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Manningham riot
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The Manningham riot was a short but intense period of racial rioting which took place from 9–11 June 1995, in the district of Manningham in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. A series of widely publicised riots and racial disturbances have occurred in this part of Bradford since the mid-1990s, which have often been attributed to the segregation that has been identified between the various ethnic groups present in the city. [1] The riot of summer 1995 was limited to a relatively confined area of the city, but was seen as indicative of the circumstances which led to the later and more widespread Bradford Riot of July 2001. [1]
The rioting started after someone complained to police about two boys playing football in the street. [2] When officers arrived, the two youths refused to move on and were detained for what was seen as a very minor infraction and not given police until some time later. [3] The families of the two boys went to the police to protest and the situation deteriorated from there: 100 West Yorkshire Police officers were called in to help quell the trouble. [4] Other witness reports stated that the police had attempted to arrest and then successfully detained two youths who were in a crowd. One of the arrestees had entered a house and when the police gained entry, an allegation of an assault by the police against a woman with a baby was made. [5] The rioting that followed was estimated to have involved around 60 people. [6]
Another version of the catalyst to the rioting was when a crowd of 30 youths had gathered outside the Jamiyat Tablighul Islam mosque after Friday prayers. The police had tried to arrest one and his friends came to support him with the situation quickly escalating. [7]
The second night of the rioting (10 June 1995) saw rioters gathering around the Oak Lane police station in the city after peace talks between the police and the local community had broken down. At around 7:00 pm, the station was petrol bombed and stones were thrown with most windows in the station being smashed. Police had managed to disperse the crowd before trouble flared again at 9:00 pm. [7]
More rioting followed on 12 June with 300 police officers deployed on the streets with the rioting fizzing out after the Sunday. Over the course of the weekend, police made 21 arrests and numerous others on both sides had ended up in hospital with injuries. Assistant Chief Constable Norman Bettison, of West Yorkshire Police, stated that he saw a "..community tearing itself apart," and that "the youths seem to be rising up as much against society and elders as against the police. The police are the anvil youth is beating out its frustration and anger on. Youth seems to be alienated from every conceivable part of the community from which it is drawn. "[8]
Two weeks later, eight men who had been arrested during the riot had charges against them dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Four men from the original arrest which sparked the riot remained on police bail. [9]
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Riot
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1898 Wrawby Junction rail crash
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On 17 October 1898 at Wrawby Junction,[1] on what was the Great Central Railway near Brigg in Lincolnshire, England, a passenger train collided with a derailed goods train; killing 8 people and injuring 26 more. [2]
The passenger train was the 16:45 from Cleethorpes to Manchester consisting of a brake van, three passenger carriages and a rear guard's van. The goods train which had left Grimsby earlier in the day for Doncaster consisted of 44 waggons loaded with larch tree trunks, three trunks to a load secured with chains. The length of the trunks (up to 42 ft) necessitated the close coupling of the waggons. The goods train was being shunted on a curve at low speed adjacent to the main line when five trucks derailed just as the passenger train approached. One truck toppled over; its load of timber projecting over the main line. The brake van 'was carried away with the exception of the offside and roof'. The next two carriages were 'clean swept away' above the floor level; the first compartment of the third passenger carriage was also destroyed. The investigation admitted that it was not possible to stop shunting operations from occurring on lines parallel and close to passenger running lines.
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Train collisions
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Brazil’s 10-Year Downward Spiral
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On the day before one of the biggest margin calls in history, Deutsche Bank AG chief Christian Sewing joined an urgent meeting with a not-unfamiliar message: there was a problem, and billions of dollars were at stake. But as executives on the late-March call briefed him on the bank’s exposure to Archegos Capital Management, this time it wasn’t all bad news. Risk managers had been concerned by the family office’s rapid growth for some time, and had been collecting additional collateral. And the firm’s traders stood ready to quickly offload the slumping assets. So as Archegos’s collapse slammed rivals with more than $10 billion of losses, Deutsche Bank walked away without a scratch, reporting its highest profit in seven years. It was enough to stun longtime observers of the firm, which has spent the past decade-and-a-half stumbling from one crisis to the next. The escape added to a growing sense that Sewing may finally be moving Germany’s largest bank past its dysfunction of the last decade. “What they pulled off is quite impressive in the last couple of years,” said Matthew Fine, a portfolio manager at Third Avenue Management who started investing in Deutsche Bank shares after Sewing was appointed CEO in 2018. “After several failures and years of incredible underperformance and substantial capital raisings, at some point you really have to rip the band aid off, and Sewing seems to have done that.” Halfway through the CEO’s radical four-year restructuring, the perennial sick man of European finance appears to be on the mend. Its shares have more than doubled from a record low, when the pandemic revived old fears whether Germany’s largest lender was strong enough to survive another crisis. Instead of collapsing under bad loans, Deutsche Bank successfully rode a trading wave that’s buoyed investment banks globally. After years of gloom, some executives inside the Frankfurt headquarters are now even considering deals as they seek to profit from the recent stumbles of rivals. Deutsche Bank has outperformed the industry since Sewing's revamp Source: Data compiled by Bloomberg Note: Start date is July 7, 2019 and cut-off date is May 20, 2021 To be sure, for a bank that lost money in five of the past six years and whose shares remain 87% below their peak, the bar to success is low and blunders remain an ever-present possibility. The stock is still trading at one of the steepest discounts to book value among European lenders. Sewing’s efforts have gotten a boost from factors outside his control, such as the global market rally and extensive government guarantees that kept defaults at bay during the pandemic. But the CEO, who had initially planned to focus more on corporate banking and cut back trading even more, was quick to adapt when markets moved against him just weeks after he announced his plan. At home, he’s confronted the reality that in order to make money in an overbanked country with negative interest rates, he needs to raise fees and slash jobs, even at the risk of upsetting clients and unions. Above all, however, the former risk manager has made progress dealing with internal issues that had undermined his predecessors. He ended the divisional infighting that Sewing once called “Deutsche Bank’s disease,” and he addressed risk lapses that had caused the bank, over and over again, to shoot itself in the foot. Archegos wasn’t the first blowup that Deutsche Bank sidestepped under Sewing. The bank last year avoided taking a potentially damaging financial and reputational hit from the collapse of payments firm Wirecard AG, having cut its exposure as doubts about the company’s business grew. It also hasn’t taken a direct hit from Greensill Capital, the supply-chain finance firm whose demise forced Credit Suisse Group AG to liquidate a $10 billion group of funds. Read more: Deutsche Bank Cut Wirecard Ties as Its Fund Managers Went All In Of all those pitfalls, Archegos had by far the biggest potential to do lasting damage to the green shoots of Sewing’s turnaround. Deutsche Bank had joined several other investment banks in dealing with the family office of Bill Hwang, who was barred from the investment advisory industry after pleading guilty to wire fraud on behalf of his shuttered hedge fund in 2012. Many firms had been willing to accept more risk in return for the hefty fees Archegos provided. Credit Suisse, for instance, allowed it to borrow up to ten times the value of its collateral. The Swiss bank ended up with some $5.5 billion in losses, the most of any firm. Its lost decade stood out even in a post-crisis period that was tough for many European lenders Deutsche Bank had run up an exposure worth several billions of dollars, according to people familiar with the matter. But it hadn’t lent as aggressively and its arrangement with Archegos allowed it to ask for more collateral to back up what looked like an increasingly imbalanced house of cards. The German bank had decided two years earlier to exit the business with hedge funds and family offices — known as prime brokerage — and was in the process of transferring its relationships to BNP Paribas SA. That gave Ashley Wilson, the head of the unit, and risk chief Stuart Lewis even more reason to keep things in check. The bank, which was conducting daily analyses of Archegos’s holdings, had noticed already in February that concentration risk was rising. In early March, it started to request more collateral, the people said, asking for anonymity discussing internal information. By Wednesday, March 24, when Lewis explained the situation to Sewing in that phone call, he told the CEO that the bank’s internal models were pointing to relatively minor potential losses. Still, that didn’t prevent some heightened nerves in the firm’s ranks over the next two days