. “We have worked together in the past on issues of advocacy, policy, and service delivery,” Higgins said. “This is a natural evolution of that partnership.” Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank, Henry said, “have cooperated on logistics, including food distribution and statewide fundraising, most recently during the coronavirus pandemic.” “This conversation is happening because we work well together and we believe strongly we can do even more as a combined team,” she said. To that end, Henry and Higgins said if the two organizations combine, it would be run by a new board of directors that will be comprised of members of both existing boards. Jason Jakubowski, Foodshare’s president and chief executive officer for the past three years would would hold the same title with the new organization. Currently, the Connecticut Food Bank distributes food through a network of 500 partners and programs in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties, representing 71 percent of the state’s population and where as many as 400,000 people may be struggling to feed themselves as a result of economic difficulties associated with COVID-19, according to the organization. Paul Shipman, spokesman for the Connecticut Food Bank, said in October that programs in the organization’s six-county service area reported a sharp increase in visits to their sites beginning in March when job losses began, and the numbers have remained high. Shipman said at that time that, in New Haven County, overall food insecurity was expected to rise 38 percent from more than 104,000 people to more than 144,000 people and that child food insecurity in New Haven County will rise by 50 percent from 28,500 to nearly 43,000 children. Last year, Connecticut Food Bank distributed enough food to help provide 23.8 million meals. Foodshare serves Connecticut’s Hartford and Tolland counties, where 119,000 people struggle with hunger. Last year, Foodshare distributed nearly 14 million meals worth of food to a network of more than 260 local food pantries and meal programs, according to that organization. Although the goal of the merger is to more efficiently serve the state’s hungry, Higgins said the new organization would continue operations in Bloomfield and Wallingford and that there are no immediate plans to make reductions in staff. Discussions of a merger come after a difficult year for the Connecticut Food Bank. In addition to meeting the growing demands for food as a result of economic difficulties brought on by the pandemic, the announcement comes 11 months after the Food Bank’s chief executive officer, Valarie Shultz-Wilson, left the organization without explanation. The organization said at the time that is employed 65 people at the food bank’s headquarters and warehouse on Research Parkway as well as at a distribution facility in Bridgeport.
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Organization Merge
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Sterling Airways Flight 901 crash
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On 15 March 1974, Sterling Airways Flight 901, a Sud Aviation Caravelle operated by Sterling Airways, experienced a landing gear failure as it was taxiing for take-off. [1] The right main landing gear collapsed, which caused the right wing to contact the runway, rupturing a fuel tank and igniting the spilt fuel. The fire killed 15 passengers and injured 37 passengers and crew. The aircraft had been chartered by tour company Tjæreborg to take tourists around Asia, and was on the way back to Copenhagen when the accident happened. The accident came only two years after the crash of Sterling Airways Flight 296. The aircraft involved in the accident was a Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle 10B3, manufacturer's serial number 266, registered as OY-STK. [2] The aircraft made its first flight in 4 April 1970 and was delivered to Sterling Airways on 6 May 1970. [3]
The aircraft was carrying 96 people of which 92 were passengers, two were pilots and two were cabin crew. The captain was 38-year-old Leif Knud Jørgensen, who had been with Sterling Airways since 1967, a captain since 1970 and had 9,600 flying hours. The co-pilot was Raimo Uski from Finland, who had 6,000 flying hours. The cabin crew consisted of 24-year-old Anne Bräuner and 22-year-old Bente Steffensen, both from Denmark. [4] According to Danish newspaper Politiken, the nationalities of the passengers and crew were the following:[5][6]
The Sud Aviation Caravelle had been chartered by travel agency Tjæreborg to take tourists on a tour around Asia. The tour had started in Copenhagen on 2 March 1974 and had taken the tourists to several cities, among them Shiraz, Bangkok, Hong Kong and New Delhi. [5] The tour, on its 14th day, was making a quick refuelling stop at Tehran, before flying back to Copenhagen. As the aircraft was taxiing to the runway, the right main landing gear suddenly collapsed, causing a fuel tank in the right wing to rupture and spill fuel which then ignited. Soon after news of the accident had reached Copenhagen, the Danish Accident Investigation Board dispatched a team to Tehran, along with technicians from the Danish police and experts in identifying bodies. The AIB team was to assist the Iranian investigation team. Before the investigation began it was suspected that either metal fatigue or loss of hydraulics caused the accident. On the 30 March 1974 the AIB team released a statement stating that the probable cause of the accident was failure of the right main landing gear. As the landing gear was torn off, the fuel tank inside the wing ruptured, causing fuel to spill which then ignited. [7] The accident report attributed the undercarriage collapse to a structural failure of the lower 'candelabra' fitting. [2]
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Air crash
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Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886
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The Great Southwest railroad strike of 1886 was a labor union strike involving more than 200,000 workers. Beginning on March 1, 1886, railroad workers in five states struck against the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads, owned by Jay Gould. At least ten people were killed. The unravelling of the strike within two months led directly to the collapse of the Knights of Labor and the formation of the American Federation of Labor. The roots of the strike began in a pattern of labor actions, negotiations and temporary agreements all through 1885. The Knights of Labor and Gould's Union Pacific had reached an agreement that included the principle that "no man should be discharged without due notice and investigation. "[1] This was purportedly violated where a Knight named Charles A. Hall in Marshall, Texas was fired for attending a union meeting on company time. The District Assembly # 101 of the Knights, and its leader Martin Irons, called a strike. Within a week, more than 200,000 workers were on strike throughout Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. A headline in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch read "Traffic Throttled: The Gould System at the Mercy of the Knights of Labor. "[2]
But the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen refused to honor the strike, and its members kept working. Meanwhile, Gould immediately hired strikebreakers to work the railroad, some of them Pinkerton agents. [3] At the time of the strike, Gould held some 12 percent of all railroad track in the U.S.
No serious violence was reported up through March 10. One strikebreaker was reportedly beaten in Fort Worth. Increasing acts of sabotage, though, bordered on lawlessness: assaulting and disabling moving trains, threatening notes and visits to working engineers, arson fires in yards, and a crowd of 600 Knights and sympathizers in DeSoto, Missouri marching on the roundhouse to drain the locomotives' boilers. [4] A favorite tactic of the rail workers was to let steam locomotives go cold, forcing the railroad to spend up to six hours slowly reheating the engines for use. On March 19, 1886, Grand Master Workman Terence V. Powderly of the Knights of Labor met in Kansas City, Missouri with other leaders of the Knights, the governors of Kansas and Missouri, and railroad officials to try to bring an end to the strike. The meeting continued for two days, but the parties were unable to reach an agreement. Gould and his railroad executives continued to resist meeting any strike demands. On April 3, a Tarrant County deputy named Richard Townsend was shot and killed in a confrontation between officers and a crowd of about 500 in Ft. Worth, Texas. Two other deputies were also wounded. [5] On April 9, in East St. Louis, Illinois, where about eighty switchmen had gone out on a sympathy strike against the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, violence broke out when a crowd of strikers met with eight deputies guarding a freight train. The guards shot into the threatening crowd, killing six bystanders [6] and narrowly avoiding shooting Mayor Maurice Joyce. The angered crowd answered by setting the rail yards on fire. After these incidents, Gould requested military assistance from the governors of the affected states. The governor of Missouri mobilized the state militia; the governor of Texas mobilized both the state militia and the Texas Rangers. The governor of Kansas refused after local officials reported no incidents of violence, despite claims by railway executives that mobs had seized control of trains and rail yards were burning. On April 26 sabotage caused the derailment of a freight train near Wyandotte, Kansas, where two non-striking crewmembers were buried in wreckage and the mud of the Kaw River. Six Knights were charged with the crime on the evidence of an informer. [7] And on April 8 a striker named John Gibbons was fatally shot by a "non-union switchman and private watchman" in St. Louis. The exercise of state police power on behalf of the railways led union members to retaliate. As the violence spread, public opinion turned against the workers. The physical attacks by the Pinkerton agents scared thousands of workers into returning to work. The strike was officially called off on May 4. The failure of the great Southwest railroad strike represented the first major defeat sustained by the Knights of Labor. When the strike did not draw the support of the engineers and other industrial workers, the Knights' vision of an industrial union withered as well. Internal conflict broke out between various factions within the Knights, paralyzing the union. The great Southwest railroad strike, the Haymarket affair, and the collapse of the 1887 sugar strikes in Louisiana demoralized the Knights of Labor and energized management. By 1890, membership in the Knights of Labor had plummeted by 90 percent. Employers adopted a model for stamping out strikes that called for holding firm and calling for government troops. While the collapse of the railroad strike set the American labor movement back, alleged organizational problems within the Knights of Labor also became apparent. This led Samuel Gompers of the cigar makers union, Peter J. McGuire of the carpenters union and others to organize what he considered a more effective labor organization. On December 8, 1886, they and a few other delegates met in Columbus, Ohio, to create the American Federation of Labor.
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Strike
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1910 Great Flood of Paris
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The 1910 Great Flood of Paris (French: Crue de la Seine de 1910) was a catastrophe in which the Seine River, carrying winter rains from its tributaries, flooded the Paris conurbation, France. The Seine water level rose eight metres above the ordinary level. [1]
In the winter of 1909–1910, Paris and the surrounding area experienced higher than normal rainfall which saturated the ground and filled rivers to overflowing. In January 1910, Parisians were preoccupied with daily life and lulled into a false sense of security because the Seine's waters level had risen and fallen again in December. Consequently, they largely ignored reports of mudslides and flooding occurring upriver. They were also slow to notice warnings signs within the city as the Seine's water level rose eight meters higher than normal,[2] its water began to flow much faster than normal, and large amounts of debris appeared. [3] By late January, the Seine River flooded Paris when water pushed upwards from overflowing sewers and subway tunnels, then seeped into basements through fully saturated soil and from the sewer system that got backed up, which led to the basements of several buildings sustaining damage. [4] The waters did not overflow the river's banks within the city, but flooded Paris through tunnels, sewers, and drains. These larger sewer tunnels were engineered by Baron Haussmann and Eugene Belgrand in 1878 which magnified the destruction caused by the flood in 1910. [5] In neighbouring towns both east and west of the capital, the river rose above its banks and flooded the surrounding terrain directly. Winter floods were a normal occurrence in Paris but, on 21 January, the river began to rise more rapidly than normal. This was seen as a sort of spectacle where people were actually standing in the streets watching the water rise in the Seine. [5] Over the course of the following week, thousands of Parisians evacuated their homes as water infiltrated buildings and streets throughout the city, shutting down much basic infrastructure. The infrastructure was more vulnerable to flooding because most of it was built within the sewage system in order to avoid cluttering the streets. [4]
Police, firefighters, and soldiers moved through waterlogged streets in boats to rescue stranded residents from second-story windows and to distribute aid. Refugees gathered in makeshift shelters in churches, schools, and government buildings. Although the water threatened to overflow the tops of the quay walls lining the river, workmen were able to keep the Seine back with hastily built levees. Once water invaded the Gare d'Orsay rail terminal, its tracks soon sat under more than a metre of water. To continue moving throughout the city, residents traveled by boat or across a series of wooden walkways built by government engineers and civilians. On 28 January the water reached its maximum height at 8.62 metres (28.28 feet) above its normal level. [4] In March, the Seine finally returned to normal levels. Estimates of the flood damage reached some 400 million francs, or $1.5 billion in today's money. The flooding lasted nearly a week, according to one report. [6] Remarkably, despite the damage and duration of the flood, no deaths were reported. There were fears that an outbreak of disease would occur after debris from flooded homes piled into the streets. [3]
Pont Alexandre III during the flood
rue de la Convention
Avenue Félix-Faure
Cour de Rome, gare Saint-Lazare
Rue de Poitiers
Rue de Seine
Rue Trousseau
Trousseau Square
Media related to Great flood of Paris in 1910 at Wikimedia Commons
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Floods
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BASE jumpers decide not to participate in Bridge Day; event still on for now
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FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Bridge Day is still on for now, but the event could be on the ropes. Committee members learned Wednesday that BASE jumpers, the daredevils who plunge more than 800 feet off the New River Gorge Bridge, will not be participating this year, citing concerns about available health care in an emergency amid the pandemic. A representative for the rappelers said he is leaning toward recommending to his group that it cancel but will wait until next week to make a final decision. Bridge Day committee members plan to vote next Wednesday, Sept. 29, on whether the annual event will take place. Representatives of the BASE jumpers said they are bailing out of concern for the possible medical impact of 100,000 people and injured jumpers on hospitals overloaded by COVID. Marcus Ellison, a representative for the BASE jumpers, said there also are some organizational problems, with concerns there could be an insufficient number of bus drivers at the event to transport the BASE jumpers back and forth. "It's not going to be a fun and safe event for everybody to be there, and that what I want to provide," he said. "I don't feel that's possible this year." Ellison said once all the health concerns surfaced last week, he thought the Bridge Day Committee would vote to cancel the event, but members decided then to push forward. Committee chairwoman Becky Sullivan said she doesn't believe they can hold Bridge Day without the BASE jumpers. "As far as the chamber of commerce goes, we have voted not to have Bridge Day," she said. "With an additional loss of volunteers, BASE jumpers and things that have happened over the week since we made our announcement, no I don't think it does [make sense]." Just a week ago, Bridge Day committee members had shot down a motion to cancel the Oct. 16 event, with four opposing the motion and two supporting it. Health officials and medical personnel had expressed serious concerns at the Sept. 15 with holding the event during the pandemic. Bridge Day was canceled in 2020. A nurse who attended the Sept. 15 meeting through Zoom said the hospital in Fayette County was stretched thin before the event would even begin, so if there were injuries from Bridge Day or more COVID-19 patients, it could cause more strain on health care workers and space in hospitals. Fayette County Sheriff Mike Fridley, one of two Bridge Day Committee members who voted at the Sept. 15 meeting to cancel the event, expressed concern at that meeting about his deputies and team. He uses all of his deputies to monitor the bridge, so he was concerned if one were to test positive what that would mean for his entire staff. There also had been concerns about a shortage of volunteers for Bridge Day, including bus drivers that were needed. Gov. Jim Justice said during his Sept. 15 coronavirus news briefing before the Bridge Day committee meeting that he supported the idea of having Bridge Day, saying that State Police and DOH would help in any way they could. Justice maintained that if large-scale events such as football games could be held, then Bridge Day could also be conducted.
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Organization Closed
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2012 Himalayan flash floods
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2012 Himalayan flash floods are the floods that occurred on the midnight of 3 August 2012 in the Himalayan region of Northern Indian states. Many were dead and missing. Many places were affected. [1] Landslides and flash floods were triggered by a sudden cloudburst which left 31 people dead while 40 are reported to be missing. [2]
The following are the states that were affected by the torrential rain that resulted in flash floods. Uttarakhand was the state that was most affected by the torrential rain. Ten people died and 38 others are missing as a result of the flash floods. Several houses were washed away and the Char Dham yatra has been suspended leaving the pilgrims stranded. 19 labourers at the Assi Ganga hydel power project are reported to be missing in the Uttarkashi region. Nearly 30 homes have been washed away in the Garhwal region after the Gangotri bridge collapsed. A major chunk of the Gangotri National Highway has also been washed away. [1] Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Uttarakhand state disaster management forces are currently involved in the rescue operations in the Uttarkashi region. "Nearly 2000 people have been affected by the floods. 200 families have been evacuated from low lying regions of Uttarkashi to higher ground", said the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Vijay Bahuguna. [2] Two children were killed in a house collapse in the Karnaprayag area of Chamoli district. Another child was washed away in the flash floods at Pokhri area of the district where landslides continued, blocking the highways leading to Badrinath. In the Gangotri area, Bhagirathi is reported to be flowing above the danger level with people being evacuated to safer areas. [3]
Flash floods hit the Palchan region in Himachal Pradesh. Two bridges and a road which connects Manali to Rohtang were washed away on the night 4 August 2012. About 120 people have been evacuated from the affected areas. A government school, an under construction hydropower project and many electricity poles were washed away in the floods. [1]
Water logging occurred in the district of Moradabad. [1]
The Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir was affected as water levels in the Ujh River rose. Twenty-three people were rescued and 90 families living near the Chenab were evacuated. [1]
Business Standard reported that the Northern Grid, which collapsed on 30 and 31 July, would be likely to come under renewed pressure as the power generation in Uttarakhand was stopped due to flash floods. The major hydel power projects were shut down following torrential rains that hit the state. In Uttarkashi district, the flash floods have caused damage to three state-run small hydel projects, which are controlled by Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd, resulting in their shut down. Due to the shut down, Uttarakhand would fall short of 18-20 million units per day during a monsoon season. [4]
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Floods
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More than 1,500 Afghan evacuees could be resettled in New England in coming months
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More than 1,500 Afghan evacuees could be resettled in New England in the coming weeks and months, as immigrant and community organizations work to secure housing and funding for their anticipated arrival. Following the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan after the 20-year Global War on Terror, about 65,000 evacuees are expected to come to the U.S. by the end of September via a program called "Operation Allies Welcome," which includes translators, drivers and others who aided the U.S. military, as well as those who fear retribution from the Taliban. The Biden administration began notifying state officials last week how many of the first group of nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees their states can expect. Massachusetts is slated to see approximately 900 evacuees. The International Institute of New England (IINE) is preparing to settle around 150 of them in the Lowell area – where a small Afghan population is already established – while the mayor of Worcester has said his city is prepared to take 300 to 350. The Jewish Family Service chapters of MetroWest and Western Massachusetts have said they hope to house 150 evacuees in Framingham, Springfield and Pittsfield. The Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island – the only agency in that state authorized to resettle refugees – will welcome at least 150. Catholic Social Services has said it is also interested in resettling Afghans in Rhode Island. In Concord, New Hampshire, the Ascentria Care Alliance is planning to welcome 100 Afghans, while the IINE looks to bring some to nearby Manchester, as well. Right before the deadline:With last plane out of Kabul, America's 20-year war in Afghanistan is over The Vermont chapter of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants got the go-ahead last week to welcome up to 100 evacuees, while Catholic Charities Maine has also been approved to resettle 100. And in Connecticut, approximately 310 are expected. In a statement last Thursday announcing the news, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said his state has a "moral obligation" to help Afghans who assisted the U.S. in the War on Terror. The refugees, he said, will also "strengthen communities, schools, our workforce, culture and economy." Julieann Cofone, director of public relations and communications at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, said it expects to receive at least a week’s notice before an individual or family arrives, but a general timeline is unknown. “This is a humanitarian crisis of near-epic proportions," said Dorcas Executive Director Kathy Cloutier in a statement. Information about incoming evacuees is changing daily. At least 150 evacuees:Afghans expected to arrive in Rhode Island in coming weeks Afghans currently en route to the U.S. are undergoing security vetting and screening in countries such as Bahrain, Germany, Kuwait, Italy, Qatar, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. Others have arrived at U.S. military bases. Thousands of people are still trying to flee Afghanistan, including U.S. citizens and those with green cards. The Department of Homeland Security says the government is "working around the clock" to screen and vet vulnerable evacuees, "consistent with the dual goals of protecting national security and providing protection for vulnerable Afghans." Most Afghan nationals will be "paroled" into the U.S. for a period of two years, designated as humanitarian parolees. Once they are paroled by Customs and Border Protection, they may be eligible to apply for immigration status. As designated humanitarian parolees – and not refugees – they are currently ineligible for federal aid. 'Urgent needs':White House asks Congress for billions in emergency funds for Afghan resettlement According to the State Department, the Afghans who have completed the Special Immigrant Visa process – for which they are eligible if they worked with U.S. forces – have two resettlement options: an agency can match them to a location based on family information, as well as cost of living, housing availability, employment opportunities, and strong resettlement services; or they can list a person who they would like to be resettled near, "but it is very important to be aware of the cost of living and housing availability." The State Department has recommended 19 cities for the resettlement of Afghans, none of which are in New England – though organizations in all six states have been granted approval to welcome them. Lowell, Massachusetts has the largest community of Afghan refugees in New England, where IINE has settled nearly all of its 330 Afghan refugees since 2014. Many arriving Afghans will join family members already living in Lowell and nearby communities, said Diane Shohet, IINE director of development and communications. The refugee experience is a "very unique way of migration," said Omar Bah, founder of the Refugee Dream Center in Providence, Rhode Island, in that it's forced by traumatizing factors such as war, violence, torture and rape. "You leave with nothing," said Bah, who is a torture survivor and refugee from The Gambia in West Africa. "Many people are in refugee camps in other countries. The lucky ones end up in the United States, but that is not the end of the journey. It's the beginning." Bah fled The Gambia in 2006 after the national police force declared a manhunt for him because of his work as a journalist. He arrived in Rhode Island in 2007. Arriving Afghans will require myriad services, such as English language instruction, youth mentorship, housing, health promotion and legal assistance – all offered by the Refugee Dream Center. A huge piece, Bah said, and perhaps one of the most important, is friendship. "You probably don't even know the name of the city you are going to until the day before you arrive," he said. "A first focus is to get them to feel at home. Home is where you feel welcome and connected to the community." The Refugee Dream Center serves about 500 people at any given time, but during COVID-19, its client base spiked to 2,000 as more people needed help. According to the Boston Globe, arriving Afghan evacuees will receive a cell phone, housing and $1,250 from the federal government. Most of the other money needed must be raised through donations, because the newcomers' designation is short of refugee status. "A significant number of evacuees will not be immediately eligible for public assistance," said Jeff Thielman, CEO of the International Institute of New England, in a recent newsletter. "These individuals will need case management, direct financial support, English language training, and more." IINE will require at least $3 million to resettle Afghans in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Shohet said, and that figure could increase if more evacuees end up coming to the region. Community effort: Mayor says Worcester ready to welcome more than 300 refugees from Afghanistan Worcester, Massachusetts Mayor Joseph Petty has said his city is organizing with several community partners and private enterprises to coordinate housing, education, health care and mental health resources – and that will need funding. "We estimate the costs at about half a million dollars and we're going to try to raise that money," Petty said earlier this month. The United Way of Central Massachusetts, for example, has already donated $100,000 from the funding it received last year from billionaire Mackenzie Scott. Residents, faith leaders and legislators from Acton and surrounding communities are also trying to set up networks to support arriving Afghans. An informal meeting was held last week. 'Moral obligation to help':Vermont approved to welcome up to 100 Afghan refugees "This is the largest effort I've seen in my senate district," said state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton. Some organizations have urged Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to set aside money for services for Afghans, from either the federal American Rescue Plan Act or the state's fiscal 2021 surplus. Shohet said people can support IINE in its resettling efforts by donating to provide direct financial support to the evacuees, as well as funding legal assistance and the hiring of new case management staff. "We estimate that each evacuee will need $1,000 per month from private sources for at least six months to meet basic needs," she said. People can also volunteer by providing housing, airport pickup, apartment setup, food distribution and pro bono legal services. Since news has spread that Afghans will arrive in Rhode Island at some point, Bah said many people have reached out to the Refugee Dream Center to donate clothing, toiletries and school supplies. Dorcas last week also put out a call for cash donations, volunteers and housing offers. A new national effort emerged last week called Welcome.US to assist Afghan families, supported by former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Through Welcome.US, people can donate time and resources, offer short-term housing through Airbnb, or sponsor individual families in their journeys.
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Financial Aid
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Brexit at last: Britain leaves the EU as champagne corks fly
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LONDON (Reuters) - The United Kingdom finally cast off from the European Union on Friday for an uncertain future, with Brexiteers claiming victory and popping champagne corks for an “independence day” they said marked a new era for the country. In its biggest shift since losing its global empire, the United Kingdom slipped away at 2300 GMT, turning its back after 47 years on the post-World War Two project that sought to build the ruined nations of Europe into a global power. Beside the British parliament, flag-waving Brexit supporters cheered, revelling in a mix of nostalgia, patriotism and defiance. Some sang “God Save the Queen”, while others hugged amid the smoke of fireworks. “The war is over: we have won,” Nigel Farage, a leading Leave campaigner, told the crowd. “This is the single most important moment in the modern history of our great nation.” On the white cliffs of Dover, the message: “The UK has left the EU” was projected between a British and an EU flag. Once considered the unlikely dream of a motley crew of “eurosceptics” on the fringes of British politics, Brexit also weakens the EU, conceived as a way to bind together Europe’s major powers in peace after centuries of conflict. When the exit day finally came, after 3-1/2 years of wrangling since the 2016 referendum, it was an anticlimax of sorts: while Brexiteers waving flags toasted freedom in the rain, many Britons showed indifference or relief. “For many people, this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the New York-born leader of the official “Leave” campaign, said. He celebrated in Downing Street with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish. The EU’s most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying. U.S. President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. His Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the “tyranny of Brussels”. At EU headquarters in Brussels, the British flag was lowered. Little will change immediately, however, as a transition period keeps the United Kingdom as a member in all but name until the end of 2020. Supporters young and old packed into Parliament Square to hear Farage. “I’m not jumping around celebrating, it’s just absolute satisfaction and relief and optimism,” said Emma Sandercock, a 53-year-old secretary from Northamptonshire in central England. ‘INDEPENDENCE DAY’ Cast either as an epic opportunity or a grave mistake, Brexit has turned long-held views of Britain upside down just as the world grapples with the rise of China and the West’s deepest divisions since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, whose liberated satellite states later joined the EU. It also diminishes the EU. At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the bloc lost 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world’s international financial capital, London. Leaving was once a far-fetched idea: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro. But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron led to the 52% to 48% vote to leave in 2016. For proponents, Brexit is “independence day” -- an escape from what they cast as a German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people. They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals. Slideshow ( 17 images ) UNCERTAIN FUTURE Opponents say Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, torpedo what is left of Britain’s global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately leave it a less cosmopolitan set of islands. David Tucker, 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the prospect of one day rejoining the EU. “It is a tragedy,” he said. “We were once part of the world’s most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller.” Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world’s biggest trading bloc, though Merkel and Macron have warned that leaving will be harder than staying. But Brexit was always about much more than Europe. The referendum exposed deep internal divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from immigration to empire and modern Britishness. It has tested the very fabric of what now looks a disunited kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave but Scotland and Northern Ireland wanted to stay. The strains could hasten another referendum on Scottish independence and even a push for a united Ireland. “We’ve had enough of the European Union, we don’t want it,” said Adrian Langshaw, 42. “We want to be a sovereign nation and live as a British nation, make our decisions, make our rules and live how we want.”