as Archegos was found in default and a standstill agreement that some lenders had tried to broker fell apart. When it became clear on Friday that rivals were cutting their lifelines and getting out, Lewis got on a 20-minute call with his team, and the bank decided to liquidate. The firm’s traders sold most of the positions that Friday to multiple buyers including Marshall Wace, one of Europe’s largest hedge fund managers. The bank used direct sales, aiming to avoid spooking the markets. Within a few days, it recovered all of its money and even had some collateral left. Read more: Deutsche Bank Dodged Archegos With $4 Billion Sale Navigating minefields without a hit is a new experience at a lender that over the prior decades had developed a reputation for putting quick profits and bonuses before the interests of clients, let alone the broader public. When the world stepped up scrutiny of the industry in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, Deutsche Bank ended up footing the biggest legal bill of any European bank, spending more than $19.4 billion on fines and settlements. Its lost decade stood out even in a post-crisis period that was tough for many European lenders. Among the 25 biggest banks in the world, it was the only one to have a net loss over the past 10 years, while many rivals racked up more than $100 billion of profits. Deutsche Bank had a net loss in a period when rivals racked up profits Source: Bloomberg data “Reputation is something you build slowly but slips away quickly,” said Susanne Homoelle, a professor of banking and finance at the University of Rostock who started her career at Deutsche Bank in the 1980s. Back then, she said, “there was a pride among the staff that the bank was more sophisticated than peers. So much went wrong subsequently in terms of misconduct and compliance issues.” Inside the bank, many still worry that the next accident is just around the corner. Last month, a lawyer representing Citigroup Inc. in a case related to its mistaken transfer of $900 million revealed that another unnamed bank had recently made a similar mistake. Only three years earlier, Deutsche Bank had erroneously transferred a much bigger sum to an outside account. Now, the first thought for many at the German lender, according to one executive, was: “Was it us?” Still, the change is palpable in the twin towers in central Frankfurt that represent the beating heart of Deutsche Bank. An annual survey showed staff morale rising to the highest level in eight years. Bonuses for last year rose 29%, and by almost half for investment bankers, at a time when many rivals had to cut. Senior executives say doubts about Deutsche Bank’s strategy have ceased to be an issue during client meetings. Decision-making has gotten faster as well. Last year, it only took a few weeks in the midst of surging demand for government-subsidized loans during the pandemic to set up a digital solution for corporate clients to file applications. Several similar efforts over many years had failed because no one saw it through, a person familiar with the matter said. Kim Hammonds, who spent more than four years trying to streamline the bank’s dozens of technology systems, once called the firm “the most dysfunctional company” she’d ever worked for. Sewing ousted her in 2018. The CEO early in his tenure made it a top priority to rein in the conflicts between the various businesses — and their executives — to combat the internecine warfare that had plagued many of his predecessors. After inheriting a bank that had unceremoniously dumped former CEO John Cryan and seen open revolt across the management board, Sewing moved quickly to consolidate power. Out were those of questionable loyalty, often replaced by internal confidantes with whom he’d risen through the ranks. “The leadership team is committed and aligned to our strategy in a way it wasn’t at some times in the past,” said Fabrizio Campelli, a Deutsche Bank veteran whom Sewing recently appointed to oversee the investment bank and the corporate bank. “The dialog is now all about how units can help one another.” Avoiding self-inflicted distractions has allowed the bank to ride a broad trading rally that’s now well into its second year. For three quarters in a row, Deutsche Bank’s fixed-income unit has taken back market share from rivals, alleviating concern that the business had been too damaged by years of cutbacks. The investment bank also benefited from a surge in blank-check companies, a business where Deutsche Bank had a top position for years. But the trading boom — and its inevitable slowdown — also raises some awkward questions for Sewing’s restructuring plan and strategy in the future. At its heart, the original plan envisaged cutting thousands of jobs, scaling back the bank’s international ambitions, particularly in investment banking, where the CEO exited equities trading. Instead, Sewing planned to focus on the more stable lending operations, especially the transaction bank servicing big companies. Yet the units at the heart of his growth plans have repeatedly missed their targets after being hit hard by the European Central Bank’s negative interest rates, forcing Sewing to rely more on his traders. German government bonds have some of the lowest yields in Europe, with even long-term yields staying below zero until recently. Sewing has twice upgraded his biggest unit and downgraded others Source: Company filings Note: Shows forecast for revenue CAGR 2018-2022 as forecast in initial plan and subsequent updates “The interest rate environment in Germany is perhaps the most challenging one globally,” said Alexander Hendricks, an analyst at Moody’s Investors Service. “The starting point for German banks is also worse with one of the worst cost-to-income ratios, so it’s imperative that they focus on cost management.” Germany is one of the most competitive markets in an already fragmented European landscape, with some 1,679 banks battling for business. Many of them don’t face the same pressure to be profitable because they’re backed by municipalities, and so lenders have been slow to cut branches or charge for checking accounts and excess deposits, out of fear that clients could go to rivals. That restraint, however, appears to be changing, in part because of pressure from international investors. Seven years after the ECB introduced negative rates, both Deutsche Bank and its crosstown rival Commerzbank AG have embarked on aggressive cuts to their branch network and staff. Between the two lenders, some 650 locations and 28,000 jobs are being cut. Clients used to free checking and deposit accounts are increasingly being asked to pay, and take their business online. Germany's big banks only command a low share of the domestic market Source: ECB Note: Shows 2019 data, which is latest available “The years since the financial crisis have really been a lost decade for investors in German banks,” said Florian von Hardenberg, a UBS Group AG banker who advises German lenders on acquisitions and other strategic questions. “But the new restructuring plans have more ambition than previous ones, and they’ve worked through their legacy issues. For the first time in a long time, they actually have a chance to achieve a healthy level of profitability.” Challenges still abound. Analysts remain skeptical that Deutsche Bank can meet its modest profitability target, an 8% return on tangible equity. Legal and regulatory issues continue to crop up. These include an internal probe into alleged misselling of securities in Spain, a penalty from Taiwan’s central bank for currency speculation, an expanded mandate for a BaFin-appointed anti-money laundering monitor, and a lawsuit from Malaysia’s investment fund 1MDB over $1.1 billion. Read also: Deutsche Bank’s Last-Ditch Plan to Save the Best of Its Business But at least in the markets, Sewing’s success in avoiding unforced errors has helped restore some degree of confidence. Top investors including Cerberus Capital Management and Doug Braunstein’s Hudson Executive Capital are content with Deutsche Bank’s development, people familiar with their thinking said. Cerberus made a big bet on a rebound in German banking with stakes in Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank almost four years ago. Moody’s is reviewing Deutsche Bank’s credit ratings with a view toward raising them. In the stock market, Deutsche Bank’s gains have been accentuated by the stumbles of rivals. French investment banks including Societe Generale SA were thrown into turmoil last year when the complex equity derivatives in which they specialize suffered steep losses. Credit Suisse is going through its worst crisis in years after twin hits from Greensill and Archegos. Deutsche Bank's valuation is now higher than that of peers Source: Bloomberg Intelligence Note: Market cap at period end; currency conversion by BI; cut-off date is May 19 The diverging fortunes have upended the balance of power in an industry that’s long been ripe for consolidation. Both Credit Suisse and SocGen, whose market value dwarfed that of Deutsche Bank just two years ago, are now worth less than the German lender. Sewing is a proponent of consolidation, though he has ruled out a transaction in which Deutsche Bank would be the junior partner. But after the bank’s share price recovered, transformational deals are becoming conceivable for top management, people familiar with the matter said. Credit Suisse has recently come up as one option in internal talks, they said. “We must create the conditions to be able to play an active part in cross-border European consolidation,” Sewing said in a speech prepared for the bank’s annual shareholder meeting this week. “And that will happen sooner or later.” Deutsche Bank could also revive merger talks with Commerzbank, especially if a bank from outside Germany were to set its sights on Commerzbank, some analysts and bankers say. The two held talks in 2019 at the urging of the government, but decided to focus on their respective restructurings instead. For Sewing, that decision has worked well so far. Finding a cure for Deutsche Bank’s disease has kept his turnaround plan on track. Ultimately, though, he’ll have to come up with one for the ills plaguing German — and, by extension, European — banking. “Deutsche Bank has managed a remarkable turnaround in the past quarters,” said Andreas Dombret, a former top official at the German central bank who used to supervise the lender. “Now it’s about making sure that is sustainable.’’