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Aeroflot Flight U-45 crash
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Aeroflot Flight U-45 was a passenger flight operated by an Ilyushin Il-18 that crashed during the approach to Samarkand on Friday, 6 February 1970, resulting in the death of 92 of the 106 people on board. An investigation revealed the aircraft went below the minimum obstacle clearance altitude (MOCA) during approach to Samarkand International Airport. Flight U-45 was a scheduled domestic flight from Tashkent to Samarkand. At 14:11 Moscow time the Ilyushin departed Tashkent International Airport and climbed to a cruising altitude of 5,100 meters in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). At 14:33:47 air traffic control (ATC) contacted flight U-45 and gave permission to descend to 2,700 meters and reported their distance to Samarkand Airport at 93 kilometers. At 14:35:45 the controller advised the crew that they would use the approach to runway 27, but then at 14:36:22 due to a change in wind direction it was decided to use runway 09 and at 14:38:26 ATC reported the distance to the airport at 53 kilometers. [1][2][3]
Nearing the airport flight U-45 switched frequencies and contacted the approach controller at Samarkand Airport and at 14:39:13 were advised that the aircraft was 48 kilometers from the airport and granted permission to descend to 2,400 meters. The approach controller then misread his radar screen and reported the flight was 31 km out when in fact it was 42–44 km. This led to the aircraft descending too early before crossing a mountain range. The controller cleared the flight for landing on runway 09 and at 14:40:09 the crew accepted the clearance. This was the last transmission from flight U-45. At 14:42:00 at an altitude of 1,500 meters and 32 kilometers northeast of the airport the Il-18 crashed into the side of a mountain at a speed of 380 km/h while descending at seven meters per second. After the initial impact the aircraft separated into five pieces. The co-pilot and 13 passengers survived with injuries and the remaining 7 crew members and 85 passengers were killed. [1][2][3]
The aircraft involved was an Ilyushin Il-18B, serial number 182004303 and registered as CCCP-75798 to Aeroflot. The construction of the airliner was completed on 29 January 1962 and it had sustained a total of 12,885 flight hours and 4,968 takeoff and landing cycles before the crash. [1][2][3]
Investigators determined that the primary cause of the accident was the approach controllers misinterpretation
of the radar display, specifically that he didn't realize what scale setting the display was set to. It was also noted that the screen was of a dark resolution in a high ambient light setting. [1][2] Several contributing factors were also identified. The organization and level of training of the ATC personnel at Samarkand International Airport was found to be subpar. Although the IL-18 was equipped with radar, its effectiveness was degraded substantially by the weather conditions so the crew had to rely on ATC information. At 14:39:13 the crew were advised that the aircraft was 48 kilometers from the airport, then 37 seconds later the controller stated they 31 km out. In order for the aircraft to cover 17 km in 37 seconds a speed of approximately 1600 km/h would be needed, impossible for an IL-18. Unfortunately the crew missed this important clue and continued the descent into the mountain. [1]
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Air crash
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Allenton house fire
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The Allenton house fire occurred on 11 May 2012 at 18 Victory Road, a semi-detached house in a residential street in Osmaston (reported by the press as being in Allenton), Derby, Derbyshire, England. [1] Five children died at the scene, while the oldest later died in hospital. [2] The parents of the children, Mairead and Mick Philpott, along with their friend Paul Mosley, were later arrested and charged with murder. [3] In December 2012 their charges were downgraded to manslaughter. On 2 April 2013, Mick Philpott and Paul Mosley were found guilty by unanimous verdicts, while Mairead Philpott was found guilty by majority verdict. The children were asleep upstairs in the house when the fire began, with their parents downstairs. [2] Their father, Mick Philpott, was reported to have made "valiant" attempts to save them. [2] Jade Philpott (10), John Philpott (9), Jack Philpott (7), Jesse Philpott (6) and Jayden Philpott (5) were all killed in the fire; post-mortem tests revealed the children died of smoke inhalation. [2] Their half-brother, Duwayne Philpott (13) died in hospital two days later. [2]
Police confirmed that the fire was started deliberately, with petrol underneath the letterbox,[4] in an act of arson, stating that "Initial indications are that it was deliberately set and as a result six children have been unlawfully killed. "[5]
A church service was held in memory of the children at the Catholic church of St George's in Littleover. [6] A charity, Catch Me When I Fall, was set up by local residents to help the family of the children. [7] A book of condolence at Derby Cathedral was later signed by hundreds of people. [8]
Prior to their deaths Jade, John, Jack, and Jesse attended St George's Catholic Primary School, and Duwayne was a student at Saint Benedict Catholic School. [2]
A 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder, but were later released without charge following questioning. [7] Following the release of the pair Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said that "While I thank those members of the community who have come forward with information I am surprised by how few people have contacted us. Normally in cases of this scale more information is passed to the police...I strongly suspect that there is someone out there in the community who knows more than we are being told. "[5]
The parents of the children, Mick and Mairead Philpott, were arrested on suspicion of murder on 29 May and charged with their murders the following day. [9]
On 5 November 2012, a 49-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder. Later that day, the 45-year-old man, Paul Mosley, was charged with murder. The other man was released without charge. Mosley appeared in court the following day. In December 2012 his charge was downgraded to manslaughter. Paul Mosley had previously been arrested in the enquiry and was released on bail in June 2012. He was re-arrested and charged when petrol was found on his clothing following further forensic examination. [10]
The criminal trial began on 12 February 2013 at Nottingham Crown Court before judge Mrs Justice Thirlwall. Richard Latham QC led the prosecution on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service. Anthony Orchard QC led the defence for Mick Philpott, Sean Smith QC led the defence for Mairead Philpott, and Benjamin Nolan QC led the defence for Mosley. [11] On 2 April, Mick and Mairead Philpott, along with Paul Mosley, were each found guilty of the manslaughter of the six children. [12] On 4 April, Philpott received a sentence of life imprisonment, and will serve a minimum of 15 years, while his wife and Mosley received 17 years imprisonment for their part. [13]
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Fire
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2009 Nakumatt supermarket fire
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The 2009 Nakumatt supermarket fire occurred when a supermarket in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, caught fire on 28 January 2009. Twenty-nine remains have thus far been located in the rubble of the destroyed Nakumatt supermarket, with police investigating a tip that security guards locked exit doors in an effort to prevent looting. [1] However the locking of the doors on the ground floor had no effect on the victims, as they were all found on the floor above. The fire allegedly started near the only staircase accessible to the public, trapping the victims in the shop. One other man died after leaping from the building to escape the flames. Forty-seven people are still missing. The bodies of the dead are "charred beyond recognition". [2]
Official reports say one person died in hospital from injuries brought on by poisonous fumes and injuries sustained in the inferno but another 39 were unaccounted for and were officially reported as "missing". [3] The emergency services have been criticised for what the Kenyan media view as an inadequate response to the blaze. Following the blaze, the Daily Nation reported that Nairobi's three million inhabitants were served only by one fire station situated close to a traffic-choked business district. [4] Although it happened on 28 January, it was not widely reported across the world until two days later when the full scale of the fire was recognised. The fire began on 28 January 2009, a Wednesday afternoon, when the Woolworths Building which housed Nakumatt Downtown Nairobi caught fire at 3:00 PM. The blaze was still being fought twenty-four hours later. A power transformer had earlier blown and there were reports that gas cylinders on sale at the supermarket and chemicals at a hardware shop in the neighbouring Alibhai Shariff Building had fueled the inferno. [5] Members of the public helped to fight the blaze which ensued. [6] Thousands of people were evacuated from their offices in downtown Nairobi as plumes of black smoke were sent into the sky overhead. The smoke forced the evacuation of some nearby buildings, with police employing whips, horses and teargas to beat back curious crowds. [7][8] One man died after leaping from an upper floor of the burning supermarket, whilst one other man, Nakumatt employee Jeremiah Omoyo, also leaped off the roof to escape the blaze but survived. Another Nakumatt employee told Kenya's The Standard newspaper that the crowd were encouraging the trapped customers and employees to jump. [9] The Kenyan media has criticised the emergency response, claiming that firefighters arrived late and in inadequate numbers. Daily Nation, the largest newspaper in Kenya, remarked on the way the fire was handled and responded to by saying, "It is fair to say that ours is a modern city with an 18th century fire-fighting infrastructure. "[10] The City Council Fire Brigade were helped by 2 private companies with fire engines - G4S and Knight Support. This is the first of two tragedies to happen in Kenya in the same week; at least 113 people were killed when an oil spill caught fire in Molo. [11][12]
Actress and radio presenter Angel Wainaina, known for her role as Sergeant Maria on the Cobra Squad TV series, was one of the victims and her body has been identified. [13] Peter Serry, the CEO of Tusker FC football club was at the supermarket when the fire broke and has been missing since then, while Tusker FC coach James Nandwa, who accompanied Serry, escaped with minor injuries. [14]
The remains of the Woolworths building that housed the supermarket were scrapped after the fire. The building is set to be rebuilt and according to National Museums of Kenya, it is a historical building that should resemble the previous one and built using red bricks. On the other hand, Steve Oundo, the chairman of Architectural Association of Kenya prefers a remembrance hall on the site, instead of rebuilding the supermarket. [15]
Nakumatt was a supermarket chain that had 18 stores across Kenya, employing 3,200 people and expanded to Uganda, Rwanda and other East African countries. Nakumatt was a wholly Kenyan company owned by the Atul Shah family and Hotnet Ltd.[16][17] On 23 August, Nakumatt opened its first store outside Kenya in the Union Trade Center, in Kigali, Rwanda. [18]
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Fire
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China set to retrieve first Moon rocks in 40 years
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China is heading back to the Moon later this month.Credit: Later this month, a Chinese spacecraft will travel to the Moon to scoop up lunar rocks for the first time in more than 40 years. The mission, named Chang’e-5, is the latest in a series of increasingly complex trips to the lunar surface led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), following its first touchdown of a craft, Chang’e-4, on the Moon’s far side last year. “To take it to the next level and return samples from the Moon is a significant technological capability,” says Carolyn van der Bogert, a planetary geologist at the University of Münster, Germany. How space missions snatch pieces of other worlds and bring them back to Earth The craft is expected to take off on 24 November from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island. Its original launch, planned for 2017, was delayed because of an engine failure in China’s Long March 5 launch rocket. Chang’e-5’s mission is to collect dust and debris from a previously unexplored region of the Moon’s near side and return them to Earth. If the mission is successful, it will retrieve the first lunar material since the US and Soviet missions in the 1960s and 1970s. Lunar scientists will be eager to study the new samples because of what they might learn about the Moon’s evolution. The material could also help researchers more accurately date the surfaces of planets such as Mars and Mercury. “The landing site was extremely wisely picked,” says Harald Hiesinger, a geologist also at the University of Münster. Chang’e-5 includes a lander, ascender, orbiter and returner. After the spacecraft enters the Moon’s orbit, the lander-and-ascender pair will split off and descend close to Mons Rümker, a 1,300-metre-high volcanic complex in the northern region of Oceanus Procellarum — the vast, dark lava plains visible from Earth. Image credit: NASA Once the craft has touched down, it will drill up to 2 metres into the ground and extend a robotic arm to scoop up about 2 kilograms of surface material. The material will be stored in the ascender for lift-off. The descent and ascent will take place over one lunar day, which is equivalent to around 14 Earth days, to avoid the extreme overnight temperatures that could damage electronics, says Clive Neal, a geoscientist at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. The mission is technically challenging, and many things could go wrong, says Neal. The lander could crash-land or topple over, and the samples could escape from their canister along the way. “We all hope that it works,” he says. Once the ascender is back in lunar orbit, the samples will be transferred to the returner. This in-flight rendezvous will be complex and “a good rehearsal for future human exploration”, says James Carpenter, a research coordinator for human and robotic exploration at the European Space Agency in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. China plans to send people to the Moon from around 2030. Can NASA really return people to the Moon by 2024? The Chang’e-5 spacecraft will then journey back to Earth, with the lander parachuting toward Siziwang Banner in Inner Mongolia, northern China, probably sometime in early December. Most of the lunar samples will be stored at the Chinese Academy of Sciences National Astronomical Observatory of China (NAOC) in Beijing, says Li Chunlai, deputy chief designer for the Chang’e-5 mission. Some material will be stored at a separate site, safe from natural hazards, and some will be set aside for public display, says Li. These young scientists will shape the next 50 years of Moon research But it is not clear whether samples will leave the country. The CNSA supports international collaboration and giving researchers outside China access to the samples if they work with Chinese scientists, says Xiao Long, a planetary geologist at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, who was involved in selecting the landing site. Hiesinger hopes that access to the samples will be similar to how researchers access rocks collected by the US Apollo missions — by submitting a proposal to NASA on how they plan to use them. But Xiao points out that scientists at Chinese institutions cannot access Apollo samples because the US government restricts NASA from collaborating directly with China. The Chang’e-5 samples could fill an important gap in scientists’ understanding of the Moon’s volcanic activity. Rocks obtained by previous US and Soviet lunar missions suggest that activity on the Moon peaked 3.5 billion years ago, then fizzled and stopped. But observations of the lunar surface have uncovered regions that could contain volcanic lava formed as recently as one billion or two billion years ago. If Chang’e-5’s samples confirm that the Moon was still active during this time, “we will rewrite the history of the Moon”, says Xiao. Studying the rocks’ composition could also clarify what fuelled this thermal activity for so long. “The Moon is small, so its heat engine should have run out a long time ago,” says Neal. The Moon is also an important reference for dating other planets, based on the method of counting craters. The general rule is that older regions have more and larger craters, whereas younger regions have fewer and smaller ones. These relative ages are then given absolute dates using samples from the Moon. But no samples exist for the period between 850 million years and 3.2 billion years ago. Chang’e-5 could fill that gap. “The Moon is the only place where we have samples that we know exactly where they came from,” says van der Bogert.
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New achievements in aerospace
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2009 Angola, Namibia and Zambia floods
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The 2009 Angola, Namibia and Zambia floods was a natural disaster which began in early March 2009 and resulted in the deaths of at least 131 people and otherwise affected around 445,000 people. The floods affected seven regions of Namibia, three provinces of Zambia, two regions of Angola and part of Botswana. The floodwaters damaged buildings and infrastructure and displaced at least 300,000 people. A state of emergency was declared in northern Namibia and there were fears that a disease epidemic would ensue. The Red Cross agencies and governments of the two countries responded to the disaster, and aid was distributed by the World Health Organization. The border regions of Angola, Namibia and Zambia are dominated by small rivers which flood regularly during the rainy season from December to April. [1] Floods in 2008 lasted from February to March and affected 250,000 people in Namibia with 42 people losing their lives. The floods this year have primarily been caused by heavy rain; more rain has fallen on the region since December than fell in the entire five-month rainy season of last year. [2] As a result, the flooding this year has been worse than that usually experienced. [3] It has been reported that the floods could be the worst in the area for four decades. [1] The Angolan National Institute of Meteorology has placed the cause of the heavy rain with a large equatorial depression which is expected to remain over the country until April when it will start to move southwards. [4] One report has blamed the continuing heavy rain on the effects of the meteorological phenomenon La Niña. [5]
Angola has been affected by floods within two of its provinces: Cuando Cubango and Cunene. [5] The worst affected province has been Cunene, which lies on the Cuvelai River. [6] Within Cunene alone 125,000 people have been affected by the flood and 25,000 have lost their homes. [2] Across the country more than 30,000 people have been made homeless by the floods. [7] There are fears that the floods could exacerbate diseases already present in the area, particularly cholera and malaria. [3] Three cases of cholera have also been reported in Ondjiva, the capital of Cunene region, and local officials expect that number to increase. [8] The Red Cross reports that so far there have been 19 deaths attributable to flooding in Angola. [9]
Botswana has been affected by the rising height of the Okavango River has risen to 8.62 m, the second highest depth recorded and the highest since 1969. [10] The Okavango terminates in Botswana at the inland Okavango Delta and the Botswana government has issued an alert to those living alongside the river to move to higher ground. [11] The government has evacuated 63 families amid concerns that flooding will worsen, particularly in the Chobe District. [11] More than 400 people have been displaced as a result of the floods and the Botswana Defence Force is working to help those affected. [12]
Seven regions of Namibia have been affected by the flood: Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kavango and Kunene. [6] The worst affected regions have been Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto which lie on the Cuvelai River. [13] In the Zambezi Region floodwaters have reached areas up to 20 km from where the river normally flows. Up to 300,000 people have been affected by the floods in Namibia which have displaced around 276,000 people. [14][15] The floods have destroyed crops, houses, schools, medical centres and roads in the country whose president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, has said could be experiencing one of the worst natural disasters in living memory. [3] Gravel roads have been particularly affected with up to 85% of those in affected areas being damaged and cutting people off from assistance. [3][16] People and livestock have been washed away and there have been cases of crocodiles and hippopotamuses swimming in the flood water, attacking and killing people. [3] There was a pre-existing cholera outbreak in the Kunene Region and the floods have worsened this by overwhelming sanitation infrastructure and reducing supplies of clean drinking water. [17][18] Malaria cases have also increased, with 2,000 known to have contracted the disease of which 25 have died. [1] The Namibian government has stated that 112 people have died so far as a result of flooding. [19]
President Pohamba has stated that a food shortage could follow the floods and the United Nations has estimated that crop production in Namibia will fall by 63% in the next year and that up to 500,000 people could be affected by a food shortage. [2][5][15] Local food prices have already risen by 37% because of the disaster. [15]
Zambia has experienced flooding in the Western, North-Western and Southern Provinces. [6] The damage to infrastructure alone totals more than $5 million and one district, Shangombo, remains cut off from outside help completely. [5] The floods have affected 20,000 households and destroyed 5,000 homes in the Southern Province alone. [20]
Although this particular flood event has been worse than previously experienced in Namibia and Angola, there have been lower levels of flooding elsewhere in the region, such as on the Zambezi River, and the rainy season is expected to last just four more weeks. [6][21] It is expected that the Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique will protect countries on the lower Zambezi from flooding caused by rainwater in the upper river. [5] The Red Cross is also keeping watch on Severe Tropical Storm Izilda which is heading for Mozambique's east coast and could cause further flooding there. [20]
President Pohamba has declared a state of emergency across six northern districts, and has requested international assistance. [2] The Namibian state relief fund has been active in the region delivering water, food, tents and other supplies to flooded areas by helicopter and motorboat. However it is hindered by a shortage of both aircraft and boats, and is running out of funding. [1] The Red Cross agencies in both Angola and Namibia have responded to the disaster. The Angola Red Cross is distributing mosquito nets, water purification tablets and rehydration sachets and the Namibia Red Cross Society has been distributing chlorine tablets and promoting hygiene in the affected areas. [3][17] The World Health Organization has also responded with the delivery of five tonnes of health care kits and supplies of drinking water. [3] There are fears that the financial crisis of 2007–2008 may limit the effectiveness of aid agencies who are already over-stretched across Africa. [2] Displaced persons camps have been established in Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Omusati in Namibia and currently hold around 4,500 people although they are said to be overcrowded and lacking in fresh water and sanitation provision. [15] The World Health Organization has sent several healthcare teams into the area to train emergency personnel and to provide expertise in disease prevention.
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Floods
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SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal Combine to Transform the Digital Employee Experience
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SAN FRANCISCO and SAN BRUNO, Calif., June 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal, two high-growth SaaS leaders in the digital employee experience (DEX) space, announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. Sumeru Equity Partners (SEP) will make a significant new growth investment in SocialChorus and subsequently fund the combination with Dynamic Signal. In addition, senior management and existing investors of both companies will invest a meaningful stake into the transaction. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed. SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal joining forces is a leap forward in the mission to transform how companies connect every worker with the right information at the right time. This combination will accelerate the move away from destination site delivery models to an orchestrated digital employee experience that fosters employee productivity and well-being. "The digital employee experience of an organization is not a destination, it's an expectation and experience that meets the needs of a distributed and diverse workforce," said Gary Nakamura, CEO of SocialChorus. "To truly solve the problem, meeting workers where they are with personalized information and resources is critical. The combination of SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal presents a huge opportunity for growth and innovation on the journey to give customers what they need to create an unparalleled digital employee experience." SocialChorus and Dynamic Signal will unite under the leadership of Gary Nakamura, CEO of SocialChorus, and an executive team comprised of Dynamic Signal and SocialChorus team members. Three representatives from the Dynamic Signal board of directors, including Eric Brown, CEO of Dynamic Signal, will join the current SocialChorus board of directors to form the board of the combined company. SEP, majority investor in SocialChorus, has experienced strong success in driving growth and scaling operations. Mark Haller, Principal of SEP stated, "The digital employee experience space is fast-growing and dynamic, and we believe the combination of talent and product innovation will significantly enhance our offerings for customers. We are excited to bring SEP's operational expertise to create a world-class organization to lead a new chapter of continued growth." After closing, the combined organization is expected to scale rapidly with additional resources to accelerate investments in product development and customer service innovation. The combined organization will continue to support solutions across their respective platforms and will serve more than 500 customers and reach over 15 million employees globally. "I am incredibly excited that Dynamic Signal and SocialChorus are combining to create the best platform in the industry," added Brown. "Together, we will build on the shared belief that organizations must create a digital employee experience that lifts all workers, giving them equitable access to information and a voice in the conversations that move their company and cultures." J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Dynamic Signal and Fenwick & West is serving as legal counsel. GCA Advisors is serving as exclusive financial advisor to SocialChorus and Weil, Gotshal & Manges is serving as legal counsel. The closing of the merger is expected in Q3 and remains subject to customary regulatory and other approvals. About SocialChorus SocialChorus is the creator of FirstUp, the platform that makes the digital employee experience work for every worker. Using our powerful orchestration engine, we bring personalized information and systems access to every employee where they are—on any endpoint or device, in any language, anywhere in the world. Whether they're wired, mobile, frontline, distributed or essential, FirstUp gives employees what they need to do their jobs efficiently, and companies what they need to achieve agility. That's how we help enterprise customers like Amazon, ABInBev, Ford and GSK continue to transform their businesses. Learn more at www.socialchorus.com . About Dynamic Signal Dynamic Signal is a leading Employee Communication and Engagement Platform, committed to creating a connected, inclusive, and engaged workforce where people feel valued and empowered to be their best. From factory workers and field employees, to knowledge workers in any time zone, hundreds of companies across every industry depend on Dynamic Signal's award-winning mobile, desktop, and web applications to reach each employee and build aligned, productive, actively engaged communities and employee advocates. Founded in 2010, and based in Silicon Valley, Dynamic Signal integrates with leading enterprise systems and works with organizations around the globe, who trust Dynamic Signal's technology, services, support, and education to elevate the employee experience and drive transformative business results. www.dynamicsignal.com . About Sumeru Equity Partners Sumeru Equity Partners (SEP) provides growth capital, strategic insight, and operating expertise to enterprise technology companies in North America and Europe. Our experienced team partners with founders and company management to grow their business, build innovative products that delight customers, and hire great people.
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Organization Merge
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International animal health experts and health officers are meeting in Vietnam to prepare emergency plans for controlling the avian influenza virus that has killed 13 people since re-emerging in December.
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International animal health experts and health officers are meeting in Vietnam to prepare emergency plans for controlling the avian influenza virus that has killed 13 people since re-emerging in December.?The experts are looking at ways to prevent the spread of the disease from spiraling out of control. The possible nightmare scenario laid out to officials is devastating. Millions of people dead, commerce and transportation crippled by mass illness on a scale not seen since the deadly Spanish flu pandemic after World War I.
But health experts gathered in Ho Chi Minh City were told this vision of the future does not have to become reality if governments act fast to control the spread of the H5N1 avian flu. During the past 14 months, the H5N1 virus has killed at least 45 people from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia - 13 of them since December.
Experts from the United Nations and other agencies gathered in Vietnam this week say the risk that the avian flu could sweep the world is grave. But they say, there is hope the virus can be contained, because it has not yet adapted enough to pass easily among people - almost all human victims have caught it from poultry. The World Health Organization agrees that the best chance of stopping the virus lies with shifting the focus from the human threat and back to the source of the disease - poultry. Every time the disease jumps from bird to humans it has one more chance to mutate into an airborne human-to-human virus. So health officials say the most obvious plan is to limit public contact with poultry.
The squawking of ducks just before slaughter is never a happy one for the ducks, but it is music to the ears of international officials touring one of Vietnam's first modern slaughterhouses in Ho Chi Minh City. Almost all chickens and ducks in Vietnam are killed by hand in open-air markets in front of customers - a health hazard since blood is one of the major carriers of the virus. So late last year, Ho Chi Minh City set up 47 modern slaughterhouses and banned live chicken and duck markets. It is one of many steps that need to be taken to control the avian flu. Joseph Domenech of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization says that keeping the virus from jumping from poultry to humans is a more realistic strategy than trying to eradicate it altogether.
"Controlling the disease, this is something that can be done today because the tools exist," he said. "We know the tools, the governments have applied the tools, have achieved a lot of improvement of the situation. Yes, it is possible with more investment to achieve good results in terms of controlling the effect of the disease. Eradication - it is another matter, which will be very difficult."
But containing the avian flu will be a challenge - especially in countries such as Vietnam, where up to 90 percent of chickens in the country are raised in family yards with children playing there. Overhauling the country's 40 million small chicken farms will cost millions of dollars and there is no plan for how to do it. Coming up with a plan - and a budget to present to donor governments - is the goal of this week's conference.
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Disease Outbreaks
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2011 United Nations Bombardier CRJ-100 crash
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On 4 April 2011, United Nations Flight 834, a Bombardier CRJ-100 passenger jet of Georgian Airways operating a domestic flight from Kisangani to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo on behalf of United Nations, crashed while attempting to land in a thunderstorm at Kinshasa Airport. Of the 33 people on board, only one, a passenger, survived. [1][2]
A subsequent investigation concluded that the aircraft had encountered a microburst (severe downdraft) moments after initiating a go-around, and the resulting loss of altitude could not be arrested before impact with the ground. On 4 April 2011, a Georgian Airways CRJ-100ER, registration 4L-GAE, chartered by United Nations' MONUSCO mission was planned to carry out a flight on route Kinshasa - Kisangani- Kinshasa, operating flight UNO834. At Kisangani, 29 passengers boarded the aircraft for the flight to Kinshasa; 594 kg of luggage was loaded for this sector. Besides the Captain and the Co-Pilot, the crew consisted of a Flight Attendant and a Ground Engineer. Pilot in Command (PIC) was the Pilot Flying (PF) while the Co-Pilot was the Pilot Not Flying (PNF) for this sector. The aircraft took off from Kisangani for Kinshasa at 11:18 and climbed to Flight Level 300. At 12:39, UNO 834 requested for descent and was cleared to descend to flight level 100. Meanwhile, on the on-board weather radar, the crew were able to notice presence of severe weather around and over Kinshasa airfield. At 12:49, the crew again sought latest weather information from Kinshasa ATC. They were informed that Kinshasa was reporting wind 210 degrees with 8 knots, visibility 8 km, and thunderstorm over the station. The aircraft later cleared to land in the airport. Flight 834 crashed upon landing on N'djili Airport's Runway 24,[3] shortly before 14:00 local time (13:00 UTC). [4] The aircraft was on a domestic flight from Goma to Ndjili via Kisangani. [5] Heavy rain was falling at the time. [6] The METAR in force at the time showed thunder showers and rain. [3][note 1] According to a United Nations official, the plane "landed heavily, broke into two and caught fire". [6] An eyewitness suggested windshear as a cause. [3] The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy indicated that the poor weather was a key element in the cause of the crash. [7]
The aircraft impacted the ground 170 meters (560 ft) to the left and abeam the displaced threshold of Runway 24 at a 10-degree nose down attitude. At the time of impact, the aircraft's heading was 220 degrees and its speed was 180 knots (330 km/h; 210 mph). Following the impact, the aircraft skipped, started breaking up, skidded along the ground and rolled inverted before coming to a halt. During this process, parts of the aircraft including undercarriage, engines, wings and tail section sheared off. [1][8][clarification needed]
The main part of the fuselage came to a rest inverted and in a badly damaged condition. The severe nature of the accident caused massive external and internal injuries to the occupants. ECR teams brought out the crew and the passengers from the wreckage. Most of them were already dead, while a few were badly injured but alive. Nine injured survivors were rushed to a local hospital, some of them died on the way to the hospital. Among those who reached the hospital alive, all but one succumbed to their injuries. Of the four Georgian crew and 29 passengers, there was only one survivor,[1] a Congolese journalist. [9] The survivor was seriously injured. [3] The aircraft manifest listed 20 UN workers. [1] The passengers included UN peacekeepers and officials, humanitarian workers and electoral assistants. [6] Five non-UN passengers were staff from non-governmental organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or from other international organisations. [10]
The UN Security Council and the United States have offered their condolences for the accident. [11][12][13] UN flights are frequent in Congo, more than hundreds a week, as they are one of the best available means of transportation in the country; the flying route is one of the most used in the country. [6]
The aircraft was a Bombardier CRJ-100ER, registered 4L-GAE,[8] c/n 7070. The aircraft was delivered in 1996 to French airline Brit Air, as F-GRJA. It was sold to Georgian Airways in September 2007. [14] Leased from Georgian Airways,[8] it was operated by the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). [1]
All of the crew members were Georgian. [15] The captain and pilot in command was 27-year-old Alexei Oganesyan, who had 2,811 flight hours, including 1,622 hours on the CRJ-100, (217 hours as captain and 1,405 as a first officer). The first officer was 22-year-old Suliko Tsutskiridze, who was far less experienced than captain Oganesyan, having logged only 495 flight hours with 344 of them on the CRJ-100. [16]:11
The victims onboard flight UNO834[17]
MONUSCO set up a task force, which opened an investigation into the accident. [10]
Investigators retrieved the meteorological data based on basic instruments, and stated that no laser equipment is available to measure cloud base. Similarly, visibility is measured using landmarks rather than a Transmissometer. Kinshasa airport meteorological service is not equipped with weather radar thus cannot accurately forecast and determine approach of dangerous weather phenomenon. To augment meteorological information available to its crew members, MONUSCO had tasked a Contractor- PAE Limited, to provide Meteorological Services including Forecasting and Observation Services, at several airfields in D R Congo. The contractor (PAE Limited) provided these services at Kinshasa as also at Kisangani.