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Financial Crisis
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2013 PDC World Darts Championship
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The 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship was the 20th World Championship organised by the Professional Darts Corporation since it separated from the British Darts Organisation. The event took place at the Alexandra Palace, London between 14 December 2012 and 1 January 2013. [1]
Adrian Lewis was the defending champion having won the last two editions of the tournament, but was beaten by Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, thus ending Lewis' 15 match unbeaten run at the World Championship. Phil Taylor aged 52 claimed his 16th and last World Championship title with a 7–4 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final, despite trailing 0–2 and then 2–4 after six sets. Taylor won five sets in a row for the win. Van Gerwen averaged between 105 and 108 in the early sets but as his average never dropped, Taylor's average levelled off at 103 as did his ascendancy over a rival he admitted in the post-match interview was 'hard to crack'. [2]
With his 2013 PDC World Championship win, Taylor became the first winner of the newly created Sid Waddell Trophy, named after the legendary darts commentator who died of bowel cancer on 11 August 2012. The televised stages featured 72 players. The top 32 players in the PDC Order of Merit on 26 November 2012 were seeded for the tournament. [3] They were joined by the 16 highest non-qualified players from the Pro Tour Order of Merit, based on the 33 events played on the PDC Pro Tour. These 48 players were joined by two PDPA qualifiers (as determined at a PDPA Qualifying event held in Barnsley on 26 November 2012), the highest ranked non-qualified player on the PDC Youth Tour Order of Merit, and 21 international players: the four highest names in the European Order of Merit not already qualified, and 17 further international qualifiers to be determined by the PDC and PDPA. [3]
Some of the international players, such as the four from the European Order of Merit, and the top American and Australian players were entered straight into the first round, while others, having won qualifying events in their countries, were entered into the preliminary round. Players were:[4]
Order of Merit
Pro Tour
European Order of MeritFirst Round Qualifiers
PDPA Qualifiers[5]First Round Qualifier
Preliminary Round Qualifier
PDC Youth Tour QualifierPreliminary Round Qualifier
International QualifiersFirst Round Qualifiers
Preliminary Round Qualifiers
The 2013 World Championship featured a prize fund of £1,000,000 – the same as in the previous three years. The prize money was allocated as follows:[3]
The draw for the Round of 64 took place on 4 December 2012, the preliminary round pairings were published on 26 November 2012. [20][21]
The winner played his first round match the same day. Source: Match reports in the draw
This table shows the number of players by country in the World Championship, the total number including the Preliminary round. The tournament was available in the following countries on these channels. [37]
Additionally, the semi-finals and final were broadcast in 3D in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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Sports Competition
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NASA alert warns huge solar flare will make 'direct hit' with Earth this weekend
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A massive solar storm is headed towards Earth as NASA warns the flare is set to make 'direct hit'. Here's what you need to about the massive eruption making its way towards us A major solar flare that erupted from the Sun on Thursday, October 28, will batter the Earth over the weekend. The flare, which experts at NASA have dubbed as a "significant solar flare", has fired off the Sun in one of the strongest storms of the current weather cycle. Solar flares are divided into categories according to their strength and the one that was fired off yesterday was an X1-class solar flare predicted to enter the atmosphere on Saturday or Sunday, causing widespread power outages and communication failures. It has already caused a temporary, but strong, radio blackout in parts of South America, according to the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Solar flares are massive eruptions of radiation from the sun ( Here's what you need to know about the solar flare set for a "direct hit" on Earth. What are solar flares? Solar flares are massive eruptions of radiation from the sun that send charged particles outward from the star. They are classified in a letter system, with C-class being relatively weak, M-class moderate and X-class flares as the strongest. Among X-class ones, “an X2 is twice as intense as an X1, an X3 is three times as intense”, according to NASA. The one currently headed towards Earth is an X1 flare which despite being the least intense of the X-class flares is likely wreak havoc by interfering with radio and satellite communications. A major solar flare that erupted from the Sun on Thursday will batter the Earth over the weekend ( Sometimes these flares are accompanied by a massive eruption of solar particles, called a coronal mass ejection (CME). The flare on Thursday did spawn a CME which is racing towards the Earth at a speed of 1260 km/s. The sun is currently at the start of a new 11 year solar cycle, making such eruptions and flares more intense and extreme. These events are expected to peak around 2025 and it's hoped the Solar Orbiter will observe all of it as it fulfils its aims of flying within 26 million miles of the sun.
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New wonders in nature
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Iowa Department of
Public Safety
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DES MOINES, Iowa – On August 31, 2021, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the residence located at 23966 42nd Street Martelle, rural Jones County Iowa. Upon arrival, deputies observed a large structure fire and they also encountered an individual with a knife. Multiple law enforcement officers from the surrounding communities responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the subject did not comply to orders given by law enforcement to drop the knife. Law enforcement deployed non-lethal and lethal rounds. The subject received multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Two deputies from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office discharged their service weapons and have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. Three officers from the Anamosa Police Department discharged their service weapons and have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. A Linn County Deputy deployed non-lethal rounds and has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. It is standard protocol for the deputies and officers of the aforementioned departments to be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an Officer Involved Shooting investigation.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) was requested to investigate the officer involved shooting. The Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) was dispatched to investigate the fire. Both investigations are currently ongoing and no additional information will be released at this time. The names of the Sheriff Deputies and Police Officers will be released once they have been interviewed by the DCI. The name of the decedent will be released pending notification of family.
Agencies that responded to the incident were: Jones Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Anamosa Police Department, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Monticello Police Department, Iowa State Patrol (ISP), Martelle Volunteer Fire Department, Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department, Anamosa Volunteer Fire Department, Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department and the Morley Volunteer Fire Department.
This investigation is a collaborated effort by the DCI, SFM, ISP and the Jones County Attorney’s Office. No additional information will be released at this time.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
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Famous Person - Commit Crime - Investigate
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With Department Stores Disappearing, Malls Could Be Next
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Brick-and-mortar retail was in the midst of seismic changes even before the pandemic. Analysts say as much as a quarter of America’s malls may close in the next five years. By Sapna Maheshwari The directory map for the Northfield Square Mall in Bourbonnais, Ill., has three glaring spaces where large department stores once stood. Soon there will be a fourth vacancy, now that J.C. Penney is liquidating stores after filing for bankruptcy. With so much empty space and brick-and-mortar retail in the midst of seismic changes even before the pandemic hit, the mall’s owners have been talking with local officials about identifying a “higher and better use for the site,” though they have declined to elaborate on what that could be.
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Organization Closed
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Beaumont-Spectrum merger takes another forward step with formal integration agreement
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COVID-19 cases have spiked among children especially those under 12 who are unvaccinated. Here’s how to protect them. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health announced Thursday that they've signed a formal integration agreement, another step forward in a megamerger that would combine two of the state's largest hospital systems into a single massive operation. The new health system, temporarily to be named the BHSH System, would employ 64,000 people and operate 22 hospitals spanning the state. The deal is to include Priority Health, an insurance plan that enrolls 1.2 million people under the Spectrum Health umbrella and which claims to be the fastest growing and second largest in Michigan. More: Beaumont and Spectrum Health plan to merge, forming Michigan's biggest health system The health systems entered talks to merge in June, triggering state and federal regulatory review. “This is an important step forward to bring together our organizations to create a new system that improves the health of individuals throughout the state," said Beaumont Health President and CEO John Fox in a statement. "We continue to receive positive feedback about what our teams can do together, and we are excited about the future.” As part of the deal, Fox will leave Beaumont, and Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Spectrum Health, will lead the newly merged health system. More: Proposed Beaumont-Spectrum merger is like a marriage, experts say. This one might work. “We have worked together to develop a deeper understanding of each organization. I greatly appreciate the efforts of our teams, and I remain confident that together we will create an optimal health system," Freese Decker said in a statement. The Federal Trade Commission reviews mergers of hospitals and physician groups to uphold antitrust laws, encouraging competition to drive down costs, improve care and foster innovation. The Department of Justice similarly reviews mergers of insurance plans. Both federal agencies have ruled against mergers in the recent past. In 2020, the FTC challenged at least five such deals, Becker's Hospital Review reported. If the plan passes regulatory reviews, the BHSH System is to have dual headquarters in Grand Rapids and Southfield. Beaumont and Spectrum hope to complete the deal this fall. "There are no overlapping areas in our market, and so there are no intentions right now of any closures for hospitals or services as a result of this integration," Freese Decker said in June, when talks of the merger began. "In fact, we want to make sure we can continue to grow our services and so I expect things to continue as they are right now. "I'm very confident that this combination to create a new health system would be very favorable to our state," Freese Decker said, noting that the health systems are not competitors based on the markets they serve, and only one health insurance plan will be involved in the creation of the entirely new nonprofit health system within Michigan. Southfield-based Beaumont brings to the merger eight hospitals and about 33,000 employees in southeastern Michigan. It has 3,375 hospital beds, 155 outpatient sites and net revenue of $4.6 billion. Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health has 31,000 employees and 14 hospitals in western Michigan. It has 2,573 hospital beds, 150 outpatient sites and net revenue of $8.3 billion.
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Organization Merge
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a New Jersey resident reported having spotted a rare owl in a backyard spruce tree.
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Often, we at NJ Audubon (and other organizations concerned about birds) receive queries from concerned residents about injured or dead birds. Not too long ago, a New Jersey resident reported having spotted a rare owl in a backyard spruce tree. They rushed to get a look at what was later determined to be an exotic barred owl — on New Jersey’s threatened list and never seen in this particular town before. But upon finding the owl, sitting on the ground, their excitement turned to dismay. The bird was clearly in distress. The resident, an experienced field ornithologist, carefully picked up the owl, discovered blood on its belly and under its tail, and knew what had happened because they had seen it before. The bird must have consumed poison. Moments later, the mysterious-looking owl — best known for its distinctive “Who cooks for you?” call — was dead. Perhaps you or someone you know have had a similar experience.
So, how did the owl get poisoned?
To answer this question, we need to turn to rats. Rats are a problem. To control the problem, many building owners rely on a number of approaches to kill or repel them — some are humane and others, well, are not. A last-resort option is the use of bait stations containing second-generation anticoagulant pesticides. These are powerful chemicals that cause internal bleeding and often a slow death for rodents, and for any raptor or mammal that consumes the poisoned rat second-hand. Recently, there have been several cases in which raptors in the state have died or been seriously injured from ingesting these rat poisons. These include a bald eagle, a great horned owl, a Cooper’s hawk and multiple red-tailed hawks. California has banned these poison baits, and other states are looking into it, as well. While there is currently no centralized database in the state for tracking this information, the state Department of Environmental Protection has recently hired a pathologist who will be working with veterinarians and raptor recovery centers to help track these cases.
These rodenticides — known by the trade names brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum and difethialone — were developed in the 1970s to control rodents that were resistant to first-generation anticoagulants. The properties that make the second generation more effective rodenticides also make them more toxic to nontarget species that feed on the rodents. These rodenticides are also quite toxic to humans. Because the bait stations contain these odious poisons, they are already restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency for use only by professional applicators. They are not allowed to be sold to consumers but can only be present in products in containers and installed by professional applicators. In New Jersey, schools are prohibited from using these poison bait stations altogether because they are considered a threat to wildlife, pets and children.
So, while there are some controls, they are not enough to protect species that feed on the poisoned rats and mice. These bait stations are supposed to be used as a last resort — not the first solution, a cure-all or an ongoing solution. However, because they are very effective at killing rats, some businesses continue to use them regularly.
The widespread use of these poisons endangers all owls, hawks and other wildlife (and pets) that prey on rodents. But businesses can’t have rats crawling all over the place.
What’s the answer?
One option is to replace baits and other pesticide approaches with snap-kill traps, which are available enclosed in a plastic box so that only rodents (and not curious animals and children) come into contact with them. Dumpsters offer free buffets to rats. Properly stored food items and control of spaces where trash is stored are essential first steps to control rats, although sometimes and in some areas additional help is needed to control rodent populations. The National Audubon Society lists many alternatives to these second-generation anticoagulants to control rats.
Some New Jerseyans are taking action. The borough of Allendale, for example, recently passed a resolution to remove these rat-poison bait stations used on municipal property and to urge local businesses to stop using or selling these rat poisons. However, control of these poisons cannot be successful solely on a local level. Rats and the raptors and wildlife that prey on them don’t live within municipal boundaries. A statewide approach is needed to protect our sensitive species from needless death.
Eileen Murphy is the vice president of government relations at NJ Audubon Society, based in Bernardsville, and NJ co-chair of the Keep It Green Coalition.
Jim Wright is a freelance writer and birding columnist for The Record. He is also author of the nature blog, The Celery Farm and Beyond, and his recent book is “The Real James Bond.”
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Mass Poisoning
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Man given death sentence for ex-wife’s livestream murder that shocked China
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Brutal death of social media star Lhamo has shone spotlight on domestic violence in the country Last modified on Sat 30 Oct 2021 11.23 BST A Chinese man has been sentenced to death after a court found him guilty of killing his ex-wife while she was livestreaming on social media last year. The intermediate people’s court of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang ethnic minority autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province said Tang Lu doused 30-year-old Lhamo with petrol and set her alight in September last year. The court accused Tang of intentional homicide and said his method was “extremely cruel”, the social impact was “extremely bad” and the crime was “extremely serious”. The case has shone a spotlight on domestic violence in China and continuing failures to protect victims despite changes to legislation and government pledges. Lhamo’s death, which followed multiple alleged assaults against her, unresolved complaints to police, and attempts to leave Tang, prompted campaigns to strengthen laws and make divorce easier for women who experience violence. Lhamo was a popular social media broadcaster in the south-western county of Jinchuan, Sichuan, with hundreds of thousands of followers on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. Her videos offered a window into her life but no sign of the alleged abuse. Her followers saw picturesque scenes of Lhamo’s rural life: picking herbs, walking through the mountains, cooking dinner and working around her house where she lived with her husband and two children. What they did not see was her battle to protect herself and her children from a violent ex-husband whom she had twice divorced, the second time after he allegedly coerced her into remarrying. In early September last year Lhamo was livestreaming from her father’s kitchen when a man walked in. Hundreds of people reportedly watching at the time heard her scream and then the screen went dark. Lhamo’s sister Dolma later found her in the intensive care unit of an Aba prefecture hospital with burns to 90% of her body. She was transferred to Sichuan and her family appealed for donations to help pay for her treatment, drawing attention to her case. By the end of the month she had died. Campaigns over Lhamo’s death intensified when the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, gave a speech to a UN conference a day later saying the protection of women’s rights and interests “must become a national commitment”. Hashtags including #LhamoAct, calling for laws allowing victims an automatic divorce, spread across the internet but were quickly shut down by censors. There were calls for stronger enforcement of a then four-year-old domestic violence law. “With so many signs and alarms, where did the police go? Where is the law?” said one commenter. Lhamo’s death was among several significant domestic violence cases referred to in a song by the Chinese singer Tan Weiwei. A 2020 report by Beijing Equality, a women’s rights advocacy group, said that since the 2016 legislation was enacted, more than 920 women had died from domestic violence – three every five days. Lu Xiaoquan, a legal aid lawyer for women’s rights and executive director of Qianqian law firm in Beijing, said Lhamo’s death had captured the nation’s attention in part because of her social media profile, but also because she died years after the enactment of a law designed to protect women like her. “The Chinese public has understood domestic violence better. There are fewer people who think domestic violence is a ‘family matter’,” said Lu. “The tolerance of serious cases of domestic violence has dropped significantly.” Lu said the law had strengthened definitions of domestic violence to include emotional abuse as well as physical, and to apply to victims and perpetrators who live together even if they are not family. “It shows the basic legal concept of the rule of law in terms of anti-domestic violence,” she said. But its enforcement has been found wanting, and there remain hurdles including overcoming traditional taboos and values among communities and authorities, particularly in rural areas. Lu noted that many women in rural areas often returned to abusive husbands, finding they had no financial or other support after trying to leave. “There is a lack of social support system for women who experience gender violence, including sexual harassment and domestic violence,” said Lu. “The victims are alone in facing their perpetrators.” Lhamo’s sister Dolma has said Tang was known to police and had repeatedly assaulted his wife after their marriage when she was 17. After Lhamo left him the first time in March 2020, he allegedly forced her to remarry by threatening their children. He continued to be violent, Dolma told the New York Times, and Lhamo filed for divorce again in June and hid with her family. Tang looked for her, allegedly assaulting Dolma when she would not tell him where her sister was. A court granted the divorce but gave Tang custody of the children, and Lhamo spent months in the mountains, continuing to post lighthearted videos. Two days before the attack, she told her viewers she was going home. Lu said local police often still considered domestic violence to be a family or private matter in which the public – and public authorities – should not usually get involved. “So they didn’t intervene in a timely manner to break the vicious cycle,” Lu said. “This shows a lack of understanding of the nature of domestic violence, and a lack of training about the awareness of domestic violence for local police, which means they won’t be able to take the right actions.” Three days after the alleged attack, having previously dismissed Lhamo’s complaints of her husband’s violence as a “family matter”, county police began investigating Tang. Ten days after her death, on 10 December, the people’s procuratorate in Jinchuan approved his arrest on suspicion of intentional homicide.