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Air crash
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Concert cancelled and Slimming World group forced to move as Lincolnshire hotel closes to accommodate Afghan refugees
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Concert cancelled and Slimming World group forced to move as Lincolnshire hotel closes to accommodate Afghan refugees The British Government has committed to taking in 20,000 Afghan refugees over the next five years The Urban Hotel, Swingbridge Road, Grantham. (Image: Lincolnshire Live) (Image: Lincolnshire Live) We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Thank you for subscribingWe have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice A Gary Barlow tribute act concert and a Slimming World group are among those affected by the closure of a Lincolnshire hotel while it houses Afghan refugees. Dan Hadfield, who imitates the former Take That star, was due to perform at The Urban Hotel on Swingbridge Road in Grantham on Friday October 29 and Slimming World's Grantham and Bottesford group used to meet at the hotel every Thursday. Mr Hadfield said his show has been cancelled after the hotel confirmed yesterday (September 7) it was hosting the refugees following the withdrawal of British troops from the Middle-Eastern country. He advised ticket holders to contact the hotel for a refund. Writing on his Facebook page on September 4, Mr Hadfield said: "This is the oddest post yet, as this hasn't happened to me before. "The night at Grantham Urban Hotel on 29th October appears to be cancelled - and I've had it confirmed this morning [September 4] that it is. "With the limited information that they have given me this morning, they have stated that [the government] having taken over the hotel [sic] and have shut it from this coming Monday [September 6] for six months in order to accommodate and house Afghan refugees. "I don't really know what to say. "If you have bought a ticket, you will need to try to contact the hotel itself for refunds. "I'm really not sure though if any of us will see anything in this respect, but I will update when I know more. "On a personal note, I hope that any refugees coming from Afghanistan or any place of unrest are welcomed by us as a country. "Remember that, for the most part, we don't know how lucky we are over here on our sleepy little island." The statement from Mr Hadfield, who has performed on The Xtra Factor, BBC, ITV, Virgin Media, Samsung, and others, comes as a Slimming World group that meets at The Urban Hotel confirmed it also had to move its meeting location. Slimming World for Grantham and Bottesford, run by Rhona Galbraith, used to meet at the hotel every Thursday at 7pm. A statement on the Slimming World with Rhona Grantham & Bottesford Facebook page posted on September 6, reads: "After a very stressful weekend searching out a new venue for our Thursday group, following the sudden Government acquisition of the Urban Hotel, I am delighted to announce our new home from this Thursday 6th September is: Grantham Squash & Fitness, Harlaxton Road Grantham, NG31 7JX. "Can't wait to welcome you." The Urban Hotel has 89 bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms. A spokesman for the Home Office has previously said it does not comment on the location of asylum accommodation.
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Organization Closed
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Filtering out heavy metals years away, despite high uranium detected in water
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The Northern Territory Government has downplayed concern following the ABC's revelation that drinking water has been high in uranium in three Aboriginal communities for a decade — even as the Power and Water Corporation said a plan to filter heavy metals was still years away. The response came as the Australian Medical Association urged the water supplies be fixed, with Aboriginal health organisations describing the situation as "unacceptable".
On Tuesday, ABC's 7.30 revealed the central desert communities of Laramba, Wilora and Willowra supplied bore water with elevated levels of uranium.
Data from the Power and Water Corporation showed Laramba's water supply contained uranium at higher than 0.04 milligrams per litre (mg/L).
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines outline those levels should not exceed 0.017 mg/L — and the corporation agreed that several communities are drinking water above the national guidelines. Yet the Power and Water Corporation said a plan to filter out elevated levels of heavy metals like uranium from drinking water in some Central Australian communities is still years away.
Some of Australia's poorest communities have been drinking water high in uranium, and residents have accused governments of ignoring the problem
Northern Territory Health Minister Natasha Fyles said she had been advised that there was currently no outstanding risk to any water supply in the Northern Territory.
"Territorians can absolutely be assured that that analysis takes place, that the Department of Health and [the Power and Water Corporation] work together to ensure the water supply is safe right across the Northern Territory," she said.
"You need to remember, with different factors, that there's tolerable daily intake levels, so for example someone can consume something for a short period and they will have an elevated level at that point, but over the whole of lifetime exposure, the Australian standards indicate that there isn't a risk."
The NT Health Department told the ABC that Aboriginal residents at the Garawa Camp Two at Borroloola in the Roper region were currently supplied with bottled water because of high lead levels in their reticulation system. The department told the ABC that recent testing indicated lead levels "were very low".
Doctors said fixing the supply should be a priority.
"Contaminants which do make the drinking water unsafe to drink above the guidelines as stipulated, should be treated as a health priority," AMA president Dr Tony Bartone said.
"All governments — of either jurisdiction — need to ensure that all Australians have access to potable drinking water."
Dr Bartone said the AMA wanted safe drinking water levels to be part of the Closing the Gap targets, which are currently undergoing a review after 10 years of limited progress.
"Access to safe drinking water is a prerequisite for good health," he said.
"You can't really set aspirational targets for health without really pinning the strategy to the building blocks around good health — the social determinants of health."
John Paterson, chief executive of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory, said an independent review was needed "as soon as possible".
"Governments need to respond to this, we need the experts out there to explain how much contamination is in the water and what solutions have been provided," he said.
Rod Little, co-chair of National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, said he was shocked to hear of uranium levels not meeting health guidelines in Aboriginal communities.
"These kinds of things happening in our communities should not be tolerated — particularly when we have a lot of pride in how well we do [as] a nation. It is unacceptable," Mr Little said.
Laramba residents told 7.30 the community should be supplied with more information about the uranium levels, and said their pleas for the bore water to be improved had been ignored.
Long-term resident Billy Briscoe said: "That's the main problem we have, just that water problem".
"People need proper water," he said.
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Environment Pollution
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1976 Lagos WCT
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The 1976 Lagos WCT, also known as the 1976 Lagos Tennis Classic, was a men's tennis tournament played on outdoor clay courts at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in Lagos, Nigeria. [2] The event was part of the 1976 World Championship Tennis circuit. It was the inaugural edition of the tournament, which was the first professional tennis tournament in Black Africa, and was held from February 9 to 15, 1976. Unseeded Dick Stockton won the singles title. [3]
In the morning of Friday, 13 February 1976, Murtala Mohammed the Head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria was assassinated by a group of young army rebels in an attempted coup d'etat. [4] Due to the following unrest the tournament was halted and no matches were played on Friday and Saturday. The passports of most of the players were in possession of Nigerian immigration and in order to get them back and leave the country John McDonald, WCT’s International Director, ordered the tournament to resume on Sunday, 15 February. The quarterfinals of the singles event were played that day and the semifinals and final were scheduled for Monday. The doubles event was cancelled at the semifinals stage due to a lack of time. On Monday, while Arthur Ashe and Jeff Borowiak were playing their semifinal match and had just started the second set, a group of soldiers entered the stadium and herded the players off the court at gunpoint. The two players fled to the US Embassy where they were later joined by the other players who had been staying in a hotel, where they were joined by another trapped athlete, Pelé, who was on a tour sponsored by Pepsi. The following Tuesday the tennis players and officials were given an armed police escort to Lagos International Airport and left the country for Accra, Ghana on a plane provided by general Obasanjo's government. There, they connected to a Rome-bound flight, where they were scheduled to attend the following week's tournament in the Italian capital. The start of Rome WCT was delayed by a day in order to accommodate the players coming from Lagos WCT. The Lagos WCT's semifinal and final were concluded on 1 and 2 April, in Venezuela in-between another regularly scheduled tournament (the Caracas WCT) in order to allocate the prize money and ranking points of Lagos WCT. [5][6]
Dick Stockton defeated Arthur Ashe, 6–3, 6–2
The doubles event was cancelled at the semifinal stage.
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Sports Competition
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1972 Sacramento Canadair Sabre accident crash
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On September 24, 1972, a privately owned Canadair Sabre Mk. 5 jet, piloted by Richard Bingham, failed to take off while leaving the "Golden West Sport Aviation Air Show" at Sacramento Executive Airport in Sacramento, California, United States. The airplane crashed into a Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. Twenty-two people died and 28 were injured including the pilot. [1]
The crash occurred on September 24, 1972, at approximately 4:25 pm. The Canadair Sabre failed to gain sufficient altitude upon takeoff, with eyewitnesses suggesting the nose was over-rotated. The F-86 Sabre has a dangerous and often fatal handling characteristic upon takeoff if the nose is raised prematurely from the runway. This handling characteristic of the F-86 was acknowledged from the early 1950s. [2]
The aircraft over-ran the runway, struck an earthen berm, and ripped through a chain link fence. Two external underwing fuel tanks ruptured and ignited upon impact with the fence, creating a massive fireball. The plane continued across Freeport Boulevard, crashing into a moving car, and struck at 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) a Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. [3] Occupants of the parlor included the Sacramento 49ers junior football team. [4]
Twenty-two people died, including 12 children. An eight-year-old survivor of the accident lost nine family members: both parents, two brothers, a sister, two grandparents and two cousins. A family of four also died in the accident. Two people were killed in the car struck on Freeport Boulevard. Immediately after the crash an elderly couple trying to cross the street to the crash site were struck by a vehicle, killing the wife. [5] The crash could have claimed many more lives if the external fuel tanks had not ruptured prior to impact, or if the jet had not been slowed by hitting the moving car and other vehicles parked in front of the restaurant. Bingham, the pilot, suffered a broken leg and broken arm. [6]
The Canadair Sabre was a single-engine jet fighter built for the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954. This Sabre was withdrawn from service in 1961 and placed in long-term storage. It was sold as surplus in the United States in 1971 and was bought by Spectrum Air, Inc., of Novato, California, in the same year. [1]
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the accident was a result of pilot error due to lack of experience on the jet. Bingham had logged fewer than four hours flying time in the Sabre. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modified the rules governing the flight of ex-military jets over densely populated areas, and mandated clearance for such flights. [7] Pilot requirements were also tightened: they would require a checkout by the manufacturer or military, and take-offs and landings would have to be observed by an FAA inspector to confirm proficiency. [7]
The Firefighters Burn Institute was instituted a year after the crash, funded from donations given to local firefighters. [6]
In 2002, a memorial was built at the site of the accident (now part of Freeport Square Shopping Center) and dedicated in March 2003. It consists of: a rose garden with two benches, a fountain, a concrete marker and two metal plaques with the names of those who died. [6]
In 2012, a service to commemorate the 40th anniversary was held to remember the victims of the accident. [6]
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Air crash
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Magnetic Island beaches once again polluted with thousands of bean bag beads
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Thousands of polystyrene balls have washed ashore on Magnetic Island again, and the ongoing issue has left rangers and residents frustrated.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Townsville City Council and island residents rushed to clean up the pollution on Tuesday, fearful that the litter could be detrimental to wildlife and marine life, particularly nesting turtles.
There are calls for people using bean bags on the island's beaches or on nearby boats to consider more sustainable options.
North Tropical Coast Ranger Amelia Mather said local authorities and residents acted swiftly to contain the litter.
"We used sifters as well as some big beach clean-up bags and a wet-dry vacuum," she said.
"We found it is the most user-friendly way to pick up all these polystyrene balls."
It is not the first time that Magnetic Island's pristine bays have been polluted by the beads.
Last year millions were found across a number of bays.
"This, unfortunately, has happened before at Geoffrey and Nelly Bays," Ms Mather said.
"Last year was quite horrific, [it] took us a few days to get on top of that one.
"This incident, luckily, was localised, just to the one beach."
The pollution is believed to be caused by ruptured bean bags.
"A lot of people like to sit on beanbags on the beach, or they have some on their own vessels," Ms Mather said.
"It can be frustrating."
Magnetic Island resident Lauren Gregory was quick to act after this most recent pollution.
She said the clean-up was finished in a matter of hours.
"Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service was already there and picking up the balls, and the council came quite quickly and helped with a vacuum to pick them up," she said.
"It didn't look quite as bad as last year, but there were still thousands of beads along Picnic Bay.
"It's quite a big issue for us, especially with it happening more than once now. It's a real shame."
Ms Gregory said residents who were passionate about keeping the island clean were hoping people would use alternatives fillings for bean bags.
"There might be some alternatives to the beads. The biodegradable ones might not do so well in our humid climate, but I've read they can be filled with dried beans, rice or wood shavings, or even old clothes and fabric scraps," she said.
"The beads floating on the water could do real damage to our turtles and birds and fish that we have on our beautiful island.
"It would be great if we could phase them out."
Notification of pollution events can be made to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service hotline on 1300 130 372.
Pollution or littering in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area can be reported on 1800 380 048.
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Environment Pollution
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Van driver in ‘life threatening condition’ after crash
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The driver was behind the wheel of a white Citroen Dispatch van and no other vehicle was involved. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said: “The driver, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. “He continues to receive treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.” Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage, or believes they may have seen the vehicle in the build up to it, to come forward. Police have not revealed how the crash happened or the exact location on Lynn Road. They are hopeful someone will be able to provide information. Anyone with information is urged to contact the web chat service https://bit.ly/3vsiYDw or online forms at https://www.cambs.police.uk/report/Report www.cambs.police.uk/report quoting incident 16 of 12 September. Anyone without internet access should call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
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Road Crash
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Black Thursday bushfires
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The Black Thursday bushfires were a devastating series of fires that swept the state of Victoria, Australia, on 6 February 1851, burning up 5 million hectares (12 million acres; 50,000 square kilometres; 19,000 square miles), or about a quarter of the state's area. [a] Twelve human lives were lost, along with one million sheep, thousands of cattle and countless native animals. "The temperature became torrid, and on the morning of the 6th of February 1851, the air which blew down from the north resembled the breath of a furnace. A fierce wind arose, gathering strength and velocity from hour to hour, until about noon it blew with the violence of a tornado. By some inexplicable means it wrapped the whole country in a sheet of flame — fierce, awful, and irresistible. "[2]
The Black Thursday bushfires, were caused in part by an intense drought that occurred throughout 1850 when the continent suffered from extreme heat. On 6 February 1851, a strong furnace-like wind came down from the north and gained power and speed as the hours passed. It is believed that the disaster began in Plenty Ranges when a couple of bullock drivers left logs burning unattended, which set fire to long, dry grass affected by the recent drought. The year preceding the fires was exceptionally hot and dry and this trend continued into 1851. [3]
The weather reached record extremes. By eleven it was about 47 °C (117 °F) in the shade. The air cooled to 43 °C (109 °F) by one o'clock and rose to 45 °C (113 °F) around four o’clock. Survivors claimed the air was so full of smoke and heat that their lungs seemed to collapse. The air was so dark it made the roads seem bright. [1]
Pastures and plains became shrivelled wastelands: water-holes disappeared, creeks dried up, and trees turned into combustible timber. Clouds of smoke filled the air; forests and ranges became one large "sheet of flames". [1] The hot north wind was so strong that thick black smoke reached northern Tasmania, creating a murky mist, resembling a combination of smoke and fog. [4] Homes, crops and gardens were consumed by the rushing fire leaving a quarter of Victoria in a heap of desolate ruins. The community fled to water to escape the suffocating air around them, returning after everything was over to the sight of "blackened homesteads"[1] and the charred bodies of animals that could not escape. The weather at sea was even "more fearful than on shore". [1] The intense heat could be felt 32 km (20 mi) out to sea where a ship came under burning ember attack and was covered in cinders and dust. [5]
Eventually, a southerly breeze and light rain cooled the surface. [1]
I write only what I have seen, I might mention that pigs and dogs running loose were burned to death – birds were dropping down off the trees before the fire in all directions – oppossums, kangaroos, and all sorts of beasts can be had today ready roasted all over the bush. Fully one half of the timber in this neighbourhood has been burned or blown down, and all the grass has been burnt. [6]
The catastrophic fire caused the loss of human life, cattle, and land for miles and affected many regions including Portland, Plenty Ranges, Western Port,[7] the Wimmera and Dandenong districts, Gippsland, and Mount Macedon. Farms across the region were destroyed, along with a number of settlements in Gippsland, Western Port, Geelong, Heidelberg and east to Diamond Creek and Dandenong. Three men from Mount Macedon lost their lives. Overall, the disaster resulted in the death of twelve people, one million sheep, and thousands of cattle over 60 to 80 kilometres (40 to 50 mi). The initial response to the calamity was a public meeting held on 11 February 1851 at Geelong. The community came together to discuss relief efforts for those affected, especially for citizens who lost everything. To assist the poor, many even cancelled outstanding debts. Intense bushfires are not uncommon in southern Australia. The region is one of the three most fire-prone in the world. Within the last two hundred years, the area has experienced and documented at least twenty-five major fires, beginning with Black Thursday in 1851. The intensity of these fires is due in part to natural fuels, such as sclerophyll forests in the region. While adapting to cope with drought and predators, the trees' leaves turn into prime fuel for fires. They become tough as protection from dry conditions and to increase the efficiency of nutrient use. They also develop tough spikes and chemicals to protect themselves from small animals. The leaves' tough surface allows them to last longer and build up on the forest floor and the chemical makes them flammable.. The abundance of flammable fuel can cause an inferno with a single spark. [8]
The area's disturbance regime has shaped the landscape by causing the plant communities to evolve and develop mechanisms to aid in speedy recovery. The native species of the Australian bush, for example, have developed post fire seed release and smoke exposure germination. Other plants, such as acacia, eucalyptus,[9] and Monotoca elliptica[10] have adapted to survive in dry, nutrient poor soil. [8]
Acacia oncinocarpa and Eucalyptus miniata, for example, and perennial herbs all have adaptive mechanisms that enable them to live in fire-prone areas of Australia. Both the acacia (a small spreading shrub) and eucalyptus (an overstorey tree) can regenerate from seeds and vegetatively regenerate new shoots from buds that escape fire. Reproduction and seed fall occur during the eight dry months. Due to the area's frequent fires, the seeds are usually released onto a recently burnt seed bed. [11]
Perennial herbs survive fire by avoidance. They make up the understorey and grow during seasons with lower temperatures and more rainfall. By dying back in the summer they avoid most fires.
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Fire
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1962 New York City newspaper strike
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The 1962–1963 New York City Newspaper Strike ran from December 8, 1962, until March 31, 1963, lasting for a total of 114 days. Besides low wages, the unions were resisting automation of the printing presses. A preliminary action took place when The Newspaper Guild went on strike against the Daily News just after midnight on November 1, 1962. Guild vice president Thomas J. Murphy indicated that the Daily News had been singled out as the union's first target "because there we have had more aggravation, more agitation, more issues, more disputes and more anti-unionism from management". [1] The Daily News was able to keep printing on November 2, 1962, by using the presses of the New York Journal-American. [2] Workers at the Daily News settled their issues, accepting raises of $8 per week in talks mediated by United States Secretary of Labor W. Willard Wirtz, with employees receiving an added $4.25 per week in the first year, with an additional $3.75 weekly in the subsequent year, allowing the paper to start with a print run of 1.5 million copies, short of its nation-leading normal circulation of 2,075,000 copies. [3]
On December 4, 1962, negotiators representing the nine major newspapers offered a deal that combined an $8 increase in wages and benefits spread over two years, combined with changes in work procedures that would cut costs for the papers. [4] Union negotiators rejected the offer from the newspapers the following day, setting their requirement of a $16 weekly raise over two years, and set a deadline of midnight on December 8 if an agreement could not be reached before then. [5] Representatives of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, including Frank H. Brown and Stephen Schlossberg, attempted to help both sides reach agreement on December 6, with "the public interest" cited as justifying federal intervention. [6]
The strike began at 2:00 AM on December 8, when workers from the New York Typographical Union, led by their president Bert Powers, walked out from the Daily News, New York Journal American, The New York Times, and New York World-Telegram & Sun. In addition, the New York Daily Mirror, New York Herald Tribune, New York Post and both the Long Island Star Journal and Long Island Daily Press all suspended operations on a voluntary basis. The newspapers kept their offer of an $8 increase per week spread over two years, while the unions were looking for a $38.82 increase in the two-year period. [7]
A number of publications were created or benefited from the strike. The New York Review of Books was created during the strike, issuing its first copies on February 21, 1963, with circulation reaching 75,000 during the strike, before retreating to between 50,000 and 60,000 following the strike. The Brooklyn Eagle saw circulation grow from 50,000 to 390,000 before shrinking to 154,000 before it was hit with a deliverers' strike on June 27, 1963. [8]
WABC-FM adopted a prototypical all-news radio format during the 114-day strike, preceding WINS as the first station with an all-news format in New York City. [9]
Leonard Andrews, employed by a credit card company, the Uni-Serv Corporation, approached the company's customers about advertising in a publication he created called The New York Standard, the largest of several alternative papers published during the strike, reaching a peak circulation of more than 400,000 and appearing for 67 issues. [10]
Four papers had originally been the target of the strike, but five other papers suspended printing on a voluntary basis. The New York Post was able to resume printing on March 4, 1963, by withdrawing from the Publishers Association: they would be bound by whatever settlement the other papers made, and would have no further voice in negotiating it. The New York Herald Tribune published a statement that they had chosen not to resume publishing on the same terms because of the risk that the eventual settlement would put them out of business. [8][11]
New York Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr., and labor negotiator Theodore W. Kheel were eventually able to forge an agreement to end the strike after several attempts. The first deal offered for ratification by the printers' union was rejected on March 17. [12] In another vote on March 24 they agreed to settle,[13] but by this time the
photoengravers' union had decided to join the strike, and they did not settle until March 31. [14][15]
As publication resumed, the first headline in the Daily News was "We Have News for You". [15]
The printers would receive wage and benefit increases of $12.63 per week. Kheel noted that the contracts for all ten newspaper unions would expire on the same date in 1965, emphasizing the importance of addressing the festering labor issues. [8]
An analysis performed by The New York Times showed that the nine affected newspapers lost a total of more than $100 million in advertising and circulation revenues and that the industry's more than 19 thousand employees lost $50 million in wages and benefits. [8]
After the strike was ended, both the Times and Herald Tribune doubled their price to 10 cents, one of the factors that had cut readership. As of September 30, 1963, circulation of six daily New York papers was down 11.9% on weekdays and 8.3% on Sundays based on reports from the Audit Bureau of Circulations. The John F. Kennedy assassination in November 1963 helped bring readers back to newspapers. [8]
The New York Daily Mirror, owned by the Hearst Corporation, shut down on October 15, 1963, and sold its name and goodwill to the Daily News. The Mirror's management blamed the closure on the effects of the strike aggravating existing problems at the paper. [8]
Cue magazine (now part of New York magazine) saw weekly circulation rise by 35,000 a year after the strike started and TV Guide had seen a jump of 350,000. Time saw New York City circulation rise by 10%. [8]
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Strike
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Your Questions About Biden’s $6 Trillion Budget Proposal, Answered
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Updated: May 28, 2021, 3:13pm What would you do with $6 trillion? President Joe Biden would give a lot more money to working-class parents and spend billions on roads and bridges, among other priorities. The question is whether he can get a closely divided—yet Democratic majority—Congress to go along. The president’s proposed budget outlines his ambitious plans for the country over the next few years. Its massive price tag and potential effects on the economy are causing buzz—but what does it all mean for you? We break it down here. Not everything. Because Congress, not the president, is responsible for writing and negotiating a budget proposal, what Biden proposed is more than likely not going to be everything that gets approved by Congress. The president’s proposal is more of a wishlist that highlights his priorities, rather than a grocery list that Congress dutifully accepts. Since Democrats control both the House and Senate, albeit by razor thin margins, Biden is at an advantage: Congressional Democrats could bypass Republican opposition through the budget reconciliation process, a parliamentary maneuver, that will allow them to pass legislation with a simple majority. Budget reconciliation comes with significant limitations, though, such as not being able to include measures that don’t have a budgetary effect (i.e. immigration) or adding to the long-term deficit (typically 10 years). Given staunch Republican opposition, basically every Senate Democrat would need to support the bill if reconciliation is used. Democrats are already divided over Biden’s proposal for $753 billion in defense spending—a 1.7% increase from last year—for the next fiscal year, according to Bloomberg, and his plans to increase capital gains rates. Even with a Democratic majority in Congress, aspects of Biden’s proposal will likely get cut. It’s happened to presidents in the past. Take President Trump’s big ask for border wall funding. In 2019, Trump requested $5 billion in federal spending for the 2020 fiscal year to build the southern border wall—but Congress wouldn’t give him the money. The impasse contributed to the the longest government shutdown ever, and ultimately ended up with Trump diverting military funds to the wall after he declared a national emergency. Biden’s budget proposal is large and ambitious, especially when compared to proposals from past presidents. President Donald Trump’s budget proposal for the 2020 year was $4.8 trillion. President Obama’s proposal for 2009 totaled $3.6 trillion. The most important part of Biden releasing his budget proposal isn’t the price tag that comes with it (remember, that’s hypothetical), but rather the individual policy proposals it contains, which gives us a glimpse at the administration’s priorities . The American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan, two already-public proposals from Biden, are also included in the plan. Combined, these two proposals aim to dramatically strengthen the social safety net and infrastructure of the country. The budget proposal also includes: The proposal notably leaves out an overhaul of unemployment insurance and creating a public option for health care, two proposals Biden has heavily endorsed over the last few months. In total, the proposal includes $5 trillion in federal spending over the next decade. Though Biden’s proposals aim to help working families afford child care and improve the country’s infrastructure, it’s garnering criticism due to its gigantic size and tax hikes needed to pay for it (albeit on the nation’s richest citizens) during a recession. Biden’s proposal would increase the country’s debt to 117% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. The ratio is usually an indicator of how much a country depends on debt to finance its operations, and economists are generally nervous when the figure gets too high. Times of crisis, like wars, recessions—and now, pandemics—often cause debt-to-GDP ratios to spike, as the government will use debt to combat national emergencies. The projection in Biden’s budget proposal would be the highest since World War II, where it sat at 106%. The ratio has hovered around or just above 100% since 2012. There’s also concern around how the budget would affect the deficit, which occurs when federal spending is higher than the amount of tax revenue the government collects. Only $3.6 trillion of Biden’s proposal would be paid for by new revenues; the net deficit would hit $1.4 trillion and wouldn’t shrink until after 2030. Some economists warn that deficit spending means a government is waiting until the future to raise taxes to pay for what it’s spending today—a hesitation that shifts the debt burden from one generation to the next. That can be a major problem when it comes to a slowing economy; the next generation won’t be as well off as hoped, and raising taxes to decrease the debt can cause financial burdens on those individuals. Biden’s plans on how to pay for his budget proposal are by increasing taxes on the highest earners as well as bumping up the capital gains tax. Although some Congressional Democrats are uneasy with imposing a complicated tax hike that could affect more people than first assumed. Inflation also remains an issue as the deficit keeps climbing. A continuing debt-load that’s not met with corresponding growth will likely show up as a higher rate of inflation, according to a blog post by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank. There’s no way to tell how large of a debt load can increase inflation to where it becomes “worrisome”–but the Federal Reserve has multiple monetary policies it can utilize to keep the inflation from getting out of control. Biden’s proposal predicts consumer prices never rising faster than 2.3% per year. Overall, the budget shows that Biden is aiming to give the government a more prominent role in the economy for the next decade, even if it means spending big to get there.