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Famous Person - Commit Crime - Sentence
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Two men, boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning in boating incident on Lake Erie, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner rules
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Two men, boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning in boating incident on Lake Erie, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner rules
Updated: Jun. 25, 2021, 4:09 p.m. |
Published: Jun. 25, 2021, 2:13 p.m.
Two men and a boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning aboard a boat on Lake Erie Wednesday evening, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner said.The Plain Dealer
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By Kaylee Remington, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two men and a boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning aboard a boat on Lake Erie Wednesday evening, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner said.
Frank A. Opaskar, 76, of Avon Lake, Christopher Kedas, 45, of Huron, and Owen Kedas, 11, of Huron, died aboard the boat found circling near the Cleveland crib water intake off the shore of downtown Cleveland. Coast Guard officials arrived about 6 p.m. and entered the boat by breaking out a window.
They discovered the three passengers unresponsive and a carbon monoxide detector sounding as they entered the boat. The medical examiner’s office determined their deaths were an accident and suspected no foul play.
The Coast Guard towed the boat back to U.S. Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor on East 9th Street near North Marginal Road. Paramedics arrived to treat the three passengers.
Opaskar and Kedas were pronounced dead at the scene. Owen died at MetroHealth.
Carbon monoxide poisoning on boats comprises a small number of annual boat-related deaths, according to the most recent data from the Coast Guard. In 2019, it affected 31 people aboard boats , and of those people, five of them died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that gas-powered boats and larger vessels with generators pose a potential carbon monoxide threat to passengers if not carefully vented.
If the generator on larger boats vents toward the back of the boat, it poses a risk to people on the rear swim deck or water platform. The gas can build up above the water near the water platform.
When carbon monoxide builds up in the space beneath the stern deck, it can kill someone in seconds. Traveling at slow speeds or idling in the water can cause a carbon monoxide buildup in the boat’s cabin. The Coast Guard said that one thing that makes carbon monoxide difficult to detect is that its symptoms mimic those attributed to seasickness or alcohol intoxication.
Danny Hearns, owner of Mindful Marine Yacht in Cleveland, said having working carbon monoxide detectors onboard and having ones that are working properly could make all the difference.
“And you need to make sure the boat actually has (CO) detectors,” he said. “I don’t think (carbon monoxide) detectors were installed in boats until the late 70s early 80s. It’s unfortunate. It’s situations like this that make us realize how safe we really need to be.”
The CDC recommends a handful of precautions to help prevent a carbon monoxide buildup on your vessel:
Properly install and maintain all fuel-burning engines and appliances.
Educate all passengers about the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.
Swim and play away from areas where engines vent their exhaust.
Watch children closely when they play on rear swim decks or water platforms.
Never block exhaust outlets. Blocking outlets can cause CO to build up in the cabin and cockpit areas–even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.
Dock, beach, or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine. Exhaust from a nearby vessel can send CO into the cabin and cockpit of a boat.
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Mass Poisoning
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2002 Mecca girls' school fire
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Coordinates: 21°24′58″N 39°48′58″E / 21.416°N 39.816°E / 21.416; 39.816
The 2002 Mecca girls' school fire occurred on 11 March 2002 at a girls' school in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and killed fifteen people, all young girls. Complaints were made that Saudi Arabia's "religious police", specifically the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, had prevented schoolgirls from leaving the burning building and hindered rescue workers because the students were not wearing modest clothing. The actions of the religious police were condemned both inside the country and internationally. A Saudi government inquiry concluded that religious educational authorities were responsible for neglecting fire safety of the school, but rejected the accusation that the actions of religious police contributed to the deaths and that they stopped anyone from leaving because of modest clothing . In the aftermath, authority for administration of girls' schools was removed from an agency controlled by conservative clerics and placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. According to Saudi press reports, the blaze at Mecca Intermediate School No. 31 started at about 8am. The blaze began in a room on the top floor, apparently caused by an unattended cigarette. [1][2][3]
As a result of the fire and ensuing rush to escape, 15 young girls died, and more than 50 were injured. Nine of the dead girls were Saudis; the rest were from Chad, Egypt, Guinea, Niger, and Nigeria. [2] The majority of the deaths occurred when a staircase collapsed as the girls fled the building. The residential property upon which the school was built was overcrowded with 800 pupils. In addition, the building may have lacked proper safety infrastructure and equipment, such as fire stairs and alarms. [4]
According to at least two reports, members of the CPVPV, also known as Mutaween, would not allow the girls to escape or to be saved from the fire because they were "not properly covered", and the mutaween did not want physical contact to take place between the girls and the civil defense forces for fear of sexual enticement, and variously that the girls were locked in by the police, or forced back into the building. [4][5][6]
Civil Defense stated that the fire had extinguished itself before they arrived on the scene. CPVPV officers did appear to object to Civil Defense workers going into the building—Human Rights Watch quoted a Civil Defense officer as saying,
"Whenever the girls got out through the main gate, these people forced them to return via another. Instead of extending a helping hand for the rescue work, they were using their hands to beat us." The CPVPV denied the charges of beating or locking the gates but the incident and the accounts of witnesses were reported in Saudi newspapers such as the Saudi Gazette and Al-Iqtisaddiyya. The result was a very rare public criticism of the group. [5]
Also criticized was the General Presidency for Girls' Education (GPGE), which administers girls' schools in Saudi Arabia. [4]
The behavior of the religious police was widely criticized both inside the country and internationally. In a rare instance of public criticism of the organization, Saudi media accused them of hindering the attempts to save the girls. [7] Hanny Megally, Executive Director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch, stated "women and girls may have died unnecessarily because of extreme interpretations of the Islamic dress code. State authorities with direct and indirect responsibility for this tragedy must be held accountable. "[4]
The West Wing episode "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" features a similar event in Medina which was based on the fire. An inquiry was launched by the Saudi government in wake of the deaths. The investigation was led by Abdul Majeed, the governor of Mecca. The Interior Minister, Prince Nayef, promised that those responsible for the deaths would be held accountable. [8] Nayef, at the time, stated that the deaths did not happen as a result of the fire, but rather the stampede caused by the panic. He acknowledged the presence of two mutaween and that they went there to prevent "mistreatment" of the girls. He said that they did not interfere with the rescue efforts and only arrived after everyone had left the building. [8]
On March 25, the inquiry concluded that while the fire had been caused by a stray cigarette, the religious educational authorities responsible for the school had neglected the safety of the pupils. [1] The inquiry found that the clerics had ignored warnings that overcrowding of the school could cause a fatal stampede. It also found that there was a lack of fire extinguishers and alarms in the building. Accordingly, the cleric in charge of the school was fired, and his office was merged with the Ministry of Education. The report dismissed allegations that the mutaween (of CPVPV) had prevented the girls from fleeing or made the death toll worse. [1]