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Financial Crisis
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Guinea's coup: What a military takeover means for the country and West Africa
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Here's the latest for Monday September 6th: Taliban forces reportedly take final Afghan province; California fire evacuees near Lake Tahoe allowed to return home; COVID-19 booster shots could come soon; NY Gov. wants better flood infrastructure. AP DAKAR, Senegal — Many hoped that Guinea's landmark 2010 election would finally bring the West African country a democratic leader after decades of corrupt dictatorship. Instead, President Alpha Conde decided to stick around for a third term, modifying the constitution so that the term limits no longer applied to him. His plan to extend his rule prompted violent street protests in the capital, Conakry, last year — and ultimately sealed Conde's fate as vulnerable to a military coup . Now soldiers in fatigues have once again crowded around a table this week to broadcast a statement — just as others have done so many times before in West Africa — decrying a corrupt president who they say wouldn't have left office any other way. Here is a look at how the region has confronted military coups like this in the past, and what scenarios could unfold in the coming weeks. More: Guinea's new junta leaders seek to tighten grip on power after overthrowing president Did history repeat itself in Guinea? It started with an outburst of gunfire near Guinea's presidential palace , just like earlier coups. Guineans who had lived through two other takeovers and just as many assassination attempts stayed inside and waited to see who was really in control of the country. After hours of uncertainty and a group of little-known soldiers appeared on state television giving themselves a French acronym name. They spoke of reconciliation but made no promises on how long they would take to hand power back to civilians. And then came the video of the deposed Conde, disheveled in a half-buttoned shirt and blue jeans in the custody of mutinous soldiers. If it feels all too familiar, it's because a similar regime change unfolded in neighboring Mali just a little over a year ago. There, too, the junta decided President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had overstayed his welcome even though his elected term was not yet completed. They eventually promised to organize elections in 18 months' time to return the country to civilian rule, but it increasingly looks like that target will be missed. Will people accept this coup d'état? State television — now under the control of the junta — has carried images of jubilant Guineans taking to the streets to greet the military convoy. But the real test could be whether forces loyal to the ousted president ultimately accept the coup or instead potentially stage a counter-coup. The West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS already has condemned the power grab, and everyone from the United States to Russia has expressed concern in varying degrees about where this all could head. What can be done to return Guinea to democratic rule? The African Union typically suspends the membership of a country after a coup d'état. And in West Africa, former colonizer France still carries a lot of economic clout and can also impose targeted sanctions. But in Mali's case, it ultimately took the regional threat of economic sanctions to get the coup leaders to agree to transitional governments in both 2012 and 2020. The West African regional bloc, though, has its own credibility problems. It allowed not only Conde but also Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara to seek third terms last year despite the constitutional wrangling needed. And despite early threats, ECOWAS ultimately gave in to the Mali junta's timeline for holding new elections, accepting an 18-month delay after earlier saying that democracy had to be restored within a year. Will this end badly for Guinea and West Africa? Guinea's mining industry already has taken a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about political stability could cause foreign companies to reconsider their presence. Guinea's junta leaders went to great lengths Monday to reassure the international community that they would honor all existing agreements, a gesture aimed at keeping the country's essential mining revenues flowing. The junta purports to be acting on behalf of the Guinean people, but already there are concerns about whether military rule could lead to human rights violations. Security forces in Guinea come with a deeply tarnished record: In 2009 they opened fire on a group of demonstrators protesting then coup leader Moussa "Dadis" Camara's plans to run for president and stay in power. More than 150 people died and at least 100 women were raped in a soccer stadium, crimes that more than a decade later have yet to be tried in court. The bigger concern could be what message this week's coup will send other West African leaders seeking to stay in power, analysts say. There are fears that the recent coups in Mali and Guinea could lead to more political instability in the region. Even if the ruling juntas in both countries do eventually hold elections, will military leaders simply rebrand themselves as civilian candidates? For now, there's a more immediate concern in Guinea: Do others in the military think they should be steering the country's fate?
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Regime Change
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Diplo’s baseball concert cancelled amid sexual assault allegations
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The Baltimore Orioles baseball team has announced an upcoming Diplo postgame concert has been cancelled following sexual assault allegations made against the DJ/producer. Sharing news of the cancellation on social media, the team tweeted: “The Orioles will not hold the upcoming postgame performance on July 24 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fans who purchased field passes with game tickets to the Diplo concert on July 24 will receive a refund.” There was no mention of exactly why the gig was cancelled, but it came hours after the Baltimore Sun published a letter sent to its editors questioning how the team could continue with the performance after Diplo was recently accused of sexual assault. “The Orioles always promote being a family-friendly entertainment option in our great city. They also have done great things for women and women’s rights, including celebrating the 100th anniversary of women’s voting rights,” the letter stated. “This is very concerning in light of the news that came out on July 7 that Diplo is accused of sexual assault after he forced a fan to perform oral sex on him after a show in Vegas in 2019, which she has claimed he filmed… If the Orioles are such a family-friendly team, and truly care about women, they need to separate themselves from Diplo and stand up and cancel this post-game concert.” Last week, Diplo was accused of sexual assault by a woman who alleges he coerced her into performing oral sex and recorded it without her consent. According to documents obtained by TMZ, the alleged incident happened at an after party following one of the Major Lazer star’s Las Vegas shows at the Wynn in 2019, where he allegedly gave her and other attendees weed and alcohol. The woman alleges that Diplo (real name Thomas Wesley Pentz) invited her to his personal room during the after party, and that his security team allegedly punched a male friend of hers in the face when they started escorting people out and he refused to leave without her. It’s then alleged that Diplo told the woman she couldn’t leave until she performed oral sex on him. The woman says she agreed to do it after alleging there was no other way out of the situation. She also claims that Diplo filmed the encounter without her consent. Diplo has denied all allegations. The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952.
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Organization Closed
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Ifan Phillips smiles from hospital bed as 'inspirational' Welsh rugby star recovers from surgery
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Ifan Phillips is recovering well from surgery after suffering life-changing injuries which have ended his rugby career. The Osprey and Wales U20s international, 25, was hurt in a road traffic collision in Swansea last Sunday which involved two motorbikes. He has been receiving treatment at Morriston Hospital and almost £50,000 has been raised in a matter of days to support him and his family "for all the adjustments and rehabilitation Ifan will need after this life changing event" thanks to almost 1,500 donors. Updates shared on the appeal's JustGiving page say Ifan is recovering well after surgery. "He can’t believe how much support he’s getting from everyone and is truly grateful! YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!!" A further update on Friday was accompanied by a picture of Ifan smiling from his hospital bed while holding 'get well soon' cards, with the latest message saying: "Absolutely nothing will stop him from smiling. An inspiration to us all. Positivity through any situation". Ifan, the son of ex-Wales and Neath hooker Kevin Phillips, played 40 games for the Ospreys, making his debut in 2017, but the region's boss Toby Booth revealed earlier this week that Phillips' career had been cut short. The Ospreys and wider rugby community were left devastated by the awful news and pledged to support their team-mate and friend every step of the way. The Ospreys play their first game since the news against Sale Sharks this Sunday in the European Champions Cup. A statement from the region issued earlier this week said: "Ospreys can confirm hooker Ifan Phillips was involved in a serious road traffic accident in Swansea on Sunday afternoon and is now being treated at Morriston Hospital. "Ifan is in a stable condition and he is uppermost in the thoughts of all of us at the Ospreys "On behalf of his team-mates, coaches, staff, all Ospreys supporters and the rugby community, we want to extend all our love and support to Ifan, his family and his friends. "Ifan's family are overwhelmed and very grateful for the support they have received in the last few days." In a statement, South Wales Police said: "Officers are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision that occurred at around 1.38pm on Sunday, 5 December on the B4603, Morfa Road, Landore, Swansea, opposite Landore Social Club. "The collision involved two motorcycles, a green Triumph Street Scrambler and a Kawasaki. One rider was taken to hospital, where he remains and is being treated for life-changing injuries. "The road was closed for a number of hours whilst investigations continued, and we thank anyone affected during this time for their patience. "We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage, anyone who stopped to provide assistance, or anyone who saw the motorcycles prior to the collision."
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Famous Person - Recovered
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HUNDREDS of people are still missing in China's Yangtze River after a cruise ship capsized, with only 15 rescued and six bodies recovered.
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HUNDREDS of people are still missing in China's Yangtze River after a cruise ship capsized, with only 15 rescued and six bodies recovered.
RESCUERS have cut three more people from the wreckage of a capsized Chinese cruise ship as workers battle to find more than 400 people still missing after the boat sank in the storm-tossed Yangtze river.
A TOTAL of 15 people have so far been saved from the Dongfangzhixing, or "Eastern Star," which went down late Monday on the popular tourist route from the eastern city of Nanjing to the southwestern city of Chongqing, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
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Shipwreck
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Pan Am Flight 1104 crash
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Pan Am Flight 1104, trip no. 62100,[2] was a Martin M-130 flying boat nicknamed the Philippine Clipper that crashed on the morning of January 21, 1943, in Northern California. The aircraft was operated by Pan American Airways and was carrying ten US Navy personnel from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to San Francisco, California. The aircraft crashed in poor weather into mountainous terrain about 7 mi (11 km) southwest of Ukiah, California. [2]
The Philippine Clipper was one of three M-130 flying boats designed for Pan Am by the Glenn L. Martin Company. It was built as a trans-Pacific airliner and sold for $417,000 (the equivalent of $7.3 million today). [3] At the time, the M-130 was the largest aircraft built in the United States,[4] until it was surpassed in 1938 by the Boeing 314. The Philippine Clipper entered service with Pan American in 1936,[5] and inaugurated passenger service between the United States and Manila in October 1936. [6]
The Philippine Clipper was at Wake Island when it was attacked by the Japanese on December 8, 1941. It was slightly damaged in the attack, and departed the island shortly afterwards. During World War II, the Philippine Clipper and sister ship China Clipper were pressed into service for the Navy, though they remained crewed by Pan American personnel. [6][7] At the time of the crash, the aircraft had logged 14,628 hours of flight time, had flown the Pacific Ocean for eight years, and had survived strafing by Japanese aircraft on Wake Island on December 8, 1941. [8]
The wind was blowing so hard it blew over trees ... The plane was flying very low. It had its lights on and came right over my house and disappeared in the storm to the north. Mrs. Charles Wallach, Civil Defense aircraft spotter[9]
Flight 1104 departed from Pearl Harbor on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands at 5:30 pm on January 20, 1943. [4][8] The nine-man Pan Am crew consisted of four pilots, three engineers, two radio operators, and a steward. The flight was captained by Robert M. Elzey. [8] By mid-January 1943, Captain Elzey had accumulated about 4,941 flying hours, of which 3,359 were while in the employ of Pan American. [2]
The 10 passengers on board were all U.S. naval officers. Among them was Rear Admiral Robert H. English, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Submarine Fleet, the submarine component of the United States Pacific Fleet. Rear Admiral English planned to visit submarine support facilities at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard bordering San Pablo Bay, and was accompanied by three of his senior staff officers. Another passenger was Lieutenant Edna Morrow, a Navy nurse diagnosed with terminal cancer who was on her way home to die. [9] Also on board was Captain Robert Holmes Smith, formerly in command of the USS Sperry (AS-12) submarine tender, and recently promoted to Commander of Squadron 2, Pacific Submarine Fleet. Until the crash, the flight was routine, as evidenced by radio transmissions during the night. A strong tailwind put the flight three and a half hours ahead of schedule. [4]
On the morning of January 21, 1943, the aircraft ran into poor weather as it flew north over California towards San Francisco. Heavy rain, strong winds, thick cloud cover, and fog forced the captain to descend to a lower altitude. [4] At 7:30 am, the far off-course aircraft crashed into a mountain at about 2,500 ft (760 m), descending at an angle of 10°, whereupon it clipped a number of trees before crashing, breaking up, and burning. [1] Over a week passed before the wreckage was located, and after it was found, the area was cordoned off by soldiers to protect any surviving classified military documents that may have been carried aboard. [9]
The Civil Aeronautics Board investigated the crash and decided the probable cause was pilot error. Failure of the captain to determine his position accurately before descending to a dangerously low altitude under extremely poor weather conditions during the hours of darkness. The Hiller Aviation Museum, in San Carlos, California, has a memorial plaque to the aircraft which sits outside the entrance to the museum. The memorial plaque includes a brief history of the aircraft, as well as a list of casualties. The museum is situated near the flight's destination of San Francisco Bay, about 157 miles from the accident site. . [8]
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Air crash
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Alexx Ekubo Wedding: Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo and Fancy Acholonu marriage date
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Di Nollywood actor announce on Monday say both di traditional and white wedding go hold for November of dis year. Di wedding wey dem nickname, Falexx Forever, go hold for Imo state. Alex Ekubo traditional marriage go hold on November 20, 2021. And di Church wedding between di actor and im fiancee Fancy Acholonu go happun on November 27, 2021.
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Famous Person - Marriage
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Viewing of northern lights possible this weekend in Western New York
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — There's a chance to view the northern lights this weekend for parts of North America, but the weather could throw a wrench in viewing this fantastic light show. A strong solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the sun Thursday. And with the Earth's orientation and rotation around the sun, this CME is expected to reach and impact the northern hemisphere this weekend. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) on Friday rated this event as a "G3" (strong) geomagnetic storm, meaning there could be potential implications on low orbit satellites, space craft, and communication systems around the North Pole on Saturday and Sunday. The visible result of this CME though will be the aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights. And since this is a particularly strong event, the extent of the northern lights is expected to dip farther south than usual. The SWPC projects that portions of the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Washington State could be within range to see the northern lights Saturday and Sunday night. They would not be directly overhead, per say, but visible in the northern sky in the distance. Fantastic viewing is expected across Canada and Alaska. However, the forecast could ruin the show for many... including us here in Buffalo and Western New York. We are starting to see a bit of clearing for Sunday night but the impact of the event will be dwindling by then as well. To view the northern lights, you want to be in an area with minimal to no light pollution. Look north, a little above the horizon. It may take 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of the night sky, but in the distance you'll be able to see a faint green glow. That's the aurora borealis! A CME associated with Thursday's solar flare is expected to reach earth tomorrow. A G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch is in effect for Saturday and Sunday, and may drive the aurora over the Northeast, to the upper Midwest, to WA state. Check https://t.co/WeNidVVNv6 for updates. Note that the aurora borealis over Buffalo will not look like what you may see in photos from the Arctic Circle, columns of light dancing above your head. The influence of the earth's magnetic field weakens the closer you get to the equator, impacting how the Aurora would look elsewhere. The aurora borealis is the visual result of electrons within the solar wind interacting with the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. The aurora forms 50 to 800 kilometers above the Earth's surface and is typically concentrated in the North and South poles. But when there's an increase in space weather activity associated with stronger solar storms, the Aurora can stretch away from polar regions. The geomagnetic storms that produce the Northern Lights also impact the Earth in other ways, though the aurora is the most visual. Solar storms have the capability of impacting satellites, which could cause fluctuations in GPS monitoring, flight paths and power grids if precautions aren't taken before the storm. It's important to note that these storms provide no physical threat to human life.
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New wonders in nature
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The College Admissions Scandal: Where Some of the Defendants Are Now
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Dozens of parents and others have pleaded guilty. Here’s what happened to a few of them. By Sophie Kasakove The first two people to stand trial in the college admissions bribery scandal were found guilty on Friday. But the two defendants, Gamal Abdelaziz, a former casino executive, and John Wilson, a private equity investor, both parents, joined a list of dozens of figures who have received judgments through plea agreements in the case that federal investigators call Operation Varsity Blues. The investigation into the admissions scheme, in which parents funneled millions of dollars through William Singer, a private admissions counselor, to increase their children’s chances of getting into universities like the University of Southern California, Yale, Stanford and Georgetown, has also involved coaches, exam administrators and others.
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Famous Person - Commit Crime - Sentence
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Brexit: Britain formally leaves European Union after 47 years
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Brexit: The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020, ending 47 years of membership and marking the beginning of an uncertain future. Britain's exit was celebrated as an independence day by Brexiteers with many toasting to the moment. The United Kingdom has become the first-ever nation to leave the European Union. A countdown was initiated to mark the moment, at the end of which, the message was clear "The UK has left the EU". This brings an end to the tumultuous three years over the Brexit deal, which had repeatedly failed to pass through the UK Parliament. Brexit was inevitable after the 2016 Brexit referendum when 51.9 percent votes were cast to leave the EU, while only 48.1 percent votes supported the referendum to stay in the European Union. Britain's exit from the European Union has, however, just initiated the divorce proceedings between the two, as future terms of trade and exchange will need to be agreed upon. The United Kingdom will now be required to strike a new free-trade deal with the European Union to enable a smooth transition. The UK government has set an ambitious goal of reaching a new trade agreement by the end of 2020. Queen Elizabeth II approves Brexit bill Queen Elizabeth II gave her royal assent to the Brexit bill on January 23, 2020, paving the way for Britain's smooth exit from the European Union. Her Majesty approved the European Union (withdrawal agreement) bill 2020 in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, officially making it a law after months of blockade in the UK Parliament. The historic agreement set the terms of UK's departure from the 28-member EU bloc. The European Parliament also approved the agreement during their vote. UK Parliament approves Brexit deal The UK Parliament ratified the Brexit law on January 22, 2020, finally approving the terms of Britain's historic departure from the European Union on January 31. The House of Commons had already approved the EU withdrawal agreement earlier on January 9 by 330-231 votes. The move is historic, as the deal was stuck in the lower house for over a year. The House of Lords had suggested a few changes in the bill, including the rights of EU citizens and child refugees after Britain's exit from the EU. However, the House of Commons rejected all five amendments proposed by the upper house and sent the bill back to it. The House of Lords then reluctantly agreed to back the framed exit agreement. The approved Brexit deal was struck by Prime Minister Boris Johnson with the EU in 2019. How did UK Elections help Brexit deal? The Brexit bill’s passage in the UK parliament was assured when British PM Boris Johnson’s Conservatives won a large majority in the UK Elections 2019.The bill was overwhelmingly rejected multiple times previously despite several efforts from Johnson and former British PM Theresa May. The UK Election result was declared on December 12, 2019 and the Conservative Party won 364 seats in the 650-member House of Commons, while Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party won 203 seats. The victory was extremely significant for Boris Johnson, as Brexit was one of his key campaign promises. Boris Johnson was chosen by his party as the new Prime Minister of the UK on July 23, 2019, replacing Theresa May who had resigned after repeatedly failing to see the Brexit bill through the Parliament. However, Johnson also failed to get the Brexit bill passed, following which he decided to call for the elections. Brexit Referendum The people of Britain had voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum on June 24, 2016. The referendum to leave the EU saw 51.9 percent votes, while the referendum to stay in the European Union was backed by 48.1 percent votes. The turnout for the landmark referendum was much higher than the turnout in the 2015 general elections. While Northern Ireland, London and Scotland had voted to remain in the European Union, Wales and the English shires had voted to leave the EU. What will happen now? Britain's exit from the European Union only marks the beginning of the first stage of its withdrawal from the bloc. Britain and the EU will need to strike new deals in significant areas including trade and security by the end of 2020. Though trade agreements generally take years to get completed, Johnson has stressed on finalizing it by the end of 2020, though the EU had offered to prolong the post-Brexit transit period to 2022. The European Union is Britain’s biggest trading partner and if no trade deal is agreed upon before the end of 2020, it could disrupt trade and push the UK into recession. UK-EU new trade deal After Brexit, the UK will continue to remain under EU trade rules until December 31. After this, the UK and EU will have to sign new trade deals on almost everything, ranging from trade in goods and services to fishing, aviation, medicines and security. Though EU is of the opinion that this cannot be completed within 11 months, Johnson is confident about getting it done. British officials have suggested dividing the negotiations into different chunks. The UK seeks a wide-ranging free trade deal with the EU but doesn’t want to adhere to all EU rules and standards. Britain seeks freedom to strike new trade deals around the world. The EU, on the other hand, stated that the UK will not get completely free access to its markets unless it agrees to its standards, especially in areas including workers’ rights and the environment. Why did Britain chose to leave the EU? As a member state of the European Union, Britain was bound by strict rules of the European Commission to ensure that there is no unfair competition within the bloc’s vast single market. The countries outside the bloc aren’t bound by such strict rules. Background The UK was earlier scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019. However, the European Union agreed to delay the process till May 22, after British MPs- both Brexiteers and Remainers, repeatedly rejected the Brexit deal negotiated between the then British PM Theresa May and the European Union. Theresa May’s repeated failures to get the Brexit deal approved, led her to finally resign as British PM and Boris Johnson was elected as the next Prime Minister with an overwhelming majority. Boris Johnson, a key supporter of Brexit, had pledged to negotiate a new withdrawal deal before the October 31 Brexit deadline. However, his newly negotiated deal was also rejected by the UK Parliament, following which he called for elections in December 2019. The UK Elections 2019 saw the Johnson-led Conservatives win a comfortable majority, paving the way forward for a smooth Brexit.
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Madagascar paying price for cheap European flights, says climate minister
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Politician says droughts and climate-induced famine in the country are a result of the behaviours of rich nations Last modified on Mon 8 Nov 2021 14.45 GMT More than a million people facing the first climate-induced famine in Madagascar are paying the price for cheap flights in Europe and appliances such as gas heaters, the country’s environment minister has said. For several years now, the south of Madagascar has suffered successive droughts of increasing severity, and the situation has deteriorated sharply over the last few months. In August, the UN said the country was facing the world’s first climate change famine. On Tuesday, a World Food Programme representative spoke of a “heartbreaking” visit to the country. Speaking to the Guardian at Cop26, Baomiavotse Vahinala Raharinirina, Madagascar’s minister for the environment and sustainable development, said the failure of rich countries to meet a $100bn climate finance target means her country cannot afford to build a water pipeline to alleviate the island’s worst drought in 40 years. Developed countries have been promising to deliver the $100bn in climate finance to help countries such as Madagascar adapt since 2009, but last week that target was delayed yet again. Raharinirina said a pipeline that would bring water from the north of the island to the drought-stricken south would cost $900m, and the country could not afford it. “I was wondering three days ago during a negotiation session why it is so difficult for rich countries to pay this money. It’s not aid. It’s accountability,” she said. “My opinion is that in the north, there is a psychological distance to the problem. People see documentary and pictures but do not feel it like we feel it when I go to the southern part of my country.” She added there was a dissonance between the behaviour of Europeans and Americans and the consequences for people in the global south such as Malagasies enduring 45-degree temperatures all year round with little rainfall, calling for the global north to reflect on how countries such as Madagascar can live “with dignity”. “People from the deep south of Madagascar are victims of something that they didn’t do,” she said. “They move to the west of Madagascar and it’s a real risk to the biodiversity. When they move, they directly go to the protected areas where they can find resources like wood and medicinal plants – things that are normally forbidden,” she said. Madagascar is the fifth largest island in the world and is home to many animals and plants found nowhere else on Earth. More than 600 new species were discovered between 1999 and 2010. Raharinirina argued that cheap flights in the global north should be banned and asked Britons not to fly to popular holiday destinations such as Spain. “We should forbid the low-cost flights where you sometimes have two people go from Paris to Madrid or from Edinburgh to Vienna. It’s a high-cost flight for people in my country. They pay the price of that. “In September, I was attending the IUCN congress in Marseille, and I was totally shocked to see people dining outside restaurants that they are heating [with gas]. This should be illegal,” she said. “There are many things that should be changed in the way of life of many European or North American or Chinese people. You have to make a choice or have to make a sacrifice.”
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Famine
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Europe's largest active volcano sent an eruptive cloud that reached a height of 11 kilometres
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Europe's largest active volcano sent an eruptive cloud that reached a height of 11 kilometres (6.83 miles) above sea level. According to the Catania Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology, it also caused ash and debris to fall on some villages located on the slopes of the volcano. There was no impact on the operations of the nearby Catania international airport. Etna is Italy's largest active volcano, along with Stromboli, on the Sicilian island of the same name, and Mt. Vesuvius near Naples, which last erupted in 1944.
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Volcano Eruption
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1950 Ice Hockey World Championships
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The 17th Ice Hockey World Championships and 28th European Championships were held from 13 to 22 March 1950 in London, England. Canada, represented by the Edmonton Mercurys, won its 13th World Championship. Highest ranking European team Switzerland finished third, winning its fourth European Championship. Defending World and European champion Czechoslovakia was absent from the tournament. Officially, the defending champion Czechoslovaks did not arrive in London because two of their journalists did not receive their visas. [1] In reality, communist authorities had become uneasy after the LTC Praha (LTC Prague) club team had suffered defections at the 1948 Spengler Cup in Davos, the death of six national team players in a plane crash a few months before the 1949 World Ice Hockey Championships, and the defection of former national hockey team player (and future Wimbledon tennis champion) Jaroslav Drobný in June 1949. The authorities arrested several members of the 1950 national team while they were awaiting their delayed flight at the Prague Airport. [2] On 7 October 1950, the players appeared in court charged with espionage and were named "state traitors." At issue was the claim that several players on the 1950 national team, who played their club hockey with LTC Praha, had discussed defecting in Davos in 1948—though only Miroslav Sláma, two other players and one of the heads of the delegation had actually defected at that Spengler Cup tournament. [2] All twelve men were convicted, with sentences ranging from eight months to 15 years. Then current LTC Praha and former national team goaltender Bohumil Modrý, a delegate with the 1950 national team, was the one to receive the 15 year sentence, as he was mysteriously cast as the "main figure" in the potential defection plan. [2]
Despite the politics, International Ice Hockey Federation president W. G. Hardy stressed that the event was "to promote international amity". [3] Hardy credited the Sweden men's national ice hockey team for great improvements reflecting the growth of the game in Sweden. [4]
In a format similar to the 1949 championships, in the initial round, the nine teams participating were divided into three groups with three teams each. In the second round, the top two teams in each group advanced to the medal pool (for positions 1 through 6) with the remaining three teams advancing to the consolation pool for places 7 through 9. Standings
Standings
Standings
Standings
Standings
Note: While the U.S. team technically placed second, Switzerland as the European Champion received the Silver Medal. The U.S. team received the Bronze medal for their second-place finish. World Champion 1950
Canada
Edmonton Mercurys
European Champions 1950
Switzerland
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Sports Competition
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AFP hunt for Jamison bank robber
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ACT police are looking for a man who held up the Jamison Commonwealth bank in Canberra's north at gunpoint around 10:30am. The robber used a silver handgun to threaten a teller who handed over an unknown amount of money before the offender fled in a stolen car. The bank was full of customers at the time but no one was hurt. Sergeant Anthony Brown says the AFP is appealing for witnesses to come forward. "He was wearing a grey and black coloured hoodie, blue jeans and carrying a green environmental shopping bag," Sergeant Brown said. "He left the area on foot and got into a Suburu Outback. So if anyone noticed anyone matching that description in the area or that vehicle we ask them to contact Crimestoppers."
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Bank Robbery
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Turkey sees larger tsunami after latest quake
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Head of earthquake research institute says Turkey no stranger to tsunamis, but after recent quake, waves were bigger Burak Dağ | 04.11.2020 ISTANBUL A miniature tsunami hit coastal areas of Turkey that was triggered by an earthquake in the Aegean Sea, according to the head of Bogazici University’s Kandilli Earthquake Research Institute. Dr. Haluk Ozener said floods at a height of 1.9 meters (6 feet) in Sigacik and as high as 6 meters (19 feet) were recorded in Akarca. He said Turkey is no stranger to tsunamis and the country had issued a tsunami warning after the Bodrum earthquake in 2017 when a wave height of 40 centimeters (1.3 feet.) was formed. "It was determined that the tsunami got in up to 1,300 meters (0.8 miles) from the shores of Alacati’s Azmak. It was detected that the flood distance in Akarca reached 820 meters (0.5 miles) and in Sigacik 320 meters (0.2 miles)," he said. He warned that if residents are near the beach during an earthquake and there is a possibility of a tsunami, they should leave the area for up to three hours. Ozener said the tsunami was bigger after this recent quake. "When we look at the historical records, we see a lot of tsunamis, especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions." He said that according to scientific data, the risk of a tsunami higher than 1 meter (3 feet) anywhere in the Mediterranean in the next 30 years is close to 100%. And an earthquake bigger than magnitude-6.0 in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas is very likely to create a tsunami. Turkey is among the world's most seismically active zones and has suffered devastating earthquakes, including the 1999 Marmara quake. The death toll from last week’s magnitude-6.6 quake in Turkey’s Aegean region stands at 105, authorities said Tuesday. According to the nation’s disaster agency, AFAD, 144 victims are still receiving treatment while more than 880 others have been discharged from hospitals. A total of 1,475 aftershocks – 44 with a magnitude higher than 4.0 – have been recorded since last Friday’s quake rattled Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, home to more than 4.3 million, the agency said.
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Tsunamis
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Taj Mahal turning green as insect excrement stains monument's white marble
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India's most popular tourist attraction, the Taj Mahal, appears to be turning green in places, triggering alarm as the famed white marble of the monument to love comes under attack from insect poo.
Angry tourism guides have demanded action, worried the negative press will jeopardise their livelihoods, while the Government has launched an urgent investigation.
Guide Shamshuddin Khan said he had a tough time answering questions about growing greenish patches on its famed white marble walls.
"This is like a fungus, growing onto the walls. When they see this kind of thing they say 'Taj is getting dirty!' The dirtiness is increasing, that kind of green fungus is increasing day by day," he said.
A report has found that the creeping green stains are insect excrement, with environmentalist Brij Khandelwal saying it is because the adjoining river is dying.
"The preliminary survey report says that the polluted Yamuna river at the back of the monument is contributing to this problem," he said.
The Taj backs onto the Yamuna, for years soiled by human and industrial waste, and now shrunken by drought.
The Agra environmental activist and author said the rivers' demise had set off a chain reaction.
"There there is no water. There is only effluents and industrial waste flowing down from Delhi to the Taj Mahal," Mr Khandelwal said.
Environmentalists believe the stagnant water allowed algae to bloom and ever more insects breed.
Then drawn by the lights illuminating the Taj's white marble they rest and relieve themselves upon it.
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth in 1631.
Mr Khandelwal has followed the Taj's battle with air and now water pollution for four decades, and said he is distressed by the latest development.
"I only feel sad because as a child I watched the Taj Mahal, dazzling white, gradually start turning pale yellowish and now this new problem of the greening of the Taj Mahal," he said.
Authorities have already banned coal power generation from surrounding areas after smoke was blamed for yellowing the white marble.
Local authorities have promised further probes.
A spokesman for the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, home to the Taj, said the state government was "extremely concerned" about the issue and declared that "people can rest assured that we will let no harm come to the Taj Mahal".
Shamshuddin Khan and his fellow guides are now counting on the Government recognising that the insects' impact extends far beyond the white marble walls of the majestic monument.
"This is not only harm for the building but harm for tourism also," Mr Khan said.
He said that some visitors had launched into angry lectures.
"'You have to control it, you have to protect it, this is your monument. You should be serious about that.' The people say it like that!"
But addressing the problem will require cooperation along the river's length, meaning neither guides nor environmentalists have high hope for immediate improvement.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.
This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
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Environment Pollution
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1942 Wairarapa earthquakes
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Two 1942 Wairarapa earthquakes shook the lower North Island of New Zealand; on 24 June and 2 August. They were large and shallow with the epicentres close together east of Masterton in the Wairarapa region. The June earthquake was sometimes referred to as the Masterton earthquake but both caused damage over a wide area, from Dannevirke and Eketahuna over to Whanganui and down to Otaki and Wellington. There was one death in Wellington, on 24 June. [1][2]
The August earthquake can be regarded as an aftershock of the June earthquake. Both earthquakes were preceded by smaller foreshocks. As the second quake was slightly less in magnitude than the first, they were not an earthquake doublet where the second shake is slightly larger. The August earthquake was considerably deeper (40 km, not 12 km), though another source gives the depths as 43 km and 15 km. [3] There was a further large aftershock on 2 December and another in February 1943. [4]
The region had already experienced several large earthquakes, the very large 1855 Wairarapa Earthquake, and the 1934 Pahiatua earthquake in the Northern Wairarapa. The 1855 earthquake occurred on the Wairarapa Fault which is part of the North Island Fault System. At 11.16 pm a small and sharp but brief earthquake of magnitude 7.2 Ms (Mw 6.9-7.2) shook a wide area in the lower North Island from Eketahuna to Masterton, Featherston and Wellington; and was noticed from Auckland to near Dunedin. The main earthquake was of 7.2 Ms and the epicentre was near Masterton and 12 km deep. The quake lasted for over a minute and had been preceded by a foreshock three hours earlier at 8.15 pm. [5]
Many buildings were damaged in Masterton. The mayor Thomas Jordan declared a state of emergency and got troops to patrol the town. [6] There was considerable damage in Palmerston North. [7]
Twenty thousand chimneys fell in Wellington and there was one death in Kelburn when a 70-year old retired chemist Hedley Victor Evens was killed by coal gas from a fractured pipe. [8] Some downtown pediments were damaged, but some had already been removed after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake. The city engineer K. E. Luke held that damage was less severe as the quake ended swiftly. [9]
Another shock in the area struck on 2 August at 12.34 am, preceded by a foreshock on the late afternoon of the 1st. This was of magnitude 7.0 Ms (Mw 6.8) or slightly less than the earlier quake. The epicentre was 40 km deep and at location 41.01°S and 175.52°E. [10]
Wairarapa except for Eketahuna[11] did not suffer as badly, though in Masterton the June damage was exacerbated. [12] [4]
The 2 August aftershock was followed by a third severe aftershock on 2 December, with about 600 aftershocks recorded to the end of the year. [13]
Repairs from the first quake were not completed, and the mortar for some repairs had not properly set. Some buildings weakened in June suffered further damage, though it was sometimes hard to tell if further damage had occurred. [14]
In Masterton many buildings were badly damaged by the first quake; the fire station, the Bank of New Zealand, several shops and St Matthews Church (which was later blown up by the Army). The Waiohine River's road-bridge on State Highway 2 was badly sunken and was closed. [15] After the second quake Masterton's WFCA building partly collapsed. [16][17]
In Wellington the first quake toppled some twenty thousand chimneys. [18] In August there was serious damage near the Willis Street – Manners Street junction to three buildings: Charles Begg's music shop,[19] the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, and the Regent Hotel. [20][21][22][23] Manners Street between Willis and Cuba Streets was closed for several months. [24][25]
A Wellington Hospital nurse was lucky to be on night duty as a chimney crashed onto her bed. At Porirua Lunatic Asylum (mental hospital) 800 patients had to be transferred to other hospitals. [26]
The cost of the damage from these two quakes was more than £2 million (pounds), a considerable amount for a war-straitened economy. In Masterton damage from the two quakes was still apparent some 12 years later. [13]
Another result was the establishment by the government of the Earthquake Commission in 1945. [4]
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Earthquakes
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Indian Navy takes part in US Navy-led SEACAT exercises with 19 other Indo-pacific nation in Singapore
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The Indian Navy demonstrated its maritime maneuvers in U.S. Navy-led Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) military exercise in Singapore. The military exercise also included navies of 20 other partner nations as well. Nations like Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, East Timor, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam took part in SEACAT. The maritime exercise aimed to foster enhanced cooperation between Southeast Asian countries by incorporating tactics, standardized training, and procedures to combat contingencies or illegal activities in the maritime domain. Further, the drill is designed to encourage countries to use their naval forces to bolster understanding of the operational environment, build capacity for humanitarian support missions, and uphold international laws and norms. Notably, the exercise featured a maritime operations center based out of the International Fusion Centre in Singapore, which will serve as a centralised hub for crisis coordination and information sharing of suspicious vessels during the simulation. In total, the exercise witnessed close to 400 personnel and 10 ships, including the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ship Tulsa, P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Task Force 72, along with personnel from Task Forces 73 and 76, and the Pacific and 7th fleets. Interestingly, the location of maritime exercise is dubbed as one of the most busiest waterways around the globe and has become an increasing focus of maritime interest. SEACAT began in 2002 as “Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism” and this is the 20th iteration of the exercise. In 2020, the event was conducted as part of a virtual symposium amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Military Exercise
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Finnair Flight 405 crash
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Finnair Flight 405 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight between Oulu and Helsinki, Finland, that was hijacked on September 30, 1978. The Finnair Sud Aviation Caravelle with 44 passengers and 5 crew aboard was hijacked by an unemployed home building contractor. After forcing the pilot to fly to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Helsinki, the hijacker received his ransom demands and released his hostages. He was arrested at his home the following day. Flight 405 was a regularly scheduled domestic passenger flight operated by Finnair between Oulu Airport and Helsinki Airport. On September 30, 1978, the flight was serviced by a Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle. Aarno Lamminparras, a 37-year-old unemployed home building contractor who had recently declared bankruptcy, boarded the aircraft in Oulu. Since Finnish airports did not perform security checks on domestic flights, he was able to carry a loaded Walther 7.65mm pistol aboard. At approximately 16:00, while en route to Helsinki, Lamminparras entered the cockpit and held the pilot at gunpoint. The aircraft continued to Helsinki, where 34 of the passengers were released. Lamminparras subsequently forced the pilot to fly back to Oulu where the aircraft circled the airport for several hours before landing to refuel. A US$ 168.000 ransom payment from Finnair was also loaded onto the plane. The plane was then flown back to Helsinki, where Lamminparras demanded $38.000 from Helsingin Sanomat, Finlands largest newspaper. The newspaper paid approximately $18.000, and the remaining eleven passengers were freed. The aircraft then flew to Amsterdam, where it landed at Schiphol Airport and refueled. It then returned to Helsinki and received the remainder of the newspapers ransom payment. The Caravelle then continued on to Oulu. Lamminparrass final demands included four bottles of whiskey, a chauffeured limousine, and 24 hours alone at home with his wife. After police agreed to his demands, Lamminparras released the final three hostages, all of them crewmembers. He agreed to surrender peacefully Monday morning. Oulu police stormed Lamminparrass house and arrested him on Sunday October 1. A police spokesman indicated that law enforcement officers had tapped the hijackers home phone, and that he had made several phone calls that implied he did not plan to surrender peacefully as he had initially agreed. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 1979.
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Air crash
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Hall Road rail accident
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The Hall Road rail accident occurred at 16:37 on 27 July 1905 at Hall Road station between Bootle and Formby north of Liverpool, operated at the time by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. The 16:30 Liverpool Exchange to Southport express collided with a local train which had departed Liverpool ten minutes earlier, and which was to be turned round at Hall Road. The empty local train had been shunted into a siding to allow the express to pass; according to the official report, the points failed to close properly and the signalman was unable to clear the signal for the express. He then worked the points back and forth three times and, unable to clear the signal, waved a green flag to the driver. Unfortunately he had left the points set for the siding and the express was diverted into it and struck the rear of the local train, killing 20 people in the front coach of the express after telescoping occurred. Both drivers survived, having jumped clear prior to the impact.
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Train collisions
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1946 Sagaing earthquakes
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The 1946 Sagaing earthquakes (also known as the Wuntho earthquakes) struck central Burma at 15:17 local time on September 12. [1] The first earthquake registered a magnitude of 8.0 and was followed-up by an M7.8 main shock. Both events remain some of the largest in the country since the 1762 Arakan Earthquake.
Both the mainshock and aftershock occurred along the Sagaing Fault; a continental transform fault boundary that links the Andaman Spreading Center to the south and the Main Himalayan Thrust to the north. [3] It defines the boundary between the Burma Plate and Sunda Plate. The Sagaing Fault is the most active geological structure in the country and poses significant risks to major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw. Another major tectonic feature in Myanmar is the Sunda Megathrust that runs off the coast of Western Myanmar and the Kabaw Fault that traces the foothills of the Arakan Mountains and Indo-Burman Range. The M8.0 mainshock ruptured along the Sagaing Segment of the Sagaing Fault with an epicenter south of the Singu Plateau at a depth of 15.0 kilometers. It had a rupture length of approximately 185 kilometers. A second shock of magnitude 7.8 came three minutes later and ruptured north of the first event for a length of 155 kilometers, its hypocenter was at a depth of 15.0 kilometers. [4]
Several major earthquakes have occurred along the Sagaing Fault close to the epicenter of the 1946 earthquakes:
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Earthquakes
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US default would wipe out nearly 6 million jobs, Moody's says
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A US default would be a "catastrophic blow" to America's economic recovery from Covid-19, setting off a downturn that would rival the Great Recession, Moody's Analytics warned in a new report. If the US defaults on its debt payments and the impasse drags on, the ensuing recession would wipe out nearly 6 million jobs and lift the nation's unemployment rate to nearly 9%, Moody's projected in a report published Tuesday. The market meltdown would slash stock prices by one-third, erasing about $15 trillion in household wealth, the report found. "This economic scenario is cataclysmic," wrote Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. The US Treasury Department estimates it will run out of cash at some point in October unless Congress raises the debt ceiling. Despite the specter of a default , Republicans have refused to back an increase in the debt limit due in part to concerns about the Biden administration's vast spending plans. Moody's notes that financial markets are not freaking out about the debt ceiling showdown, suggesting there is widespread belief that Congress will eventually act. The impact on Wall Street has been far smaller so far than during standoffs in 2011 and 2013. "Ironically, because investors seem so sanguine about how this drama will play out, policymakers may believe they have nothing to worry about and fail to resolve the debt limit in time," Zandi wrote. "This would be an egregious error." 'TARP moment'? Even a close call could cost the economy and taxpayers. Fears of a US default in 2013 lifted Treasury yields, costing taxpayers an estimated half a billion dollars in added interest costs as well as making it more expensive for families and businesses to borrow, Moody's found. If Congress fails to lift the debt ceiling and the Treasury begins paying bills late and defaults, markets would react very negatively. "There would likely be a TARP moment," Zandi wrote, referring to the 2008 market plunge after Congress initially failed to approve the Wall Street bailout — and then quickly reversed. The worst-case scenario, Moody's found, would be if Congress still didn't act to lift the debt ceiling and the impasse wears on. That would force the federal government to delay about $80 billion in payments due November 1, including to Social Security recipients, veterans and active-duty military, Moody's said. Further drastic spending cuts would need to be imposed if the crisis lasted through November. Beyond the immediate hit to the US economy, a default would likely cast a shadow over the United States for a long time to come. "Americans would pay for this default for generations," Zandi wrote, "as global investors would rightly believe that the federal government's finances have been politicized and that a time may come when they would not be paid what they are owed when owed it."
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Financial Crisis
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Wolf moon eclipse kicks off the first of 13 full moons in 2020
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This year started off with a meteor shower and the first month of 2020 continues with a penumbral lunar eclipse during the full moon , on Friday. Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon. But a penumbral lunar eclipse is different from a total lunar eclipse. The eclipse on Friday will occur when the moon moves into Earth's penumbra, or outer shadow. This causes the moon to look darker than normal. During a total lunar eclipse, the change is more dramatic because the entire moon appears to be a deep red color. The eclipse will last for about four hours. The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible on Friday evening to those in Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa. Those in North America will have a more difficult time seeing it because it begins at 12:06 p.m. ET and ends at 4:14 p.m. ET. But those in Alaska, eastern Maine and parts of northern and eastern Canada have a chance. Check Time and Date to see the best time for your area. Each moon has its own name associated with the full moon. In January, it's known as the "wolf moon," inspired by hungry wolves that howled outside of villages long ago, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. And if you spot what appears to be a bright star low in the sky to the west, that's actually Venus. And between now and April, Venus will look brighter and higher in the sky. This will peak on the evenings of April 2 and 3. Full moons in 2020 Normally, there are 12 full moons in a year because one occurs each month. But in 2020, October will have two full moons, once on October 1 and then again on October 31. Two full moons in the same month is known as a "blue moon." And the fact that the second one falls on Halloween truly makes this event "once in a blue moon." This year will also have two supermoons, when the moon appears even larger and brighter in our sky. They will happen on March 9 and April 7. Here are all of the full moons and their names occurring this year, according to the Farmer's Almanac :
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New wonders in nature
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2011–2012 Moroccan protests
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The Moroccan protests are a series of demonstrations across Morocco which occurred from 20 February 2011 to the fall of 2012. They were inspired by other protests in the region. [10] The protests were organized by the 20 February Movement. The protests in Morocco were inspired by the Arab Spring protests and revolutions in other North African countries. [11] They were centred around demands for political reform, which included reform against police brutality, electoral fraud, political censorship and high unemployment. On 20 February, thousands of Moroccans rallied in the capital, Rabat, to demand that King Mohammed give up some of his powers, chanting slogans such as "Down with autocracy" and "The people want to change the constitution. "[12] They were heading towards the parliament building, and police did not halt them, although Moroccan Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said that people should not join the march. A separate protest was underway in Casablanca and one was planned for Marrakesh. [13] Looting and major disorder were widespread in Tangier,[14] Marrakesh,[15][16][17] Al Hoceima,[18][19] Chefchaouen,[20] Larache,[15][21][22] Ksar-el-Kebir,[21] Fez,[23] Guelmim,[24] Tétouan,[20] and Sefrou. [25]
Thousands took to the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech in peaceful protests demanding a new constitution, a change in government and an end to corruption. During a march on Hassan II Avenue in the capital, Rabat, demonstrators demanded a new constitution to bring more democracy to the country. They shouted slogans calling for economic opportunity, education reform, better health services, and help in coping with the rising cost of living. [26][27]
The Associated Press estimated the turnout in Rabat at 4,000, while organisers put the crowd outside Parliament at 20,000. [28] The Interior Ministry estimated that the total number of protesters was about 37,000 people. [29]
On 26 February, about 1,000 people demonstrated in Casablanca demanding political reforms, according to AFP. [30]
On 13 March, several hundred demonstrators gathered in Casablanca demanding reforms. Riot police broke up the rally with batons, injuring dozens in what was described as the most violent intervention since the start of the protests. [31]
On 20 March, an estimated 35,000 citizens of diverse backgrounds and interests[32][33] participated in peaceful protests in more than 60 cities across the country, some demanding more political changes than those announced by King Mohammed in his 9 March address, with others wanting to keep up the pressure so that the reforms come about. [34] The police did not intervene and no violent acts were reported. On 24 April, thousands of people protested across Morocco, demanding an end to corruption, an independent judiciary, constitutional reforms, legislative elections as well as more jobs for university graduates. [35][36]
On 8 May, thousands of Moroccans marched in Marrakesh to demand reforms and express their opposition towards terrorist attacks, like the one on 28 April. [37]
On 22 May, Moroccan police spent hours chasing hundreds of pro-democracy activists through the streets of the capital in an effort to prevent any pro-reform demonstrations. The government appeared to be implementing a new zero-tolerance policy for protesters. [38]
On 5 June, nearly 60,000 protesters convened in Rabat and Casablanca to demonstrate, many carrying a picture of Kamal Amari,[39] who died from police brutality. The death highlighted escalating police brutality directed at demonstrators. [40]
On 28 July, a few dozen 20 February Movement protesters gathered in front of a courthouse in Safi to demand authorities to free two unfairly arrested Sebt Gzoula demonstrators. Those two[who?] were arrested under false claims of attacking government forces. [citation needed]
Protests have continued nearly every Sunday, with thousands marching in cities around Morocco calling for governmental reform. [citation needed]
On 18 September, 3,000 protesters marched through the streets of Casablanca in the largest such demonstration in months. [41]
On 27 May, tens of thousands of Moroccans took to the streets of Casablanca protesting against the government's alleged failure to tackle unemployment and other social woes, accusing Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane of failing to deliver promised reforms. [42]
On 22 July, hundreds of protesters led by 20 February Youth Movement marched in the working class area of Sidi Bernoussi in Casablanca and chanted against government policies, social marginalisation, and corruption. They also took aim at the wealthy clique of Moroccans known as the Makhzen, the governing elite centred around monarch King Mohammed VI. They were later met with violence by police; suddenly at the very end, police started beating street vendors and passers-by and later started chasing and apprehending protesters. [43]
On 11 August, nearly 1,000 people gathered in Casablanca chanting anti-corruption slogans, denouncing the sharp rise in prices, and calling for the release of jailed activists, with another 300 people gathered near the main boulevard in Rabat chanting slogans criticising Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and King Mohammed VI, while waving anti-government banners. Activists blame the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) for a surge in fuel prices – petrol jumped by 20% in June 2012 when the government moved to cut its unaffordable subsidies bill – that has driven up the cost of food and other basic goods. They also accuse the moderate Islamist party of not fulfilling its campaign pledges to address social grievances and fight corruption. [44]
Dozens of activists gathered on 23 August outside Parliament to call for the abolition of the ceremony of the Bay'ah, in which government officials bow down before King Mohammed VI in an elaborate ritual at the palace in Rabat, an annual event normally held on 30 July to commemorate the king's coronation 13 years ago. Opposition activists say the event perpetuates a "backwardness" and "servitude" in Morocco that is inappropriate for the 21st century, touching on a highly sensitive issue in the North African country. Most of those attending demonstration were members of the 20 February Youth Movement. [45]
About 500 demonstrators marched in Rabat on 23 September to protest against corruption and political detentions. The marchers, mostly youths, chanted slogans urging the authorities to release from prison members of the 20 February Youth Movement. There were no reports of unrest and the march ended peacefully. [46]
On 9 March 2011, in a live televised address, King Mohammed VI announced that there would be "a comprehensive constitutional reform", with the aim of improving democracy and the rule of law. Also underlined was his "firm commitment to giving a strong impetus to the dynamic and deep reforms... taking place". A referendum would be held on the draft constitution, he said. He also pledged that future parliamentary elections would be free and that the head of the winning party would form the new government. The live broadcast was the first time the king has delivered an address to the nation since thousands of people demonstrated in several cities on February 20 demanding political reform and limits on his powers. The king announced the formation of a commission to work on the constitutional revisions, with proposals to be made to him by June after which a referendum would be held on the draft constitution. [47] The commission was widely criticized[48] for its failure to successfully curtail the king's authority.
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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US to withdraw from the TPP
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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump waves to the crowd from the inaugural parade revieing stand in front of the White House on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump was sworn in as the nation's 45th president today. (CNN) -- President Donald Trump on Monday will start to unravel the behemoth trade deal he inherited from his predecessor, as two sources familiar with the matter told CNN he plans to sign an executive order to withdraw from the negotiating process of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. That executive order will send signals to Democrats and leaders in foreign capitals around the world that Trump's rhetoric on trade during the campaign is turning into action. Trump vowed during the campaign to withdraw the US from the Pacific trade deal, commonly known as TPP, which he argued was harmful to American workers and manufacturing. The TPP was negotiated under former President Barack Obama, but never ratified by Congress, so withdrawing from it will not have an immediate, real effect on US economic policies, although it does signal a new and very different US outlook on trade under Trump. Two other sources told CNN that other executive orders planned for Monday included reinstating the Mexico City abortion rules and instituting a five-year lobbying ban for anyone who works in administration. The executive order on TPP is expected to be the first Trump will issue Monday, a senior White House official said, and will amount to the administration's first major action on foreign policy. Trump's action comes as the President is looking to change the conversation after a rocky first weekend at the White House, during which, he and his officials feuded with the press and his presidency was greeted with massive protests in the nation's capital and in large cities across the US. The executive action will be just one part of the Trump administration's efforts to focus attention on its plans to radically reshape US trade policies, making good on a central premise of Trump's campaign and its economic nationalist underbelly. Trump on Monday will also meet with union leaders and blue-collar workers several hours after signing the executive order, as well as separate meetings with business leaders. As the Republican nominee, Trump railed against free trade agreements he argued were lopsided against the US and vowed to implement more protectionist trade policies as president, rallying voters to the polls with his "America First" slogan. Trump has also threatened to impose trade tariffs as a way to revive American manufacturing and compel US companies not to take their manufacturing operations abroad. Obama's administration worked with the 11 countries that became signatories for more than two years to formulate the massive free trade deal that was set to reshape commerce throughout the Pacific Rim, triggering movement among multinational companies in the region at the same time. Trump's election swiftly dealt a death knell -- one formalized on Monday -- to the deal, sending shockwaves in Asian capitals that had pinned their economic hopes on the deal. Trump's decision to withdraw the US from TPP is also a first step in the administration's efforts to amass a governing coalition to push the new President's agenda, one that includes the blue-collar workers who defected from Democrats and flocked to Trump's candidacy in November. The move could also put many Democrats -- particularly those who opposed the trade deal -- in a tricky position as they look to hold on to union support, a key constituency in their political coalition. Obama struggled to sell many Democrats on the trade deal, in particular because of concerns about how the trade deal would impact American manufacturers and the US workers in that industry. Even Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee who pushed the TPP deal as secretary of state, backed off her support for the deal during the campaign amid pressure from the left. Democrats with heavy union worker constituencies will either need to get on board with Trump's protectionist trade policies or risk losing reelection. Republican leaders, many of whom supported the TPP trade deal and free trade more broadly, will also be pressed to react Monday -- reactions that could show daylight between top Republicans on Capitol Hill and the White House on a top policy issue. Trump has said that he also plans to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, a free trade deal joining the US, Mexico and Canada.