Many newspapers welcomed the merger of the agency responsible for girls' education with the Ministry of Education. Previously, the agencies had been separate and girls' education had been in the hands of the religious establishment. The newspapers saw the merger as a step towards "reform". [1]
In the outrage over the deaths that followed, Crown Prince Abdullah removed girls' schools from the administration of the "General Presidency for Girls' Education"—an "autonomous government agency long controlled by conservative clerics"[4]—and put it under the Ministry of Education, which already controlled boys' schools. In 1960, when girls' schools were first created in Saudi Arabia, they were put under the control of a separate administration dominated by conservatives as "a compromise to calm public opposition to allowing (not requiring) girls to attend western style school". [9]
There was another similar incident in 2014; according to a report a female student at a Saudi university died of heart attack after being denied access to advanced medical assistance because the paramedics were male. Senior members of the faculty reportedly prevented the paramedics from entering primarily because the student was not fully covered and they did not want to get into trouble for having men in close proximity to her. This caused many Saudis to vent their anger and question the University's policies. However the rector of the university denied this and said that they did all they could. Witnesses said that the medics were not called immediately and there was a delay in letting them in. [10]
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Fire
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Mike Tyson vs. Brian Nielsen
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Mike Tyson vs. Brian Nielsen was a professional boxing match contested on October 13, 2001. Since returning to boxing in January 1999, former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson was undefeated in the five fights he had fought between 1999 and 2000, notching three knockout wins over Francois Botha, Julius Francis and Lou Savarese, and fighting two no-contests with Orlin Norris and Andrew Golota. Tyson's previous fight had come against Golota almost a year earlier on October 20, 2000. Tyson dominated Golota for two rounds before Golota decided to quit between the second and third rounds. Originally, Tyson was rewarded with a technical knockout victory, but it was later changed to a no-contest in January 2001 after a post-fight drug test revealed that Tyson had tested positive for marijuana. [1] Just days before Tyson's positive test became known to the public, he was also issued a three-month suspension by the State of Michigan, which the Nevada Athletic Commission agreed to uphold, though the suspension had little effect on Tyson's boxing schedule as he had already announced his intentions to take those three months off. [2] After serving the suspension, Tyson's next fight was initially going to be against David Izon in June 2001,[3] but the fight was postponed as Showtime attempted to work out a mega-deal that would see Tyson face WBC and IBF Heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman in what would have been Tyson's first title shot since his controversial 1997 fight with Evander Holyfield, but Rahman would go on to have a rematch with Lennox Lewis instead. [4] As such, Tyson moved on from his planned match with Izon and instead agree to meet Danish fighter Brian Nielsen,[5] whose 62–1 record was one of the most impressive in boxing history, but a large majority of his fights had come against either little-known journeymen or former contenders who were past their prime (including former Tyson adversaries Tony Tubbs, Larry Holmes and Orlin Norris). At a press conference to promote the fight, controversy arose when Nielsen called Tyson a "abekat", a Danish word meaning "monkey cat" that was slang for someone who acts foolish, but the word was erroneously translated as "monkey man". Tyson, thinking it was a racial slur, took offense and proclaimed that the remark would "make me punish him even more than I had planned. "[6]
Tyson would have little trouble with Nielsen, constantly landing punch after punch to the defensively challenged Nielsen who offered little movement and largely stood right in front of Tyson. With around 35 seconds left in the third round, Tyson was able to land a six-punch combination to the head of Nielsen that sent Nielsen into the ropes and down onto the canvas in what was only the second knockdown of his career. Nielsen was able to get back up and the fight resumed with 16 seconds, Tyson attempted to land more power punches in hopes of gaining another knockdown, but Nielsen clinched Tyson to ensure that he would make it to the next round. Just before the round ended, Tyson landed an accidental low blow on Nielsen. Though Nielsen was clearly in pain and could now take up to five minutes to recover, he chose to only take a minute and a half before proceeding to the fourth round. Tyson would continue to dominate the remainder of the fight and by the end of sixth round, Nielsen's left eye, which had been cut in the second, was completely shut. As the bell rang to start the seventh round, Nielsen remained seated in his corner and informed referee Steve Smoger that he could not continue. After Smoger confirmed Nielsen's decision, he awarded the victory to Tyson by way of technical knockout. For Tyson it was his longest fight since his 11th round loss to Evander Holyfield in 1996. In between his first fight with Holyfield and his sixth round win over Nielsen, Tyson had six fights, none of which made it past the fifth round. [7]
Tyson's victory kept him the WBC's number one contender and mandatory challenger to the winner of the Hasim Rahman–Lennox Lewis rematch, which Lewis would win by fourth round knockout the following month. Originally, Tyson stated that he would like to get at least two more fights in before facing Lewis and he announced his intention to face Ray Mercer in January 2002. [8] In December, Lewis sued Tyson in an attempt to ensure that Tyson would face him next rather than Mercer. Two days later, Tyson announced the cancellation of his match with Mercer and his intentions to proceed with his long awaited title shot against Lewis. [9] After several delays, Tyson and Lewis met on June 8, 2002 in Memphis, Tennessee. Tyson started off with a strong first round, but would lose the next six before being knocked out in the eighth round.
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Sports Competition
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At least 36 people have died after a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Leyte in the central Philippines.The Kim Nirvana was carrying 173 people when it overturned in rough waters just outside the port of Ormoc.
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At least 36 people have died after a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Leyte in the central Philippines.
The Kim Nirvana was carrying 173 people when it overturned in rough waters just outside the port of Ormoc.
Philippine coast guard officials told the BBC the rescue operation was ongoing but gave no further details.
The chair of the Philippine Red Cross, Richard Gordon, said that between 50 and 70 people had been rescued from the boat, which was visible from the shore.
"We're sending an ambulance and divers to the area to help with the search and rescue," he told the BBC.
Ciriaco Tolibao, an official at Ormoc's disaster risk reduction and management office, told the AFP news agency that divers were searching inside the upturned ship.
Local reports said the ferry was heading for the central islands of Camotes, in Cebu province, to the south-west of Leyte. The cause of the sinking is not yet known.
"[The ferry] rolled while attempting to turn around swiftly. I am alive because I jumped overboard as soon as it happened," vegetable trader Reynante Manza told reporters.
A photographer for the AFP news agency at the scene of the sinking said that only a small section of the boat's underbelly, surrounded by rescue boats, could be seen by late Thursday afternoon. People in the Philippines rely on ferry services to get around its thousands of islands, but vessels are often poorly maintained, leading to scores of deaths at sea every year.
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Shipwreck
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1910 World Allround Speed Skating Championships
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The 1910 World Allround Speed Skating Championships took place on 5 and 6 March 1910 at the ice rink Pohjoissatama in Helsinki, Finland. Oscar Mathisen was the defending champion. Nikolay Strunnikov had the fewest points awarded and became world champion. Source: SpeedSkatingStats.com[1]
Four distances have to be skated:
The ranking was made by award ranking points. The points were awarded to the skaters who had skated all the distances. The final ranking was then decided by ordering the skaters by lowest point totals. One could win the World Championships also by winning at least three of the four distances, so the ranking could be affected by this. Silver and bronze medals were awarded.