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Tenaja Fire
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The Tenaja Fire was a wildfire in the rural community of La Cresta southwest of Murrieta in Riverside County, California, United States, located 80 miles from Los Angeles. [2] The fire broke out on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 and ballooned to 1,926 acres (8 km2) over the course of two days. The blaze, dubbed the Tenaja fire after igniting along Tenaja Road and Clinton Keith Road in La Cresta, forced the evacuation of over 1,200 people and lead to the closure of multiple school districts in the Murrieta, Perris and Lake Elsinore area due to the poor air quality. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation although several sources cited the possibility of lightning being the direct cause. [5] Two structures were damaged as a result of the fire and one firefighter suffered minor injuries. [6] The fire was contained on September 14 and had burned 1,926 acres (779 ha). [1]
Reported at around 4:43 pm on Wednesday, September 4, the fire was initially pegged at 25 acres in size and moving with a critical rate of spread. Within five hours, that number would explode to nearly 1,000 acres (4 km2) as mandatory evacuations orders were advised for over 400 homes in its surrounding communities. [7] Those evacuations included homes on The Trails Circle in La Cresta and the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center. [8] By this time, more than 500 firefighters were actively engaging the fire as it burned to the northeast, towards Murrieta. [7] During the evening time, the fire made a considerable run towards Murrieta causing the additional mandatory evacuations of residents in Copper Canyon South of Calle del Oso Oro between Clinton Keith Road and Murrieta Creek as containment was only set at 5 percent. [9]
The following day, the fire was reported to be 10% contained. [6] Although the fire had remained calm throughout the early morning hours of Thursday, by the afternoon, the fire had flared up on several separate fronts and was expanding through Copper Canyon, where strong winds sent the fire line directly towards homes spurring additional evacuations along Montanya, Botanica and Belcara places and Lone Oak Way in Murrieta. [10] It was at this time that two homes received minor damage from the fire. However, by 2:30 pm, fire activity had subsided considerably. [10]
By early Friday, September 6, the acreage of the fire was reported to have stagnated at 2,000 acres (8 km2) and containment had increased to 20%. The lower temperatures and increasing in relative humidity aiding firefighters also was the cause of some evacuation orders being lifted in certain affected areas of the fire zone. [11] All evacuation orders and warnings affecting the hundreds of homes in and around the fire area were lifted at 8 pm, Friday evening, as containment on the Tenaja fire grew to 35% as the acreage size had remained the same. [12]
On the morning of September 9, Cal Fire reported that the fire had burned 1,926 acres (8 km2), not 2,000 acres (8 km2) as previously reported. The fire was contained on September 14. [1]
Communities surrounding the fire were evacuated. The Tenaja fire also created poor air quality in the inland valley which caused the closure of several school districts throughout the area. [13] The Murrieta Valley Unified School District closed all of its schools both Thursday, September 5, and Friday, September 6. [14] Both the Romoland School District and Lake Elsinore Unified School District also canceled classes Friday, September 6, due to the mass amount of smoke in the area. [14]
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Fire
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Navy and Marine Exercise to Span 17 Time Zones on a Scale Last Seen During the Cold War
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NAPLES, Italy -- A U.S. naval and amphibious exercise billed as the largest of its kind in 40 years begins Tuesday, in a globe-spanning effort that analysts say aims to send a message to Russia and China that America can simultaneously answer aggression on multiple fronts. Large Scale Exercise 2021 is a return to similar Cold War exercises in the 1980s demonstrating resolve and new capabilities, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet said in a recent statement. The exercise also comes as the military updates its long-standing combat doctrine to defend against attacks on its communications systems and logistical networks. A simulated battle against a high-end enemy in October exposed those vulnerabilities and spurred changes, Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last month. Large Scale Exercise runs through Aug. 16 and will include units in 17 different time zones, the Navy said. "LSE will test our commanders across the spectrum of naval warfare from the tactical to the strategic, integrating the Marine Corps to demonstrate the world-wide fleet's ability to conduct coordinated operations from the open ocean to the littoral," said Vice Adm. Gene Black, U.S. 6th Fleet commander. LSE potentially puts adversaries on notice that the U.S. can simultaneously address challenges in the Black Sea, eastern Mediterranean Sea, South China Sea and East China Sea -- shutting down efforts to spread American military forces thin, said James R. Holmes, the J.C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. It also aims to demonstrate that U.S. naval and Marine forces can deny adversaries control of the seas, which is especially crucial in the Western Pacific, where the U.S. hopes to prevent China from occupying Taiwan or seizing the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands, Holmes said. But it isn't certain if Russia or China will interpret the exercise in those ways or if they are even paying attention, Holmes said. Even so, the exercise also tests U.S. operational methods and technologies, such as deemphasizing large ships and high-end systems to create a nimble, efficient and effective force designed to take a loss and continue fighting without measurable impact, Holmes said. "In that sense we're reverting to our World War II approach, when we had lots of inexpensive, good-enough stuff and could lose some of it and still carry on," Holmes said. "If we show our adversaries this approach works, we bolster our ability to deter them from assailing ourselves or our allies." About 36 ships and more than 50 virtual units, in addition to military, civilian and contract personnel, will participate in the exercise. Six naval and Marine Corps component commands, five U.S. fleets and three Marine Expeditionary Forces will be involved. USS Mount Whitney, the 6th Fleet flagship, also will participate. The first LSE will include only U.S. forces, but future exercises are planned to include allies and partners, the statement said. The Bidens visited the Coast Guard station at Brant Point to meet with personnel there. Arleigh Burke’s patrol in the Black Sea follows that of the destroyer USS Porter, which left earlier this month. The U.S. warned allies that Russia may decide to invade Ukraine in the next few months. Some Ethiopians were outraged when a U.S. Embassy security message warned its citizens of possible terrorist attacks. The deadline to be vaccinated is Dec. 15 for active-duty soldiers and June 30 for Reserve and Army National Guard troops. Retired Adm. Vyacheslav Popov charged in an interview that the NATO submarine inadvertently bumped into the Kursk. There are 104 GI Bill beneficiaries on MIT's campus, worth some $3 million in tuition to the university. The report shows a U.S. military agency collaborating with German authorities to collect German income tax penalties on U.S... The USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class submarine, struck an unidentified seamount or underwater mountain on Oct. 2. The Bidens visited the Coast Guard station at Brant Point to meet with personnel there. Arleigh Burke’s patrol in the Black Sea follows that of the destroyer USS Porter, which left earlier this month. The U.S. warned allies that Russia may decide to invade Ukraine in the next few months. Some Ethiopians were outraged when a U.S. Embassy security message warned its citizens of possible terrorist attacks.
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Military Exercise
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Tear up Northern Ireland Protocol or risk return to violence, former first minister David Trimble warns
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Tear up Northern Ireland Protocol or risk return to violence, former first minister David Trimble warns Pressure piled on on Boris Johnson to act with incendiary claim that province has been ‘annexed by the EU’ Violence could return to Northern Ireland unless the Brexit borders agreement with the EU is torn up, former first minister David Trimble is warning. The former Ulster Unionist Party leader piled pressure on Boris Johnson to act by claiming the daunting new Irish Sea checks meant the province had been “annexed by the EU and is subject to EU laws”. Arguing the Northern Ireland Protocol had sparked “genuine grievances”, Lord Trimble said: “There is real potential for those who have engaged in past violence to take action again into their own hands.” He accused the prime minister and Brussels of “playing fast and loose with the hard won arrangements in the Good Friday Agreement ” – which had promised people “the final say” over any change in their status. Inquiry into ‘unelected power’ of Boris Johnson’s fiancé Carrie Symonds demanded by Tory group “Not only do I personally feel betrayed, but the majority unionist population in Northern Ireland feel betrayed too,” the peer added. The attack comes after Michael Gove ruled out scrapping the Protocol and backed off demands that the EU make immediate and significant changes, ahead of another meeting next week. However, the Cabinet Office minister has now been replaced by the hardline David Frost as the pointman with Brussels, fuelling expectations of a much tougher approach. Last month, food inspections were suddenly suspended at Belfast and Larne ports following an “upsurge in sinister and menacing behaviour in recent weeks”. Graffiti appeared attacking the Protocol – which has created a customs border in the Irish Sea, pushed up prices and threatened supplies – and describing port staff as “targets”. Some Tory backbenchers are pressing for the Protocol to be scrapped, former party leader Iain Duncan Smith branding it a “terrible disaster”. Recommended Brexit: Northern Ireland development agency boasts of dual access to GB and EU markets But the government is only pressing for agreed changes and for ‘grace periods’ before full checks are imposed to be extended to 2023 – something Brussels has rejected. Michel Barnier hit out at the government as he insisted the withdrawal terms it sought – not the checks on Irish Sea trade – were to blame for empty shelves in supermarkets. Ministers had not “correctly explained” the consequences to businesses , he said, and those rules must be respected. Ulster Unionists stand accused of campaigning for Brexit without acknowledging, or understanding, the risk of destabilising peace in Northern Ireland. But Lord Trimble, writing in The Irish Times, said:“Rather than the NI Protocol protecting the GFA, the fact is it is pulling it apart. “I fear that tensions are once again starting to rise. We have already seen the threats to inspectors at NI ports. “The democratic mandate of the Stormont Parliament has been called into question. People’s livelihoods and the NI economy are reeling from the Protocol’s pettifoggery.”
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Tear Up Agreement
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Man arrested over Koroit bank robbery
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A 52-year-old man has been remanded in custody over the armed robbery of a bank at Koroit near Warrnambool in November. The Killarney man was arrested in Warrnambool on Monday night. He faced the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Monday morning charged with one count of armed robbery, two counts of incitement to commit armed robbery as well as firearms offences. The man made no application for bail and will return to court in May.
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Bank Robbery
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NSW crash kills woman and two children
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A woman and two children have been killed and three other children injured after a four wheel drive plunged down an embankment on the NSW Central Coast. The Toyota Prado was being driven by a woman with five children on board late on Tuesday night when it left Wisemans Ferry Rd at Central Mangrove and rolled down an embankment, hitting a tree. A driver who was travelling on Wisemans Ferry Road shortly after the crash alerted emergency services. Police say they are investigating if the 37-year-old man may have hit one of the children who was on the road and he was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. The 32-year-old driver of the Prado and two children - a six-year-old girl and ten-year-old boy - died at the scene. A further three children - boys aged one, five, and nine - were treated at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where they remain in stable conditions. Inquiries are continuing the circumstances surrounding the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
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Road Crash
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The Tokyo 2020 Reconstruction Games start from the tsunami-hit areas
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Tokyo is hosts the Olympics but Tohoku, the region hit by the 2011 disaster, also takes centre stage. Its symbol is a miracle pine. In the middle of an expanse of fields and sky, where the silence is broken only by the sound of the wind, a single pine tree rises forty metres into the air. It’s known as the “ miracle pine “. It’s the only one, out of 70,000 specimens, to have survived the tsunami that hit the coast of Tohoku in northeastern Japan, on 11th March 2011, causing some 20,000 deaths and flooding 500 square kilometres of coastline. The tree then died as a result of prolonged contact with salt water but was replanted as a symbol of remembrance of the tragedy. Miracle pine also symbolises the rebirth of the town where it is rooted, Rikuzentakata, where 2,000 people lost their lives. The tree can be visited within the Takata Matsubara Reconstruction Memorial Park, named after the pine forest that the sea swept away on that tragic day ten years ago . Of the 70,000 trees that were struck by the 11th March 2011 tsunami in Rikuzentakata, the miracle pine is the only one to have survived © Mara Budgen The miracle pine in the Takata Matsubara Reconstruction Memorial Park in Rikuzentakata, Japan © Mara Budgen The miracle pine beside a building destroyed by the tsunami, left unchanged to preserve the memory of the tragedy © Carl Court/Getty Images The miracle pine in the Takata Matsubara Reconstruction Memorial Park in Rikuzentakata, Japan © Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images The miracle pine in the Takata Matsubara Reconstruction Memorial Park in Rikuzentakata, Japan © Mara Budgen The miracle pine is a symbol that even appears on souvenirs, like these boxes of Japanese sweets © Mara Budgen The park, home to the Iwate Tsunami Memorial , played host to the inauguration of “Rediscover Tohoku – Mocco’s Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo“, an initiative by the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Organising Committee to establish a direct link with the affected areas. It involves a tour by a giant puppet, called Mocco, through the three prefectures that were worst hit by the disaster: Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima . Ten metres tall, Mocco was created by expert illustrators and puppet-makers who drew inspiration from the artistic work created by local students. Mocco’s mission was to bring messages of hope from communities in Tohoku all the way to Tokyo, in the heart of this year’s summer games. The Mocco puppet was unveiled during a ceremony at the Takata Matsubara Reconstruction Memorial Park to inaugurate “Rediscover Tohoku – Mocco’s Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo” as part of the Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival © Tokyo 2020 The Reconstruction Games: Tokyo 2020 for Tohoku The reconstruction isn’t complete yet. All the buildings have been rebuilt, but the rebirth of the people is still underway. Michihiko Yanai, creative director of the Rediscover Tohoku programme One of the pillars of Tokyo’s candidacy as host city of the 32nd Olympiad, presented in 2011, was the idea of transforming the Olympics and Paralympics into an opportunity to boost recovery following the disaster. Having been selected as the best bid, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were nicknamed the “Reconstruction” Games. Among its official goals, the event aims to bring hope to young people in the areas hit by the disaster through sport, promoting Tohoku’s nature, traditions, and culture, and expressing Japan’s gratitude for the support the country received from the international community in its time of need. The town of Rikuzentakata, in Iwate prefecture, was razed to the ground by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011© Chris McGrath/Getty Images Tohoku itself, in the Matsushima military airfield in Miyagi prefecture, was where the Olympic torch began its route through Japan in March 2020. From there, the flame continued through Iwate and Fukushima, where it was exhibited for locals to see. One year later, the Olympic torch relay started from the J-village training centre in Fukushima. Meanwhile, during the Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival in May this year, the Mocco path was inaugurated, in keeping with the event’s theme of bringing together Japan’s regional cultures. Read more As Tokyo 2020 is postponed the Olympic flame stays in Japan as a symbol of hope Mocco’s journey The ceremony to reveal the giant puppet and inaugurate its itinerary was held on 15th May. Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, gave the inaugural address. “The people who are still trying to build themselves up can give hope to those like them who are suffering due to natural disasters ,” Hashimoto told the audience, mostly made up of people from Iwate who had come to enjoy the spectacle on a lovely sunny day. Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto places a bouquet of flowers in remembrance of the victims of the 2011 tsunami at the Takata Matsubara Reconstruction Memorial Park in Rikuzentakata © Mara Budgen The ceremony was enlivened by performances from artist groups, from singing to calligraphy demonstrations. The highlight was the staging of a play about the legend of Mocco, with the giant puppet in the midst of the action, moved by the puppetmasters using dozens of cables. A particularly touching moment came when a survivor of the tsunami, Yonegawa, told his story. “After the earthquake, when I realised a tsunami was coming, I took refuge on the roof, and then atop the chimney. The water missed me by some twenty centimetres. I had to stay there all night, and the next day they came to save me in a helicopter”. Thus, with lots of emotion and lots of colours, Mocco’s journey was inaugurated. The puppet, after Rikuzentakata, made stops in Miyagi and Fukushima and reached Tokyo in mid-July, a few days before the beginning of the Olympics. The Mocco puppet was unveiled during a ceremony at the Takata Matsubara reconstruction and memory park to inaugurate "Rediscover Tohoku - Mocco's Journey from Tohoku to Tokyo" as part of the Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival © Tokyo 2020 Mocco was created to bring messages of hope from communities in Tohoku to Tokyo, on the occasion of the Olympic Games © Tokyo 2020 Ten metres tall, Mocco was created by illustrators and puppet makers inspired by the artworks of students from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima © Mara Budgen Mocco before being unveiled to the public during the ceremony on 15th May 2021, in which many local citizens took part © Mara Budgen Tokyo 2020 and the Green Month campaign “Protecting lives, and living together with the ocean and earth, to never again experience the sadness of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami”. This is the goal of the tsunami memorial, which aims to spread awareness and preserve the memory of the disaster. This message is not just limited to Tohoku, nor to Japan, but one that is shared across all humanity.
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Tsunamis
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1967 Hong Kong riots
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The 1967 Hong Kong riots were large-scale riots led by local communists in Hong Kong against the British Hong Kong government, in the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution in the People's Republic of China. Beginning as a minor labour dispute, the demonstrations escalated into large-scale protests against British colonial rule. The use of roadside bombs and petrol bombs by local communists prompted the Hong Kong Police Force to storm the demonstrators' strongholds and arrest their leaders. A few police officers and several civilians were killed by the bombs, and several demonstrators were killed in the raids. As many of the bombs were made in communist-leaning schools, Governor David Trench closed those schools and banned communist publications.
It was the first series of riots since the 1956 Hong Kong riots. After the riots, the British Hong Kong government publicly reflected on its failure to address certain social grievances and carried out major social reforms. The initial demonstrations and riots were labour disputes that began as early as May 1967 in shipping, taxi, textile, cement companies and in particular the Hong Kong Artificial Flower Works, where there were 174 pro-communist trade unionists. The unions that took up the cause were all members of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions with strong ties to Beijing.
The political climate was tense in Hong Kong in the spring of 1967. To the north of the British colony's border, the PRC was in turmoil. Red Guards carried out purges and engaged in infighting, while the 12-3 incident sponsored by pro-Communists erupted in the Portuguese colony of Macau, to the west of Hong Kong, in December 1966. Despite the intervention of the Portuguese army, order was not restored to Macau; and after a general strike in January 1967, the Portuguese government agreed to meet many of the left-wing demands, placing the colony under the de facto control of the PRC. [5] The tension in Hong Kong was heightened by the ongoing Cultural Revolution to the north. Up to 31 protests were held.
In May, a labour dispute broke out in a factory producing artificial flowers in San Po Kong.
Picketing workers clashed with management, and riot police were called in on 6 May. In violent clashes between the police and the picketing workers, 21 workers were arrested; many more were injured. Representatives from the union protested at police stations, but were themselves also arrested.
The next day, large-scale demonstrations erupted on the streets of Hong Kong. Many of the pro-communist demonstrators carried Little Red Books in their left hands and shouted communist slogans. The Hong Kong Police Force engaged with the demonstrators and arrested another 127 people. [9] A curfew was imposed and all police forces were called into duty.
In the PRC, newspapers praised the demonstrators' activities, calling the British colonial government's actions "fascist atrocities".
In Hong Kong's Central District, large loudspeakers were placed on the roof of the Bank of China Building, broadcasting pro-communist rhetoric and propaganda, prompting the British authorities to retaliate by putting larger speakers blaring out Cantonese opera. Posters were put up on walls with slogans like "Blood for Blood", "Stew the White-Skinned Pig", "Fry The Yellow Running Dogs", "Down With British Imperialism" and "Hang David Trench", a reference to the then Governor. Students distributed newspapers carrying information about the disturbances and pro-communist rhetoric to the public
On 16 May, the activists formed the Hong Kong and Kowloon Committee for Anti-Hong Kong British Persecution Struggle. Yeung Kwong of the Federation of Trade Unions was appointed as its chairman. The Committee organised and coordinated a series of large demonstrations. Hundreds of supporters from 17 different leftist organisations demonstrated outside Government House, chanting communist slogans.At the same time, many workers took strike action, with Hong Kong's transport services being particularly badly disrupted.
More violence erupted on 22 May, with another 167 people being arrested. The rioters began to adopt more sophisticated tactics, such as throwing stones at police or vehicles passing by, before retreating into left-wing "strongholds" such as newspaper offices, banks or department stores once the police arrived. [citation needed] Casualties began soon after. At least eight deaths of the protestors were recorded before 1 July, mostly shot or beaten to death by the police . On 8 July, several hundred demonstrators from the PRC, including members of the People's Militia, crossed the frontier at Sha Tau Kok and attacked the Hong Kong Police, of whom five were shot dead and eleven injured in the brief exchange of fire. The People's Daily in Beijing ran editorials supporting the left-wing struggle in Hong Kong; rumours that the PRC was preparing to take over control of the colony began to circulate. The leftists tried in vain to organise a general strike; attempts to persuade the ethnic Chinese serving in the police to join the pro-communist movement were equally unsuccessful. The left-wing retaliated by planting bombs, as well as decoys, throughout the city. Normal life was severely disrupted and casualties began to rise. An eight-year-old girl, Wong Yee Man, and her two-year-old brother, Wong Siu Fan, were killed by a bomb wrapped like a gift placed outside their residence. Bomb disposal experts from the police and the British forces defused as many as 8000 home-made bombs, of which 1100 were found to be real. These were known as "pineapple" bombs.
The Hong Kong Government imposed emergency regulations, granting the police special powers in an attempt to quell the unrest. Left-wing newspapers were banned from publishing; left-wing schools alleged to be bomb-making factories, such as Chung Wah Middle School, were shut down; many activist leaders were arrested and detained; and some of them were later deported to mainland China.
On 19 July, demonstrators set up barbed wire defences on the 20-storey Bank of China Building (owned by the PRC government).
In response, the police fought back and raided activist strongholds, including Kiu Kwan MansionIn one of the raids, helicopters from HMS Hermes – a Royal Navy aircraft carrier – landed police on the roof of the building.Upon entering the building, the police discovered bombs and weapons, as well as a leftist "hospital" complete with dispensary and an operating theatre.
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Riot
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Ex-rugby international charged over stealing €578,000 from Bank of Ireland
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A former Irish rugby international has appeared in court charged with stealing over €500,000 from the Bank of Ireland. Brendan Mullin, with an address at Stillorgan Road in Dublin, was arrested and brought before the Dublin District Court this morning on foot of an investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. He is charged with nine counts of theft under the Theft and Fraud offences Act, accusing him of stealing €573,000 from Bank of Ireland between 2011 and 2013. The 57-year-old former managing director of Bank of Ireland private banking is also accused of deceiving two people, Nicola Johnson and Paul Gallagher, to sign a payment instruction to make a gain for himself or causing a loss to another. Mr Mullin is also charged with five counts of false accounting. Detective Garda Sean O'Riordan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court that Mr Mullin was arrested at 9.08am this morning on Chancery Street in Dublin 7 and when he was charged with the offences at the Bridewell Garda Station, he made no comment. The detective told the court the DPP had directed trial on indictment and there was no garda objection to bail Mr Mullin was released on bail of his own bond of €10,000 and agreed to surrender his passport within 48 hours He is due back in court on 11 November for service of the book of evidence. We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences Mr Mullin earned 55 international caps for Ireland between 1984 and 1995. He played at three Rugby World Cup finals - in 1987, 1991 and 1995 - and in nine Five Nations championships. He also toured Australia in 1989 with the British and Irish Lions and at the time played club rugby for Blackrock College RFC.
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Bank Robbery
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Brazil dam disaster: 60 dead, with hundreds more missing
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Search crews are looking for up to 300 missing people in southeastern Brazil, after a dam at an iron ore mining complex collapsed Friday, releasing a deluge of muddy mine waste that swallowed part of a town. Since then, the death toll has risen to 60, according to Brazilian media outlets citing the area fire brigade, and the safety practices of the mine's owner have come under scrutiny. "Authorities say many of the missing are likely buried deep in mud," Catherine Osborn reports for NPR from Brumadinho. Fears that a second dam nearby might collapse forced a new evacuation and the suspension of search efforts late Sunday. The delicate work continued after water and sludge was pumped out, and the all-clear was given. When that potential risk spiked on Sunday, a siren blared an alert, further unsettling thousands of residents. But it seems that the public might have received little or no public warning of Friday's catastrophe. The Vale mining company tells The Associated Press there are eight sirens in the area around its dam that failed — but that "the speed in which the event happened made sounding an alarm impossible" on Friday. Mine worker Luiz Castro told Osborn that he had been taking iron ore to a grinding machine when he heard a loud noise, like the sound of giant truck wheels exploding. Turning, Castro saw what he calls a "mountain of mud" — from a dam that held more than 3 billion gallons — bearing down on the building where he worked. He ran for his life. The mine waste and mud had been held back by Dam I of the Córrego de Feijão mine, which Vale says was more than 280 feet high and 2,360 feet wide. The company says the dam on the outskirts of Brumadinho had surpassed safety standards when it was inspected in June and September of last year. Satellite images of the area show a dramatically redrawn landscape. The area below the dam, where dense tree cover, buildings and small ponds once stood, is now covered in rust-colored muck. The red mud has reached the Paraopeba River in the center of Brumadinho, reports O Globo, which adds that according to the locals, the river had been known for having the most fish in the Paraopeba Valley, an area in the state of Minas Gerais bracketed by several mountain ranges. As residents grapple with the scope of the tragedy, legal proceedings against Vale are already under way. Two government agencies have hit the company with sanctions over the mine collapse. And over the weekend, judges issued preliminary injunctions freezing nearly $3 billion of Vale's accounts to preserve money for potential payments for victims, reparations and other costs. Vale bills itself as the world's largest iron ore and nickel producer, and it's a powerful force in Minas Gerais, a state well known for its mines. But many residents blame the company for Friday's collapse and question whether Vale did enough to improve its safety protocols after a similar collapse killed 19 people in 2015. "It was negligence — and it was a crime," resident Dilce Almeida tells Osborn. A retired clothing vendor who said she spent the weekend trying to learn the fate of her nephew, Andre. Ibama, Brazil's ministry of the environment, imposed a fine of 250 million reals ($66 million) on Vale on Saturday, saying it was guilty of five different infractions, from causing life-threatening pollution to releasing mining tailings into water resources. A state agency in Minas Gerais added its own fine of nearly 100 million reals. But as the disaster's toll continues to rise, residents and a relief official are calling for the government to improve how it manages the risk of dams collapsing at Brazil's mines. "Federal officials have pledged to make mining regulations more strict," Osborn reports. "But for many, this disaster has laid bare the difference between pledges and enforcement."
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Mine Collapses
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AGL issued $1 million penalty by Environment Protection Authority after ash waste pollutes Hunter Valley creek
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AGL issued $1 million penalty by Environment Protection Authority after ash waste pollutes Hunter Valley creek
Energy giant AGL will be forced to spend more than $1 million on community projects and rectification works after one of its ageing coal-fired power stations polluted a creek in the New South Wales Hunter Valley.