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Sports Competition
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Norway to host biggest exercise inside Arctic Circle since Cold War
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About 40,000 soldiers will participate in Cold Response 2022, planned to take place in the Ofoten area with navy and air force as main players in the war game. April 14, 2021 “There is a significantly increased interest among our allies for the north and the Arctic,” said General Eirik Kristoffersen, head of the Norwegian Armed Forces in a phone interview with the Barents Observer. In times of growing distrust between Russia and Europe, Norway seeks to build its security in partnership with NATO allies and Nordic neighbors. That includes more joint military training up north. Now, the Armed Forces are revealing more details about next year’s planned large-scale winter exercise. Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen. Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold / Forsvaret “As it seems today, we will have about 40,000 soldiers in exercise Cold Response,” Kristoffersen said. “It will be the largest military exercise inside the Arctic Circle in Norway since the 1980s,” the General added. Cold Response 2022 will train reinforcement of northern Norway, and the main action will be by navy and air force capacities in the Ofoten area. The region is near to the Army’s northern brigade and training areas where U.S., British and Dutch soldiers frequently drill Arctic warfare. Ofoten is also home to Evenes airport where Norway’s new fleet of P8 Poseidon maritime surveillance planes will be based together with NATO’s two northernmost Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) F-35s fighter jets on standby to meet Russian military planes flying near Norwegian air space. For NATO and the Nordic countries’ defense partnership, Ofoten is core strategic important in case of a larger global conflict involving Russia in the North-Atlantic. ADVERTISEMENT The area is about 600 kilometers from the Kola Peninsula where the Northern Fleet’s nuclear submarines are based. General Eirik Kristoffersen assures that Russia is informed about the exercise “in accordance with international standards and agreements.” Under the Vienna Document , member states in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) invite each other to observe military exercises. “Russia will be invited to observe Cold Response 2022,” Kristoffersen said. Following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Oslo, like most other NATO members, cut defense ties with Russia. The Norwegians, though, maintain a hotline from the military Headquarters near Bodø to the Northern Fleet Headquarters in Severomorsk. Good hotline talks General Kristoffersen would not elaborate details on which topics or situations the hotline is used for, but makes clear that it is important for Norway to avoid misunderstandings or incidents to escalate. “Our communication is good,” he said. During Trident Juncture 2018, where NATO exercised an Article 5 scenario in southern Norway, the Russian Northern Fleet suddenly designed a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), a closure area with purpose to conduct an exercise, just outside Norwegian territorial waters. Since then, the Russian navy has on several occasions made similar NOTAM areas for missile firings in the Norwegian Sea. Speaking in a Podcast about the Russian move during Trident Juncture, retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Foggo said that event was the direct background for the United States to send a surface action group to Russia’s backyard in the Barents Sea in 2020. That was the first time since the Cold War American navy flags were seen so far north. The security landscape in the Arctic is deteriorating, and Norway is no longer alone as NATO in the north. “We welcome allied forces,” Kristoffersen states. Cold Response is a Norwegian exercise, but it is important to train with allies, he added. A planning meeting will take place this June that will also include Norway’s two Nordic neighbors, the non-NATO countries Finland and Sweden. “Deterrence in action” Norway’s Defense Minister, Frank Bakke-Jensen confirmed in an OpEd earlier this winter that Cold Response 2022 must be seen as part of a more persistent NATO presence in the Arctic. “The exercise will also test allied ability to protect NATO interests in the Arctic. This is deterrence in action,” the minister wrote. For Norway, however, the dilemma is how to balance deterrence and reassurance. Being a small neighbor to Russia’s Arctic military buildup and maintain good relations at the same time is challenged by Moscow’s use of military force as a tool to achieve foreign policy goals, including the current deployment of huge forces near Ukraine’s eastern border. It creates an undertone of uncertainty among neighboring countries, like Norway. Norway’s northernmost Observation Post on the coast to the Barents Sea. Russia’s Sredny Peninsula is visible in the horizon. Photo: Thomas Nilsen In the north, Russia has simulated air attacks on Norwegian targets on several occasions in recent years. Military forces on the Kola Peninsula have disturbed GPS signals across the border that threatens security of civilian aviation, and Russian hackers are believed to be behind an attack into the Storting’s computer systems. Visiting Severomorsk on Tuesday this week, Russia’s Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu pointed the finger of blame at NATO in regards to military buildup in the Arctic. He said the situation in the high north “remains complicated” and that “competition for access to the natural resources of the Arctic Ocean is growing among the leading powers of the world.” “The USA and its allies are boosting their military concentration in the Arctic, they increase the intensity of military preparedness and expand and modernize military infrastructure,” Shoigu said as reported by the Barents Observer . In September this year, Russia will kick off the Zapad-2021 joint strategic exercise . The large-scale military drill will take place in several geographical areas of western Russia and Belarus, including those under the responsibility of the Northern Fleet in the north and the Arctic.
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Military Exercise
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Millions More Movement
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The Millions More Movement was launched by a broad coalition of African American leaders to mark the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March. A mass march on Washington, DC, was held on October 15, 2005, to galvanize public support for the movement's goals. The march was open to men, women, and children and focused on creating lasting relationships between participating individuals, faith-based organizations, and community institutions. The movement only rallied a few thousand protesters and was seen as a disappointment. Ten key issues identified by the movement organizers are:
In An Open Letter on the Millions More Movement, Louis Farrakhan stated in part,
For the first time in our history, those of us of different ideologies, philosophies, methodologies, denominations, sects, and religions, political and fraternal affiliations have come together to create the Millions More Movement. Each of us, who have agreed to work together for the benefit of the whole of our people, have said from our particular platforms, based on our beliefs and understanding or the lack thereof, words that have offended members of our own people and others; and our ideology, philosophy, religion, and pronouncements may have hurt the ears and sentiments of others outside of our community. Therefore, this has kept us working inside of our own circles with those who think as we think or believe as we believe. As a result, some of us would never appear on the same stage with one another, for fear of being hurt by association with those with whom we have serious disagreements. The Millions More Movement is challenging all of us to rise above the things that have kept us divided in the past, by focusing us on the agenda of the Millions More Movement to see how all of us, with all of our varied differences, can come together and direct our energy, not at each other, but at the condition of the reality of the suffering of our people, that we might use all of our skills, gifts and talents to create a better world for ourselves, our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. [2]
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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Singapore’s diplomacy outreach on the US-China rivalry
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The US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ first visit to Singapore and Asia on August 22 was a significant move of the Biden administration with a focus on the Indo-Pacific and a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to partnerships with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. It was clear from her speech that the US Indo-Pacific policy remains China-centric. Singapore, a small city-state with a high dependence on international trade for its survival, has continuously called for peaceful exchanges. The case of Singapore is an example of a small state showcasing an independent foreign policy in the big powers’ struggle for power. Singapore has maintained neutrality in the US-China rivalry.
However, ASEAN states generally hold a favourable view of US with over 61% of the respondents if ASEAN were compelled to take sides as found in the 2021 State of Southeast Asia Survey conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. At the same time, the Survey reports about 76% in ASEAN agreeing that China is the most influential economic power in Southeast Asia, and 7% for the US.
Zero-sum strategy
China’s gains in Southeast Asia are losses to the US ( and vice-versa), and, thus, the Obama’s ‘pivot-to-Asia’ policy and the Trump’s Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) have made it clearer for changing the status quo in Southeast Asia in particular, and the Indo-Pacific in general. But President Trump neglected ASEAN which could be seen in absences in ASEAN-related summits and withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Nonetheless, Harris’ speech, in the backdrop of the concern of many with the US foreign policy associated with the former President Bush’ calls for partnership with the dictum ‘you are either with us or against us’, stated succinctly that the present US foreign policy strategy is not to compel any state . She says, “I must be clear, our engagement in southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific is not against any one country. Nor is it designed to make anyone choose between countries.” However, due to its China-centric policy in the region, it is a matter of policy choices which invites for ‘like-minded’ partners for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific” on the basis of a rule-based international order. She said, “Beijing continues to coerce to intimidate and make claims to the vast majority of the South China Sea (SCS).” Thus, the Quad and US-Mekong partnership are seen by the Beijing administration as a threat to China’s interests in the region. Her visit signifies Biden’s offensive diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
The bilateral tension in the SCS, for example, has led to extensive naval exercises on both sides leading to an exchange of war of words. Recently, China conducted five-days naval drills in the SCS amid the all-domain military exercises being conducted by the US in the Indo-Pacific region along with Britain, Australia and Japan, which began from August 2 to 27. The US defends the rights of counter-claimant states of the SCS by citing that the 2016 international tribunal decision holds against its claims in most parts of SCS and that Beijing’s actions continue to undermine the rules-based order and threaten the sovereignty of nations. Beijing warns Quad members not to violate sovereignty rights and international law and avoid harming regional peace and stability while conducting naval exercises.
Singapore’s Diplomacy as a Strategic Tool
In this context, Singapore plays a critical role between the two major powers. Due to its geostrategic location connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and status as a global port and a hub to global trade and commerce, finance, logistics, innovation, and a critical part of global supply chains, it can play more than just being a balancing act between the major powers. Moreover, its soft power strength is its attractive business model. It is known for its effective policies and talented professionals which in combination with its strategic location becomes a soft power to be reckoned with.
Singapore has prepared itself as a model for a multicultural society, an effective governance, and an increasingly open-economy-- 2nd position in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business for 2020. However, from a realist perspective it is severely limited in material hard powers since it is a small state without a natural resources. It has successfully played diplomacy as a strategic tool.
Singapore has redefined the very idea of coalition of ‘like-minded’ partners which traditionally been understood from western perspective as partners of a similar political system, for example, western democracies call for democratic values and human rights. Singapore is a ‘like-minded’ partner for the West and the US for it is open to trade and investment and a democratic country. It, however, is also in a functioning partnership with China, which often is labelled by the West as an ‘undemocratic’ country for lack of freedom of speech and dissension, and a ‘violator’ of human rights of ethnic minorities. Although, Singapore is a multi-ethnic and multi-racial society, it has faced criticism for its human rights records from time to time. Its foreign policy approach holds for accommodation of China which need not be seen as an ‘enemy’ in the changing global order – as shaped and controlled by the West – given its contribution to global economy.
Singapore is strategically and commercially key to both major powers. Thus, it can engage in partnership in key military and naval exercises with China as well as the US without provoking the other. It possesses significant naval strengths in the Southeast Asia. It has achieved a significant upgradation of its defence preparedness from them.
Singaporean Diplomatic ‘Wisdom’
Few points about its diplomatic ‘wisdom’ are worth mentioning.