It is believed to be the largest form of penalty ever enforced by the state's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) on a power station.
The incident occurred at the Bayswater power plant near Muswellbrook when a pressurised pipeline carrying coal ash waste burst due to internal corrosion.
The pollution event is yet to be noted on the EPA's public register, but has been referenced in a document supplied by AGL to a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into coal ash.
According to the document, the rupture occurred on September 4, 2019 at 1:00am, but went undetected for eight hours.
The document said several warning systems were not properly configured or functioning, and one alarm, which crucially measured the rate of flow, had been turned off.
A total of 1,440 cubic metres of ash waste, enough to fill more than half an Olympic swimming pool, was released into a dry creek bed.
Coal ash, the by-product of burning coal for power, contains concentrated levels of heavy metals and is mixed with water to create a slurry before it is stored in large containment waste dams.
The EPA and AGL have now entered into what is called an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) agreement, which requires AGL to pay a total of $1.1 million.
Around half will go towards local community environment projects and the remainder will be spent on rectification work on the pipeline and industry training.
EPA regulatory director Adam Gilligan said it was the largest EU agreement he was aware of with a NSW power company, and the size was proportionate to the level of culpability, history of compliance and risk to the environment.
"We were fortunate on this occasion that the creek was dry at the time so that has minimised the extent of harm to the environment," he said.
"But of course these types of incidents reflect a significant potential for harm to the environment if the circumstances had been different."
AGL has also rehabilitated the Bayswater Creek at a cost of $320,000.
Since February 2015, AGL's Bayswater plant has recorded 52 non-compliances with its licence conditions, including two previous occasions when the ash pipeline failed or ruptured. The site has also been issued with seven penalty notices since 2015. Jocelyn McGarity, a lawyer with Environment Justice Australia, welcomed the size of the EU, but said AGL should have faced criminal prosecution.
"AGL's compliance history is quite significant and so understandably community and environmental groups feel a bit disheartened that they've managed to enter into an agreement with the regulator, rather than the regulator showing some teeth and taking AGL to court," she said.
"One of the ways that you can affect deterrence for polluters to be held to account is through prosecution and these alleged offences are criminal environmental offences.
"It's worth nothing that it doesn't appear that the EPA has ever successfully prosecuted AGL for an environmental offence, despite AGL's compliance record."
Mr Gilligan said prosecution was "carefully considered", but the EU was the best "middle ground" in terms of outcomes for the community and the environment.
The operation and the maintenance of the Bayswater ash pipeline has been contracted to TW Power Services since 2016.
But integrity issues and internal corrosion with the pipeline were first identified by AGL when it bought the power station from the state government in 2014.
Since then, implementing a solution has been much-discussed between AGL and the EPA, but ultimately none has been implemented until now.
Paul Winn, from the Hunter Community Environment Centre, which focuses on coal ash pollution, said it points to slipping standards at ageing power stations.
"The fact that the alarms weren't functioning is a grave oversight by AGL," he said.
"This is a case where AGL has basically removed some of the safeguards to allow the ash to flow more easily and that has put public health and the environment at risk.
"As these power stations get older and the maintenance costs escalate we're going to see more and more of these pollution events and we think the government needs to take responsibility."
Mr Winn has been advocating for the State Government implement a levy on coal ash waste, in order to incentivise power companies to recycle the ash rather than store it in large unlined containment dams.
In a statement, AGL said it took its environmental obligations seriously and was committed to ensuring that environmental improvement outcomes were achieved.
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Environment Pollution
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Korean Air Flight 858 crash
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Wreckage from the doomed Korean Air Flight 858 may have been found in the Andaman Sea near Myanmar. Reports have emerged of a South Korean television crew spotting a wing-shaped object and part of a fuselage on the seabed using 3D sonar. Korean Air Flight 858 exploded mid-air when operating a scheduled passenger service between Baghdad and Seoul (via Abu Dhabi) on 29 November 1987. One hundred and fifteen passengers and crew died. A bomb had been planted in an overhead locker by North Korean agents. Neither of the North Korean agents boarded the flight, but authorities swiftly determined who was responsible. As the net closed, one agent committed suicide using cyanide. The other was caught and detained. The surviving agent, a female named Kim Hyon-hui, later confessed to the bombing. But North Korea has always denied responsibility. Other nations were not so forgiving. Relations between the two Korean states have never really recovered. The bombing saw the USA put North Korea on its State Sponsors of Terrorism list. North Korea has rarely been off the list or the USA’s radar ever since. While it’s long been known what happened to Flight 858, the wreckage was never recovered. Daego MBC TV has spent 12 months investigating and searching for the wreckage of Flight 858. The crew had received a tipoff that local fishermen in the Andaman Sea knew of a large and unnatural object on the seabed about 170 feet down. The TV crew took a 3D sonar to the area. They spotted a 33-foot long wing-shaped object and a 90-foot long object that appeared to be a plane’s fuselage. There was further debris and machine parts in the vicinity. If Daego MBC TV is correct, the discovery will solve one of aviation’s enduring mysteries and maybe bring some solace to families of those on board. What it doesn’t answer is why North Korea decided to bring down a passenger airline. The surviving agent, Kim Hyon-hui was put on trial in South Korea and sentenced to death. South Korea’s president later pardoned her, deeming the agent brainwashed. In the three decades since the bombing, Kim Hyon-hui took up state-sponsored residence in South Korea where she now lives in their version of witness protection. She has, over the years, been forthcoming about what she did, her regrets, and has stated who she believes was the mastermind. No surprise that Kim Hyon-hui pointed the finger at Kim Jong-il, the daddy of the present incumbent in Pyongyang. Kim Hyon-hui has also said that Kim Jong-il was behind the 1983 Rangoon bombing – an attempt to assassinate South Korea’s then-President, Chun Doo-hwan. If correct, it is merely a part of a pattern of North Korean state-sponsored criminality. It ranges from lower level criminality such as counterfeiting and drug-running through to murder and bringing down passenger aircraft. Simple Flying has reached out to Korean Air for a comment on the possible discovery of Flight 858 wreckage. We’ll update you when they respond to our request. Lead Journalist - Australasia - A Masters level education and appetite for travel combines to make Andrew an incredible aviation brain with decades of insight behind him. Working closely with airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia, Andrew’s first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Australian airlines adds exciting depth and color to his work and sees him providing commentary to ABC News and more. Based in Melbourne, Australia.
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Air crash
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Burntisland railway station
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Burntisland railway station is a railway station in the town of Burntisland, Fife, Scotland. The station is managed by Abellio ScotRail and is on the Fife Circle Line. The station was designed by Grainger & Miller engineers. [2]
The Edinburgh and Northern Railway chose Burntisland as its southern terminus, opening its main line north across Fife to Lindores & Cupar (branch line) in September 1847. These were extended by the following summer to Hilton Junction, near Perth, and Tayport. From Burntisland, a ferry service ran across the River Forth to Granton in the northern suburbs of Edinburgh, from where trains could be taken to various destinations across central and south-west Scotland. The current station dates from 1890, when the Forth Rail Bridge and associated connecting lines were opened to provide a direct route across the Forth estuary to Edinburgh Waverley. [3]
On 14 April 1914, an express passenger train hauled by NBR H class locomotive 872 Auld Reekie was in collision with a freight train that was being shunted. The cause of the accident was an error by the signalman. [4] Two people were killed. [5]
Two trains per hour call at the station off peak (Mon-Sat), running southbound to Inverkeithing and Edinburgh and northbound to Kirkcaldy & Glenrothes with Thornton. One of the latter then continues along the western side of the Fife Circle line back to Edinburgh via Cowdenbeath. Evenings see an hourly service, with some through trains beyond Kirkcaldy to Dundee or Perth, whilst on Sundays the first northbound diagram of the day is a semi-fast service to Aberdeen, with an hourly service each way around the Circle thereafter. [6]
This Scotland railway station-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
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Train collisions
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Nanjing: New virus outbreak worst since Wuhan, say Chinese state media
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A Covid outbreak first discovered in the Chinese city of Nanjing has spread to five provinces and Beijing, with state media calling it the most extensive contagion after Wuhan. Almost 200 people have been infected since the virus was first detected at the city's busy airport on 20 July. All flights from Nanjing airport will be suspended until 11 August, according to local media. Officials also began city-wide testing amid criticism for their "failure". All 9.3 million of the city's residents - including those visiting - will be tested, said state-controlled Xinhua news. Posts on social media show long lines of people queuing, and authorities have reportedly urged people to wear masks, stand one metre apart and avoid talking while they wait. Officials said the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus was behind the infections, adding that cases had spread further because of how busy the airport is. Ding Jie, a health official in Nanjing, told reporters the cases were linked to cleaners who worked on a flight from Russia that arrived in the city on 10 July. The cleaners did not follow strict hygiene measures, Xinhua News reported. The airport management has been rebuked, with a senior disciplinary body of the Communist Party saying it had "problems such as lack of supervision and unprofessional management". Testing has shown that the virus has now spread to at least 13 cities including Chengdu and the capital Beijing. However, experts quoted by the Global Times said they believed the outbreak was still at an early stage and could be controlled. Local officials in Nanjing said that seven of those infected were in critical condition. The new spike in cases has led some on Chinese social media to speculate about whether the Chinese vaccines were working against the Delta variant. It is unclear if those infected were vaccinated. A number of South East Asian countries relying on Chinese vaccines have recently announced they will use other jabs. China has so far managed to keep the virus largely under control by closing borders and moving quickly to stamp out local outbreaks.
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Disease Outbreaks
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As Locusts Swarmed East Africa, This Tech Helped Squash ...
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As Locusts Swarmed East Africa, This Tech Helped Squash Them
A hastily formed crowdsourcing operation to contain the insects in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia could help manage climate-related disasters everywhere.
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A swarm of desert locusts in Meru, Kenya, in February.Credit...Yasuyoshi Chiba/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
By Rachel Nuwer
April 8, 2021
Melodine Jeptoo will never forget the first time she saw a locust swarm. Moving like a dark cloud, the insects blotted out the sky and pelted her like hail.
“When they’re flying, they really hit you hard,” said Ms. Jeptoo, who lives in Kenya and works with PlantVillage, a nonprofit group that uses technology to help farmers adapt to climate change.
In 2020, billions of the insects descended on East African countries that had not seen locusts in decades, fueled by unusual weather connected to climate change. Kenya had last dealt with a plague of this scale more than 70 years ago; Ethiopia and Somalia, more than 30 years ago. Nineteen million farmers and herders across these three countries, which bore the brunt of the damage, saw their livelihoods severely affected.
“People were operating in the dark, running around with their heads cut off in a panic,” said Keith Cressman, a senior locust forecasting officer at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. “They hadn’t faced something of this magnitude since the early 1950s.”
But as bad as 2020’s swarms were, they and their offspring could have caused much worse damage. While the weather has helped slow the insects’ reproduction, the success, Mr. Cressman said, has primarily resulted from a technology-driven anti-locust operation that hastily formed in the chaotic months following the insects’ arrival to East Africa. This groundbreaking approach proved so effective at clamping down on the winged invaders in some places that some experts say it could transform management of other natural disasters around the world.
“We’d better not let this crisis go to waste,” said David Hughes, an entomologist at Penn State University. “We should use this lesson as a way not just to be adapted to the next locust crisis, but to climate change, generally.”
Desert locusts are the Dr. Jekylls and Mr. Hydes of the insect world. Normally, the grasshopper-like plant eaters spend their time living solitarily across the deserts of North Africa, Southwest Asia and the Middle East. But when rains arrive, they change from a muted brown into a fiery yellow and become gregarious, forming groups of more than 15 million insects per square mile. Such a swarm can consume the equivalent amount of food in a single day as more than 13,000 people.
The locust plague that hit East Africa in 2020 was two years in the making. In 2018, two major cyclones dumped rain in a remote area of Saudi Arabia, leading to an 8,000-fold increase in desert locust numbers. By mid-2019, winds had pushed the insects into the Horn of Africa, where a wet autumn further boosted their population. An unusual cyclone in Somalia in early December finally tipped the situation into a true emergency.
“Ten years ago, there would have been between zero and one cyclones coming off the Indian Ocean,” Dr. Hughes said. “Now there’s eight to 12 per year — a consequence of climate change.”
Countries like Sudan and Eritrea that regularly deal with small, seasonal swarms have teams of locust trackers who are trained to find the insects and recognize which life cycle stage they are in. They use a tablet-based program to transmit locust data by satellite to national and international authorities so experts can design appropriate control strategies.
But people outside of those frontline locust nations who may want to start using this system today would encounter a typical technology problem: The version of the tablets that the locust-tracking program was written for is no longer manufactured, and newer tablets are not compatible with the software. And even if the hardware were available, in 2020, East Africa lacked experts who could identify locusts.
“We’d never had a dress rehearsal for the real thing,” said Alphonse Owuor, a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization specialist in Somalia. “We had people who were very familiar with locusts in theory, but who didn’t have the experience or equipment required to carry out this massive operation.”
With swarms suddenly covering an area of Kenya larger than New Jersey, officials were tasked with creating a locust-combating operation virtually from scratch. Collecting dependable, detailed data about locusts was the first crucial step.
“Saying ‘Oh, there’s locusts in northern Kenya’ doesn’t help at all,” Mr. Cressman said. “We need longitude and latitude coordinates in real time.”
Rather than try to rewrite the locust-tracking software for newer tablets, Mr. Cressman thought it would be more efficient to create a simple smartphone app that would allow anyone to collect data like an expert. He reached out to Dr. Hughes, who had already created a similar mobile tool with the Food and Agriculture Organization to track a devastating crop pest, the fall armyworm, through PlantVillage , which he founded.
PlantVillage’s app uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help farmers in 60 countries, primarily in Africa, diagnose problems in their fields. Borrowing from this blueprint, Dr. Hughes and his colleagues completed the new app, eLocust3m , in just a month.
Unlike the previous tablet-based program, anyone with a smartphone can use eLocust3m. The app presents photos of locusts at different stages of their life cycles, which helps users diagnose what they see in the field. GPS coordinates are automatically recorded and algorithms double check photos submitted with each entry. Garmin International also helped with another program that worked on satellite-transmitting devices.
“The app is really easy to use,” said Ms. Jeptoo of PlantVillage. Last year, she recruited and trained locust trackers in four hard-hit Kenyan regions. “We had scouts who were 40- to 50-year-old elders, and even they were able to use it.”
In the last year, more than 240,000 locust records have poured in from East Africa, collected by PlantVillage scouts, government-trained personnel and citizens. But that was only the first step. Countries next needed to act on the data in a systematic way to quash locusts. In the first few months, however, officials were strategizing “on the back of envelopes,” Mr. Cressman said, and the entire region had just four planes for spraying pesticides.
When Batian Craig, director of 51 Degrees, a security and logistics company focused on protecting wildlife, saw Mr. Cressman quoted in a news story about locusts, he realized he could help.
Mr. Craig and his colleagues, who are headquartered at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Central Kenya, conduct regular anti-poaching aerial surveys that could be repurposed to seek out and destroy locust swarms. They also closely communicate with rural communities affected by the insects.
Additionally, 51 Degrees uses a free program called EarthRanger. Created by Vulcan, a Seattle-based philanthropic company originally co-founded by Paul Allen of Microsoft and his sister Jody Allen, EarthRanger compiles and analyzes geographic data ranging from rhino and ranger locations to sensor data and remote imagery.
Engineers at Vulcan agreed to customize a version of EarthRanger for locusts, integrating data from the eLocust programs and the computer loggers on aerial pesticide sprayers.
Lewa Conservancy quickly became the headquarters for aerial survey and control across the region. By June 2020, these efforts were paying off. Locusts were prevented from spilling into Africa’s Sahel region and west to Senegal.
“If we didn’t stop them, the locusts would have reached Chad, Niger, Mali and Mauritania,” said Cyril Ferrand, leader of the F.A.O.’s Eastern Africa resilience team. “We were able to prevent a much bigger catastrophe.”
The progeny of the 2020 swarms continue to cause damage across East Africa. But now, countries are better able to combat them — equipped with the new technology, 28 aircraft and thousands of trained government locust trackers. In February alone, locust-patrolling pilots in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia flew the equivalent of three times the circumference of the globe. They sprayed swarms before they had time to mature, stopping the insects from multiplying and spreading into Uganda and South Sudan, as they did last year.
“The situation is still very, very serious,” Mr. Cressman said. “But if you compare now to a year ago, the countries are a thousand times more prepared.”
Since February 2020, the F.A.O. estimates that this effort in East Africa has averted the loss of agricultural products with a commercial value of $1.5 billion — saving the livelihoods of 34 million people.
“These are big data for a region that’s already very fragile,” Mr. Ferrand said.
The new approach could yield even greater results in tracking, combating and even averting future disasters. Dr. Hughes is now working with experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to use locust reports to build models that will predict future plagues. Such insight would allow countries to implement pre-emptive control strategies that are less environmentally damaging than pesticides.
The same approach, Dr. Hughes said, could also be used to combat other climate-related disasters, such as floods, droughts and pest outbreaks.
“Locusts show how we can crowdsource with artificial intelligence,” Dr. Hughes said. “This can be an absolute game-changer to hundreds of millions of people as we adapt to climate change.”
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Insect Disaster
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2003 Taungdwingyi earthquake
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The 2003 Taungdwingyi earthquake struck central Myanmar at midnight, on 21 September with a magnitude of Mwb 6.6. The earthquake occurred along the Gwegyo Thrust, a thrust fault running along the eastern foothills of the Pego Yoma range, and adjacent to the Sagaing Fault. Its epicenter is centered southeast of the nearby town of Taungdwingyi, at least 50 km from the Sagaing Fault and 360 km from Yangon. Shaking was felt in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. [1]
At least seven people were killed and 43 were injured. Damage was severe, over 180 ritual houses were destroyed, including a primary school that collapsed. [2] Liquefaction, sand boils and landslides were also reported. [3] The small death toll is attributed to the fact that this quake occurred around midnight, therefore the collapse of the school did not result in any injuries. Numerous aftershocks were recorded in the region. Four of them were greater than M5.0.
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Earthquakes
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Swimmers warned about swallowing drain water as 'mucky' flood runoff spreads
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Swimmers warned about swallowing drain water as 'mucky' flood runoff spreads
As the flash flooding emergency eases in South East Queensland, beachgoers are being urged to think about another danger lurking in the brown water.
Doctors and environmental scientists have warned there could be bacteria and other irritants in the storm waters that have been pushed from creeks and rivers onto shorelines.
Gold Coast lifeguard Chris Maynard said beaches would be open on Thursday but swimmers were urged to be cautious.
"With the runoff from the Nerang River and also Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek and also the Tweed [River] … the water quality is not real flash," he said.
"There's a lot of runoff, with farms and flash flooding and things like that.
"[There's] things in the water that you could pick up bugs [bacteria] in your eyes or ears or your throat swimming in mucky water."
Marine Rescue New South Wales volunteer Gary said the dirty water stretched over a kilometre from Point Danger to Fingal and Cook Island.
"It's quite striking … because it's such a calm day and you have the blue ocean with this dirty brown water," he said.
Environmental Health expert Anne Roiko from Griffith University's School of Medicine said pollution could clear away within 24 hours from exposed beaches.
"So [with] all the action of the waves and the wind, the beaches clean up much quicker than inland waters," Dr Roiko said.
"Our general advice is: [wait] one day after heavy rain [to swim]."
Dr Roiko, however, warned people with open cuts or young children should wait longer than 24 hours after the last heavy rainfall before diving in.
She said the floods had also moved a large volume of water that created seafoam, which could lead to eye irritation and upset stomachs.
"You've got dead algae, you've got seaweed, you've got bits of dead fish, you've got lots of organic matter, and you shake that up in a jar and you'll get a foam," Dr Roiko said.
"If you combine that with other stuff, generally, it's not clean."
Dr Roiko added that for bay and inland waters, creeks and rivers, it would take longer for pollution to clear.
A Sunshine Coast doctor John Kenafake said swimmers and surfers should steer clear of water near river mouths and stormwater drains.
"I would avoid the foamy stuff, the foam that churns up on the beach, because I believe that carries lots of extra bacteria," he said.
"If you swallow it you're not quite sure which drain that's come from."
GPs were expecting an increase in ear infections after the floods, but not because of swimming in dirty water.
"We get big rains in the summer in general, and when it's hot and humid you get a lot more swimmers a lot more swimmers' ear infections," Dr Kenafake said.
"The water doesn't evaporate, so your ear is constantly wet, which is an environment for bacteria and fungus to grow in."
Dr Kenafake said the best way to prevent ears from becoming infected was to dry them out with a solution containing methylated spirits and vinegar, available over the counter as ear drops at pharmacies.
Search any location in Australia to find nearby active incidents
Stay up-to-date with local coverage on ABC Radio, the emergency broadcaster
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Environment Pollution
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Worst grasshopper infestation ever on tap for Prairies - CBC
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Worst grasshopper infestation ever on tap for Prairies
Prairie farmers anticipate worst year ever for grasshoppers
Social Sharing
CBC News ·
Posted: Jun 19, 2003 7:15 PM ET | Last Updated: June 19, 2003
Prairie farmers are facing a grasshopper infestation the likes of which might never have been seen in Western Canada. It's the last kick from a drought that devastated crops last year.
"In 42 years that I've farmed, I've never seen them this bad," said Bob Penner, a grain farmer northeast of Calgary. "It's the very worst I've ever seen."
Penner uses a car key to scratch the surface at the edge of a wheat field and turns up thousands of tiny yellow grasshopper eggs.
The problem isn't entirely unexpected. Last year's drought allowed grasshoppers to lay what researchers believe to be an enormous number of eggs. And they are now hatching.
The newborns are less than an inch long and have no wings yet, but the ground on Penner's farm is bug-ridden, and being damaged.
Farmers hit hard by two years of drought are reeling from the prospect of watching a bumper crop this year get devoured by bugs.
FROM JUNE 15, 2003: Prairie farmers anticipate bumper crops
Penner says in some areas, there are more than 1,000 grasshoppers per square metre 40 times the infestation researchers would call "very severe."
Dan Johnson, a research scientist with Agriculture Canada in Lethbridge, says 2003 could be the worst year ever for grasshopper infestation in east central Alberta.
"This is a historical peak, certainly for Alberta this year. It can be a devastating onslaught and that's what some people are facing," he said.
Farmers in Saskatchewan are in danger, too.
Pesticides are in heavy use across the Prairies, as farmers try to fend off the destructive bugs. But Johnson says the farmers' best hope to save their crops is a dose of cool wet weather.
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Insect Disaster
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Webster Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prompts Changes for Local Ambulance Services
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0 WEBSTER, N.Y. — A Webster resident is in serious condition at a hospital after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning.
The incident has prompted changes for ambulance services in the area.
Syed Mustafa with Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support says they responded to Railway Crossing Tuesday night and found an unresponsive person.
While helping that person, one of the first responders saw two cats unresponsive and thought to check the carbon monoxide detectors, finding both were not functional.
Mustafa says if it were not for the cats, his crews could have been seriously hurt as well.
He is now installing carbon monoxide detectors for all of the ambulances.
Residents and organizations in Rochester are trying to help curb the violence.
It has been just two years since Rochester had its lowest homicide rate in a generation.
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Mass Poisoning
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Watch live: President Biden delivers speech on the debt ceiling as U.S. default threat looms
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[The stream is slated to start at 11:15 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.]
President Joe Biden will on Monday press lawmakers to raise or suspend the U.S. borrowing limit as the nation hurtles toward its first-ever default which would cause major economic turmoil.
Biden is expected to call on both Democrats and Republicans to put partisan bickering aside and address the debt ceiling before Oct. 18, when the Treasury Department estimates the U.S. will exhaust emergency efforts to honor its bond payments.
Economists can only guess at the ramification of what would be an unprecedented U.S. default, but many — including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and several predecessors — say it could be “catastrophic.”
Yellen told House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., that diminished confidence in Washington’s ability to make good on its IOUs on time would likely spark a jump in interest rates across the economy, tarnish the dollar’s role as the globe’s reserve currency and send shockwaves through financial markets.
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Famous Person - Give a speech
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Lake Fire (2020)
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The Lake Fire was a wildfire that burned during the 2020 California wildfire season in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County in the state of California in the United States. The fire, which was first reported on August 12, 2020, burned 31,089 acres (12,581 ha) near Lake Hughes. It was fully contained on September 28. The cause of the fire remains unknown. The fire has damaged 3 structures, destroyed 12 structures and 21 outbuildings, and injured 4 firefighters. The Lake Fire was first reported burning near Lake Hughes in Angeles National Forest at 3:38 PM on August 12, 2020. Burning in an area that was last burned by a wildfire in 1968, dry chaparral fueled the start of the fire. The fire grew to 1,000 acres (405 ha) in under an hour of being reported. By the early evening the fire had grown to 10,000 acres (4,047 ha) and mandatory evacuations were put in place, including for Lake Hughes and areas south of Highway 138. A pyrocumulus cloud due to the fire was visible from Santa Cruz Island. [4]
By the morning of August 15, the fire had damaged 3 structures and destroyed 6 structures and 15 outbuildings. [2] That afternoon, crews had secured containment on a portion of the fire totaling 12 percent. [5] On August 17, the fire continued to move northwest fueled by bigcone Douglas-fir, oak trees and gray pines, eight miles to the northeast of Interstate 5. One firefighter suffered a minor injury. Containment was progressed on the right flank, while the left flank saw spot fires from fire whirls. That same day, an air quality advisory was put in place for San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. [6] The fire had grown to 21,115 acres (8,545 ha) with 38 percent containment by the morning of August 18. [3] That day, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation declaring a local emergency for the fire. [7]
The fire jumped the containment line southwest of Atmore Meadows overnight into the morning of August 19, requiring helicopters to do night drops in the rugged, hard to reach area. [8] That day, the fire grew further into Atmore Meadows and into Burnt Peak Canyon on the west flank. [9] Repopulation began on August 21 along Shafer Road, west of Mountain View Road, south of Highway 138 and north of Pine Canyon/Elizabeth Lake Road. [10] That evening, containment grew to over 50 percent. [11] Repopulation continued on August 24, with residents along Kings Canyon Road east to Shafer Road being allowed to return, and on August 25, with residents south of Highway 138 and other evacuated areas. [12][13]
On the evening of August 25, it was announced that three additional firefighters suffered injuries in the fire. All mandatory evacuation orders and smoke advisories were lifted. [14] Suppression repair began two days later, on August 27 with the fire at 70 percent containment. The majority of Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, which was used as a staging area, reopened to the public. [15] As August ended, the fire was had burned 31,089 acres (12,581 ha) and was 90 percent contained, however, the complete resources to complete full fire suppression was delayed due to the lack of resources available because of the August 2020 California lightning wildfires. [16]
As of September 3, the following areas remain closed due to the Lake Fire:
The Lake Fire threatened over 4,570 structures in the area, including homes. On August 13, mandatory evacuations were put in place for areas around Lake Hughes and portions of Highway 138 were closed. [2] This resulted in the evacuation of 100 residences. Highland High School was opened as an evacuation point and evacuees were asked to camp in their cars, due to the inability to set up a traditional evacuation center due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [4] Repopulation began on August 21. [10]
The fire damaged 3 structures and destroyed 12 structures and 21 outbuildings, including homes in the Pine Canyon community. [18][19] One firefighter was injured. [3]
It also impacted recreational activities. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area was closed to the public to be used for meetings and staging for the duration of the fire until August 28. [15]
The fire impacted air quality in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. [6] Air quality suffered and smoke and ash was visible in Lebec, Antelope Valley, Agua Dulce, and Santa Clarita Valley. [6][19][20]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Forest Service.
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Fire
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Donald Trump confirms US will quit Paris climate agreement
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World’s second largest greenhouse gas emitter will remove itself from global treaty as Trump claims accord ‘will harm’ American jobs Last modified on Wed 25 Aug 2021 14.54 BST Donald Trump has confirmed that he will withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement, in effect ensuring the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases will quit the international effort to address dangerous global warming. The US will remove itself from the deal, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only countries not party to the Paris agreement. There will be no penalty for leaving, with the Paris deal based upon the premise of voluntary emissions reductions by participating countries. “In order to fulfil my solemn duty to the United States and its citizens, the US will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, but begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris accords or a really entirely new transaction, on terms that are fair to the United States,” the US president told press in the White House rose garden on Thursday. “We will start to negotiate, and we will see if we can make a deal that’s fair,” Trump said. “If we can, that’s great. If we can’t, that’s fine.” But Italy, France and Germany issued a joint statement shortly after Trump’s speech saying they believed the treaty could not be renegotiated. Trump told the crowd outside the White House: “The fact that the Paris deal hamstrings the United States while empowering some of the world’s top polluting countries should expel any doubt as to why foreign lobbyists should wish to keep our beautiful country tied up and bound down … That’s not going to happen while I’m president, I’m sorry.” He added: “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.” Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, issued a rare statement saying the new administration had joined “a small handful of nations that reject the future”. But he said that US states, cities and businesses “will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got”. Former vice-president Al Gore called the move “reckless and indefensible”, while among the business leaders to express regret over the move was Jeff Immelt, chair and CEO of General Electric, who said “climate change is real” and “industry must now lead”. Trump, who spoke after being introduced by a warm-up band playing the George Gershwin classic Summertime, argued that the Paris agreement disadvantaged the US to the benefit of other countries, leaving workers and taxpayers to absorb the costs and suffer job losses and factory closures. As of today, he said, the US will cease implementation of the nationally determined contribution and green climate fund, “which is costing the US a vast fortune”. In 2015, nearly 200 countries agreed to curb greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent the runaway climate change that would occur should temperatures spiral 2C or more above the pre-industrial era. Trump’s decision risks destabilizing the Paris deal, with remaining participants faced with the choice of trying to make up the shortfall in emissions cuts or following the US’s lead and abandoning the agreement. The US emissions reduction pledge accounts for a fifth of the global emissions to be avoided by 2030, with an analysis by not-for-profit group Climate Interactive showing that a regression to “business as usual” emissions by the US could warm the world by an additional 0.3C by 2100. This would help push the global temperature rise well beyond 2C, causing punishing heatwaves, sea level rise, displacement of millions of people and the loss of ecosystems such as coral reefs. The US withdrawal would not, though, derail global efforts to fight climate change, said Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief who delivered the Paris agreement. “States, cities, corporations, investors have been moving in this direction for several years and the dropping prices of renewables versus high cost of health impacts from fossil fuels, guarantees the continuation of the transition.” The US will be the loser from its withdrawal, said Prof John Schellnhuber, a climate scientist and former adviser to the EU, Angela Merkel and the pope. “It will not substantially hamper global climate progress but it will hurt the American economy and society alike,” he said. “China and Europe have become world leaders on the path towards green development already and will strengthen their position if the US slips back. The Washington people around Trump fail to recognise that the climate wars are over, while the race for sustainable prosperity is on.” “President Trump is putting his country on the wrong side of history,” said Laurence Tubiana, France’s climate ambassador during the negotiation of the Paris deal. John Kasich, the governor of Ohio and a frequent critic of Trump, said he shared concerns about “flaws” in the treaty. “I’m convinced we can correct them and improve the agreement, however,” he said, “by showing leadership and constructively engaging with like-minded nations, not by joining the ranks of holdouts like Syria and Nicaragua.” Bernie Sanders, the leftwing senator and former Democratic presidential hopeful, called the move an “international disgrace” and an “abdication of American leadership”. But House speaker Paul Ryan, the most senior Republican in Congress, threw his support behind Trump’s decision, saying the Paris accord was “simply a raw deal for America”. “In order to unleash the power of the American economy, our government must encourage production of American energy,” Ryan said in a statement. “I commend President Trump for fulfilling his commitment to the American people and withdrawing from this bad deal.” Trump followed through with his campaign pledge to “cancel” US involvement in the Paris accord following months of conflicting signals over whether he would do so or just scale back the US ambition to cut emissions. The withdrawal represents a victory for the nationalist elements in Trump’s administration, such as his strategist Steve Bannon, who have argued the Paris deal undermines an “America first” approach, harms domestic coal production and hinders efforts to repeal Barack Obama-era regulations such as the Clean Power Plan. On Tuesday, Trump met with Scott Pruitt, the Environmental Protection Agency head who has called Paris a “bad deal” that should be discarded. In his speech, Trump sought to frame his decision as part of this nationalist agenda. “The Paris agreement handicaps the United States economy in order to win praise from the very foreign capitals and global activists that have long sought to gain wealth at our country’s expense,” he said. “They don’t put America first. I do, and I always will.” A group of 22 Republican senators, headed by majority leader Mitch McConnell, backed the anti-Paris view in a letter to Trump that urged a “clean exit” from the Paris deal, which they said added a “regulatory burden” upon the US. The anti-agreement faction had jockeyed for Trump’s favour over a rival school of thought, including secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and adviser, that argued the US should remain in the Paris deal in order to preserve its diplomatic influence. Hundreds of large businesses, including Apple, Google and Walmart, also threw their weight behind the deal, with even fossil fuel firms such as ExxonMobil, BP and Shell supporting the accord as the best way to transition to a low-carbon economy and stave off the perils of climate change. In a bid to calm the frayed nerves of countries most at risk from rising temperatures, the EU and China announced an alliance to stay the course earlier on Wednesday. Their joint declaration called climate change a “national security issue” and a “multiplying factor of social and political fragility.” The Paris pact is a “historic achievement” and “irreversible”, the document says. “It is absolutely essential that the world implements the Paris agreement,” said UN secretary general António Guterres. “If one country decides to leave a void, I can guarantee someone else will occupy it.” Environmental groups were scathing of Trump’s decision, with more than 20,000 members of the Sierra Club calling the White House within hours of reports that the president had opted to exit the deal. “Donald Trump has made a historic mistake which our grandchildren will look back on with stunned dismay at how a world leader could be so divorced from reality and morality,” said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club. Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City, said he will sign an order committing the city to the Paris deal due to the “destructive power” of disasters like Hurricane Sandy.
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Withdraw from an Organization
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2013 Albanian demonstrations in Macedonia
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The 2014 Albanian demonstrations in the Republic of Macedonia were series of protests in cities populated with Albanians in the Republic of Macedonia, following the sentence to life imprisonment of six ethnic Albanians, related to Smilkovci lake killings and the Operation "Monster". [2]
The first protest took place on 4 July in Čairčanka area of Skopje, after the Jum'ah prayer. [1] There were about 9,000 peoples involved in the protest and several participants and police were injured. [citation needed] On 5 July, protest took place the afternoon of in the Čair and the Čairčanka areas of Skopje[3] Demonstrations that took place on 6 July were in the following cities: Skopje, Debar, Gostivar, Kičevo, Kumanovo, Ohrid, Struga, and Tetovo. [4] On 11 July, the protesters were gathered at the Jaja Pasha Mosque in Skopje, after the Friday prayer and continued towards the Courthouse. There were more than 10,000 protesters gathered in this day. [citation needed]
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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Newport-Based Simon Foundation Announces Simon Scholars Leadership Foundation
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Newport Beach-based Simon Foundation for Education and Housing, the nonprofit organization that supports the Simon Scholars Program, has announced the inaugural chapter of the Simon Scholars Leadership Association (SSLA). This prestigious group will guide Simon Scholars in Orange County, preparing them to become future leaders. The community leaders were selected based on their passion for America’s free enterprise system, principles of integrity, hard work, perseverance, and commitment to serving others. Simon Scholars is a unique six-year scholarship program that begins at the end of a student’s sophomore year in high school and continues through the completion of college. It is designed to help students facing difficult life and economic circumstances to excel academically and socially. Scholars are given the tools necessary to successfully complete a four-year college degree, pursue meaningful careers, and achieve the American Dream of self-sufficiency and independence. “Leaders learn from leaders,” said Ronald M. Simon, founder of the Simon Foundations. “The inaugural SSLA chapter is comprised of distinguished, positive role models united by their passion for supporting the education and development of underserved youth. Their willingness to guide Simon Scholars, America’s future leaders, represents a monumental milestone for the Simon Scholars Program.” The Simon Scholars Leadership Association is made up of more than 30 prominent and influential Orange County community leaders with portfolios encompassing an extensive diversity of industries and interests. All represent American success stories, and each tells the tale of a committed, hardworking professional that has overcome adversity to reach extraordinary levels of success. These leaders bring a new dimension to the prestigious Simon Scholars Program. They will guide the Scholars in learning principles associated with discipline, decision-making and character building by sharing their own experiences and inspirational life lessons through small group engagements, break-out sessions, and Scholar-driven Q&A’s. Each member has committed to attend regular annual activities including roundtable luncheons, banquets, and networking events. Additionally, the establishment of the Leadership Association is expected to create internship and career opportunities, an important factor of success along the Scholar’s journey. “Our Scholars now have direct access to proven leaders they can turn to for practical guidance and real-life advice,” said Ben Drutman, executive director, Simon Scholars Program. “These mentors exemplify the tenacity required to overcome adversity, a common denominator shared by SSLA members and Simon Scholars.” The Simon Scholars Program begins in a student’s junior year of high school with each student awarded a computer, mentoring, college-level resources, and other preparatory tools. Eight to 10 Simon Scholars are selected annually at each partner high school. With cohorts of 16 – 20 scholars at each partner high school, this enables students to receive the emotional and social support necessary to excel. After high school, Scholars are awarded $16,000 toward their tuition to attend an accredited four-year U.S. college or university bringing the total value of the scholarship to over $35,000 per student. The Program’s goal is to work with its vast network of collegiate partners to obtain tuition-free education for all Simon Scholars. To date, the program has sponsored more than 1,500 students, investing more than $60 million in financial aid and support. Affiliated with nearly 200 college and universities nationwide, Simon Scholars far outpace their counterparts, both in attending and graduating from college. More than 95 percent of Simon Scholars attend a four-year university or college and over 90 percent boast a college graduation rate.
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Financial Aid
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2019 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crash
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On October 2, 2019, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress owned by the Collings Foundation crashed at Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, United States. Seven of the thirteen people on board were killed, and the other six, as well as one person on the ground, were injured. The aircraft was destroyed by fire, with only the tail and a portion of one wing remaining. The aircraft was a 74-year-old Douglas-built Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, military serial number 44-83575 (variant B-17G-85-DL) with civilian registration N93012. [1] The aircraft was painted to represent a different B-17G,[2] the 91st Bomb Group's Nine-O-Nine, with military serial number 42-31909 (variant B-17G-30-BO), which had been mothballed shortly after World War II at Kingman, Arizona and eventually scrapped. [3] During its original military career, the aircraft operated as an Air-Sea Rescue aircraft until 1952, when it was reassigned to the Air Force Special Weapons Command for use as a specimen in weapons-effects testing. In this role, it was subjected to three nuclear explosions as part of Operation Tumbler–Snapper. The aircraft was purchased as scrap in 1965 for a price of US$269 (equivalent to $2,209 in 2020); being in relatively good condition, it was restored to airworthy condition for use as a water bomber over the course of ten years, entering civilian service in 1977. [4]
Following its operator's liquidation in 1985,[4] the aircraft was acquired by the Collings Foundation in January 1986,[2] restored to its 1945 configuration, and N93012 was flying as Nine-O-Nine by August 1986. [5] While operated by the Collings Foundation, it was involved in two prior accidents: on August 23, 1987, it overran the runway on landing at Beaver County Airport near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,[2][6] and on July 9, 1995, it was damaged on landing at Karl Stefan Memorial Airport in Norfolk, Nebraska, as the result of a landing gear malfunction. [7][8]
The October 2019 crash and resulting fire destroyed most of the aircraft. Only the left wing and part of the tail remained. [9][10]
The "living history" flight was delayed 40 minutes because of difficulty starting one of the four engines. The pilot shut down the other three engines and used a spray can of Nitrogen to "blow out the moisture" in the engine that balked. [11][12] The aircraft took off from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, at 09:48 local time (13:48 UTC). [7][13] It carried three crew and ten passengers. [14] A witness reported that an engine was sputtering and smoking. [15] At 09:50, two minutes after takeoff, the pilot radioed that there was a problem with engine number 4. [9] The control tower diverted other traffic to allow for an emergency landing. The aircraft came in low, touched down 1,000 feet (300 m) short of the runway,[11] clipped the instrument landing system (ILS) antenna array, veered to the right off the runway across a grassy area and taxiway, then crashed into a de-icing facility at 09:54;[16][9] the aircraft then burst into flames. [15]
Seven occupants were killed, and the remaining six were injured severely enough to be taken to the hospital, including one who was airlifted. [7][16] Among the dead were the pilot and co-pilot, aged 75 and 71 respectively. [17] One person on the ground was injured (see below). [18] The airport was closed for 3+1⁄2 hours after the crash. [15]
One of the passengers on the aircraft, a Connecticut Air National Guardsman, managed to open an escape hatch after the crash, despite having a broken arm and collarbone. An airport employee, who had been working in the building into which the aircraft had crashed, ran to the wreckage to help pull injured passengers from the burning aircraft. The employee suffered severe burns on his hands and arms and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. [19] Construction worker Robert Bullock was working nearby at the airport when he heard the explosion and felt the heat. Hearing cries for help, the former firefighter scaled a barbed wire fence and began helping victims. He applied a tourniquet to one patient and then moved on to others until emergency medical services arrived. Bullock appeared to be uninjured during his heroic rescue. [20] Multiple planes on the ramp contacted the control tower immediately after the accident helping to accelerate rescue efforts. Air traffic controllers contacted airport fire and rescue personnel as well as Life Flight. The airport was closed to allow unrestricted access to the accident scene and began diverting incoming flights. [21]
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an investigation into the accident. [15] A "go team" was dispatched to Bradley International Airport, headed by Jennifer Homendy. [22] The NTSB removed some wreckage to their laboratory for further analysis, completing operations at the scene by October 8. [23]
The NTSB issued its preliminary report on October 15, 2019. Fuel recovered from the tanks for the No. 3 engine appeared free from water and debris contamination and was consistent with 100LL avgas in smell and appearance. The fuel truck that had refueled the aircraft with 160 US gallons (130 imp gal; 610 l) of 100LL prior to the flight was quarantined, but the NTSB found no anomalies in its fuel supply or equipment, and no engine trouble was reported by pilots of other aircraft refueled from the same truck before or after the accident aircraft. During the flight, the accident pilot had reported that No. 4 engine had a "rough mag" referring to a magneto on that engine. The NTSB reported that the propeller blades of No. 3 engine were near the feathered position and the propeller blades of No. 4 engine were in the feathered position. The aircraft had landed with the flaps in the retracted position and the landing gear extended. [24]
In March 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration revoked the Collings Foundation's permission to carry passengers, citing numerous safety concerns and noting that allowing passengers "would adversely affect safety.” Investigators found substantial shortcomings in the foundation's safety practices: key personnel were ignorant of the organization's maintenance program and "basic information concerning operations." The left magneto for the No. 4 engine had been "jury [rigged]" with safety wire and was inoperative, while the right magneto produced a weak or no spark in four of the nine cylinders it was supposed to fire.
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Air crash
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Afghanistan Evacuees Must Quarantine After Measles and Mumps Are Detected
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The CDC has told doctors to be on the alert. New arrivals must get vaccinated and isolate for 21 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week issued an alert for clinicians across the country to be on the lookout for cases of measles, mumps, malaria, and other infectious diseases, after 16 measles cases and four mumps cases were identified among recent evacuees from Afghanistan. The federal health agency is taking every precaution because measles is an extremely contagious disease that infects about 9 out of every 10 unprotected people who come in contact with it. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, however, is highly effective at preventing the transmission of illness. The full two doses are 97 percent effective against measles and 88 percent effective against mumps. That’s why the CDC is mandating the vaccine for all new arrivals from Afghanistan and urging doctors to encourage all their patients to get the MMR inoculation if they haven’t already done so. (Federal data show that already about 90 percent of U.S. children receive the MMR vaccine.) Evacuees must also complete a 21-day quarantine from the time of vaccination at U.S. “safe haven”–designated locations, such as military bases. As the Wisconsin State Journal reported on Wednesday, Fort McCoy in the western part of the state has seen seven measles cases among about 12,500 Afghans staying at the base. All those who tested positive will remain in isolation until they fully recover. In an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal, the Fort McCoy spokesperson Cheryl Phillips said the base no longer has active cases and the public should not fear disease spread. “Given that Afghan guests are residing on the Fort McCoy military installation, there is minimal potential for exposure to the neighboring community,” she said. About 124,000 people, including about 6,000 American citizens, have been safely flown out of Afghanistan. On September 10, however, the United States stopped incoming flights of refugees after discovering a few cases of measles. Unvaccinated individuals are staying abroad until they can be inoculated and complete 21 days of quarantine before leaving for America. Although U.S. military bases have been carrying out a mass vaccination plan, federal health officials warn that some evacuees left bases before measles cases were identified and the mass inoculation campaign began. “Public health officials should continue to look for people with communicable disease symptoms, isolate those with symptoms, and track contacts to manage the spread of the illness,” says the CDC. Although measles and mumps have practically been eliminated in the United States, William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, told Everyday Health that such intensive measures are warranted. “In the past, imported cases of both diseases have set off localized outbreaks among children who were not vaccinated [as with measles] or whose protection from vaccine had waned [as with mumps],” said Dr. Schaffner. “Therefore, each imported case is investigated vigorously by public health authorities in order to prevent these diseases from gaining a new foothold in the United States.” He adds, however, that the public should not be overly concerned. “The local public health authorities have this small problem well-defined and under control,” he said. “The use of combined MMR vaccine in the affected population can stop the spread of measles and mumps very effectively.” Evacuees are receiving shots against COVID-19 and other diseases as well. Among this population, some incidents of chicken pox (varicella), tuberculosis, malaria, leishmaniasis (a parasitic illness), and hepatitis A have been discovered. A chamomile room spray led to 4 infections, including 2 deaths, from melioidosis. Nine are hospitalized in New York City, scores have been exposed at Duke University, and other cases have recently sprung up across the United States.... Melioidosis, identified in four Americans, has killed two so far. Health authorities stress that only 1 case has been identified so far and risk of transmission is low. New research links antibiotic-resistant bacteria to raw dog food. Public health experts are on the lookout for EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis) following an uptick in cases last year. Knowing where mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects live and breed will help you avoid annoying and even dangerous bites this summer. A new CDC report lists 18 antibiotic-resistant germs, adding two more to its 'urgent' list. The findings underscore a need for thorough hygiene and disinfection in hospital settings, where the fungus lurks, researchers report.
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Disease Outbreaks
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Top Headlines: Sudan
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Wadi Halfa — Seven miners were killed when a gold mine collapsed in Northern State on Wednesday. People from the area told Radio Dabanga that the accident occurred in the mines east of Semna, 60 km south of Wadi Halfa. Twelve men, originally from West Bara in North Kordofan, were working in the mine when it collapsed. Seven of them died instantly. Four others were seriously wounded, and were transferred to the hospital of Wadi Halfa. The 12th man was not injured. "He was the one who reported the collapse of the mine," , the sources reported. The bodies have been buried in the cemetery of Wadi Halfa. The Wadi Halfa Public Prosecution Office and the Police Department have started an investigation into the accident. Gold exchange Sudan is reportedly the second-largest producer of gold in Africa and the ninth in the world. Gold mines are scattered across Sudan, including Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. Artisanal mining has also drawn hundreds of thousands of gold seekers to the deserts of Sudan's northern and eastern states. The total gold production of Sudan in 2020 reached 36.6 tons. The revenues amounted to SDG 22.5 billion, of which SDG 16.6 billion was deposited at the Ministry of Finance. As the production was driven by unregulated, artisanal (individual subsistence) mining, the transitional government began to regulate the mining and export of the precious metal two years ago.
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Mine Collapses
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nzherald.co.nz
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The summary of facts says that Smith was phoned soon after the July 2019 blast by the fireplace manufacturers who he'd been talking to about getting a new part.
"I mustn't have … I can't have … I didn't cap the gas. It was the fire we were working on yesterday," a shocked Smith said on the phone, according to court documents obtained by the Herald.
He went straight to the epicentre of the blast scene and made himself known to police officers.
The people inside the property at the time of the explosion suffered varying injuries. In 2019, the property owner engaged Gas Unlimited to repair a gas fireplace heater, which was not working properly. When the homeowner tried to start it, the fan would run but the fireplace would not ignite.
A family member who was an electrician tested the fireplace and believed the problem might be with the solenoid – a valve component that controls the flow of gas from the inlet pipe through the fireplace. But they did not do any work because it appeared to be a gas rather than an electrical issue.
On June 17, 2019 Smith visited the property and examined the fireplace, which was displaying an error code on the controller.
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Smith, who installed the fire in 2010, partially dismantled the fireplace but did not disconnect it from the pipework supply or cause any pipe to be open-ended, says the summary of facts obtained by the Herald.
Smith then called Escea – the fireplace manufacturer – which advised he send the computer board to its Dunedin office for testing.
After removing the computer board, Smith put the fireplace back together and left. He did not turn the gas off at all during his visit. On July 10, 2019, Smith returned with the computer board which had been tested but found it still showed the same error code.
The homeowner, who was there at the time, suggested to Smith that it might be the solenoid, and explained what their family member had said.
Smith phoned Escea again, which talked him through some fault-finding tests, resulting in him suspecting that two of the solenoid coils were faulty.
He returned on July 18, 2019 with replacement solenoid coils but found they were not the right parts.
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Smith located the gas mains outside the house and turned the gas off at the isolating valve.
He then disconnected the solenoid and called Escea again to discuss the issue. An Escea technician suggested that Smith return both the new and old solenoid coils, the transformer, computer board and remote back to Escea so they could be tested as a set.
After the 54-minute phone call, he left the property. But the summary of facts says that after removing the solenoid, Smith "did not take any steps to isolate the gas supply (other than turning it off at the mains)".
And he did not cap the appliance gas pipe or disconnect the fireplace from the gas pipe that supplied the appliance, or disconnect the installation and cap the supply pipework at the mains.
"Mr Smith did not say anything to [the homeowner] about what he had done with the fireplace or what she could or could not do with the gas," the summary of facts says.
"In particular, he did not tell her that she should not turn the gas mains back on. Further, he did not place any type of labelling on the gas meter or take any steps to lock the gas valve to ensure that no one else could turn the gas back on."
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That evening, the homeowner had some friends coming for dinner and to stay the night. When the homeowner tried to turn the gas hob on, they discovered none of the burners worked.
They realised Smith had not turned the gas back on at the mains after turning it off that afternoon.
Inside the property which exploded in suburban Christchurch. Photo / Supplied
With one of the visitors, they went outside and turned the gas mains back on. After turning the hob on, they immediately smelt gas but turned on the range hood and lit a candle on the dining table to remove the smell.
They stopped noticing the smell after less than a minute.
After dinner and then drinks in the lounge, some of them stayed up until 3.30am to watch a netball game on TV.
It appears none of them noticed a smell of gas after the initial smell when the mains were first turned on. The mostly likely explanation, included in the summary of facts, is the concept of "odour fatigue" or "olfactory adaptation", where someone adapts to a smell and stops noticing it over time.
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However, gas flowed out of the open appliance gas pipe through the fireplace into the property "steadily throughout the evening and the following morning", the summary says.
A total of about 27 cubic metres of gas flowed into the property over about 14 hours. Over the previous three-month period, the property had consumed about 1cu m of gas.
"The concentration of gas inside the house may have built up at a slow enough rate for the occupants to become desensitised to it throughout the evening without noticing it," the summary says."
As gas had been flowing into the property throughout the evening, by the following morning there was a large volume of LPG resting inside the house. At around 10.10am, one of the visitors arose and turned on the electric jug and toaster in the kitchen.
The action of walking through the house "disturbed the low-lying LPG", causing it to mix with the air and "bringing it to within its explosive range". He returned to the bedroom.
The electric thermostat on a hot water cylinder in a linen cupboard near the centre of the house disengaged at 10.15am and "created a brief arc, generating a spark which ignited the gas/air mixture and caused it to explode".
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"The explosion created a large blast pressure wave followed by a large fireball which emanated from the property," the summary of facts says.
"The property was immediately destroyed entirely. The shock wave caused damage to a number of neighbouring properties. Heavy debris from the explosion was thrown up to 100m from the property, and lighter debris was located throughout the neighbourhood."
On the day of the explosion, St John said six injured people were rushed to hospital with various injuries.
When Smith was interviewed by WorkSafe New Zealand, he acknowledged that he had failed to isolate the appliance from the gas supply.
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Gas explosion
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IOGAWV and WVONGA to merge as one organization
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/ Updated: Dec 7, 2020 / 03:02 PM EST CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two West Virginia natural resource associations have announced that they are merging into one organization. According to the release, members of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGAWV) and West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association (WVONGA) voted to merge into one entity — the Gas and Oil Association of WV (GO-WV). “The natural gas industry and our state are stronger today than they were yesterday,” IOGAWV Board President Ben Sullivan said. “With the merger of these two great associations, the industry is better positioned now to advocate for public policy that will help grow this vital industry. We also have a singularly focused voice when it comes to publicizing our industry’s positive economic and environmental impact on this state, region, and nation. As our individual member companies are doing with their businesses, GO-WV will create operational efficiencies and savings at a time where commodity prices are depressed.” Officials explained that with the merger approved, a newly formed GO-WV board will work throughout the next few months to craft a new brand, consolidate offices and identify its agenda for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. IOGAWV Executive Director Charlie Burd will now become GO-WV’s executive director. “This is a historic moment,” said WVONGA Board President Thomas Westfall. “We celebrate and embrace this new association as we combine the strengths of two influential groups into one dynamic and powerful organization. In 2021, GO-WV will bring renewed vitality as we advance our state’s economy. The merger also provides a unique opportunity for sharing best safety and environmental practices across industry sectors.” This industry employs thousands in West Virginia and is responsible for more than $4 billion in state severance and property tax revenue since 2008. “West Virginia is blessed with enough gas for generations into the future,” Burd said. “This region helps provide natural gas to power plants, manufacturing facilities, and fertilizer to our farmers. Natural gas also is Earth’s cleanest burning fossil fuel. It provides affordable energy, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and helps to create local manufacturing jobs.”
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Organization Merge
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