First, Singapore is crystal clear of its policy of ‘neutrality’ in the US-China conflicting situations. Second, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong does not shy away from calling out the US’s China-policy which he believes has moved away from a healthy competition with China to the view that America ‘must win, one way or another’, said at an online meeting of the Aspen Security Forum in August 2021. Further, he said that “the same forces constrain and shape the policies of the current US admin towards china as shaped the previous administration”. Further, on China, he said that “In China two attitudes have become assertive and robust: China’s strategic and economic influence has grown; it’s taken on a more active international stance and seeks to reshape the international order to its advantage.” This is a strong and rational assessment of the need for a new international order coming from the ASEAN region, which the two major powers are vying for. Many countries have welcomed the development and prosperity of China which is seen as an opportunity to prosper together. On Taiwan, he categorically said that Beijing would not likely make a unilateral move to ‘invade’ Taiwan. Further, China does not feel threatened by the Kamala’s visit which will not affect the supply-chain advantage build based on the close cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations.
Third, born out the shadow of the Cold War, Singapore has learnt the lessons of hard power politics and adopts the ASEAN way of cooperation and mutual understanding. Thus, it supports an ‘open regionalism’ which is inclusive in nature. It often stands up to bigger powers like China, the UK, and the US so that it is not taken for granted. This is with the view that uncertainties surrounding the major powers are dangerous for peace and stability of the international order.
He worries for the dangers due to miscalculation which requires a clear and consistent policy from the US. He said, “In this situation, I would say to both, pause, think carefully before you fast-forward, it’s very dangerous.” PM Lee also suggested the Trump administration along similar tone at a virtual dialogue of the Atlantic Council in 2020. It is of the view hold by many countries that the problematic relationship between the US and China can be ‘checked’. Singapore has always stood for a transparent foreign policy, rules-based international order, multilateralism, and peaceful methods of conflict resolution.
Singapore’s approach to the US-China rivalry is ‘balanced’ as it acknowledges the fact that China is the biggest trading partner of ASEAN while the region is wary of China’s aggressive push in the SCS. PM Lee’s vision of peace and neutrality is embedded when he says, “the US is still the number one but number two (China) is not so far behind”. Singapore, thus, leads by example in the crucial juncture of international politics in which the US has shifted its optics from the Atlantic to the Pacific, which resulted in the trade war between the US and China affected global trade.
Singapore has been successful in managing and accommodating the two major powers and cooperating with both states in strategic and economic relationships. Whether the vision of a small state could douse the egos of the struggle for power with major powers setting the tones and degree of engagement has to be watched closely. However, such approach of cooperation is acceptable to many countries when countries are expected to pick a side.
(The piece has been authored by Mehdi Hussain, assistant professor, department of political science, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi)
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Diplomatic Visit
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Primera Division: Spain's top women players sign pay agreement
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Last updated on 20 February 202020 February 2020.From the section Women's Football
Players in Spain's top women's division have signed a collective agreement on pay and conditions that guarantees them a minimum salary of 16,000 euros (£13,386).
It comes after a strike by players in November that saw Primera Division fixtures postponed.
The new agreement also secures benefits for the players that include paid holiday and maternity leave.
"This is an historic day," said Spain's sports minister Irene Lozano.
"This collective agreement is very important for players who were worried about their future.
"It's also important for all Spanish women because when one group of people makes advances then so does everyone else."
Ruben Alcaine, president of the Association of Women's Football Clubs, added: "This is a moment to celebrate."
Follow one of the UK’s biggest ever police investigations into the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants
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Sign Agreement
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The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding Connecticut residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of fuel burning equipment.
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12/16/2020 With the first major winter storm of the season coming tonight expected to bring large quantities of snow and potential power outages, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding Connecticut residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of fuel burning equipment. Every winter in Connecticut, hundreds of residents are taken to the emergency department and some are hospitalized and even die due carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from malfunctioning furnaces, improperly placed portable generators and indoor use of charcoal grills.
“The tragic reality is that most of these carbon monoxide poisonings and deaths are completely preventable,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford, MD MPH. “It is very important to learn how carbon monoxide gas can harm you and what you can do to keep your loved ones safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter, especially if you lose power during a winter storm.”
Carbon monoxide is an invisible odorless gas that can be fatal. It forms when fuels like gasoline, natural gas, propane, wood, charcoal, and kerosene do not burn completely. Breathing carbon monoxide can deprive the body of oxygen, and may lead to illness, unconsciousness and death.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms?
How Do I Know?
Carbon monoxide alarms are the only way to know if the deadly gas is present in your home. DPH recommends that all residents with fuel burning appliances or indoor equipment install carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas in their home to alert them of the presence of carbon monoxide. Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your home and outside of each bedroom. Install new batteries as per manufacturer’s instructions and replace alarms every five years, as the sensors degrade.
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Mass Poisoning
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Autumn Uprising of 1946
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The 10.1 Daegu Uprising of 1946 (hangul: 대구 10·1 사건; hanja: 大邱 10·1 事件) in Korea was a peasant uprising throughout the southern provinces of Korea against the policies of the United States Army Military Government in Korea headed by General John R. Hodge and in favor of restoration of power to the people's committees that made up the People's Republic of Korea. The uprising is also called the Daegu Riot or Daegu Resistance Movement. [1] The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Korea chooses the neutral name of the Daegu October Incident. [1]
The uprising was preceded by the Korean General Strike in September, by the end of which more than 250,000 workers had participated. The strike was declared illegal by the US Military Government and strikers were attacked by police. On October 1st a protest by strikers in Daegu was fired on by police and a railway worker was killed. The following day thousands of protestors, including school and college students, carried his body through the city streets, despite police attempts to halt them. The strike then evolved into the more general Autumn Uprising (or Daegu 10.1 uprising). [2][3]
The uprising itself started in Busan and eventually spread to Seoul, Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Chungcheongnam-do, and Jeollanam-do and ended in mid-November. Further demands expressed during the uprising were for better working conditions, higher wages, the right to organize, and the release of political prisoners. According to the conditions the United States Military Government responded in different ways, including mobilizing strike-breakers, the police, right-wing youth groups, sending in U.S. troops and tanks, and declaring martial law, and succeeded in putting down the uprising. The uprising resulted in the deaths of 92 policemen, 163 civil workers, 116 civilians, and 240 rioters. 2,609 people were arrested by the police and military. [4][5] Some analysts say that the uprising, which was in part a reaction to the October elections for the South Korean Interim Legislative Assembly, organized by the United States Military Government, is a better indicator of public opinion than the election itself. [6]
The defeat of the uprising is considered to be a turning point in establishing political control over Korea as the people's committees and the National Council of Korean Labour Unions were weakened in the suppression. [7][8] To the Americans, the Autumn Harvest Rebellion added new urgency to the effort to find some formula for unifying the two occupation zones of Korea under an elected government. [9]
In 2010, Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented its findings, there were 60 victims to whose families it suggested the government should provide compensation, and there were around 7,500 other people who suffered at the incident. [1] Some victims were arrested and tortured, then police and extreme right wing groups damaged or confiscated their homes and property. [1] The families of the victims had to endure the shame of being viewed as criminals. [1]
It is called the October Uprising, the October 1 Incident, the Yeongnam riots, and the October riots, depending on the historical point of view. From an advocate standpoint, it is called the October Uprising, a criticism call it as Yeongnam riots and October riots, and from a neutral standpoint it is called the October 1 Incident. From the perspective of asserting the agitation and initiative of the Communist Party of Korea, it is sometimes referred to as the October riot. In the past, the terms of the October riot, the Yeongnam riot, and the October riot were used interchangeably, and officially the term was referred to as the more neutral October 1 Incident. [10][11]
After liberation, the lives of Koreans under the USAMGIK(Hangul:재조선미육군사령부군정청) of the US military Command in South Korea were starving. Because the USAMGIK's rice ration policy failed. [12] The hunger in Daegu, where cholera outbreaks during this period, was particularly severe. After 2,000 cholera patients occurred in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, the government blocked Daegu without taking proper measures for treatment by saying that they prevent the transmission. As a result, vehicles and people could not cross the city boundary, and the supply of crops and daily necessities was cut off. Above all, rice was scarce. [13]
In addition, police from the former pro-Japanese who was hired as the national police robbed farmers of rice in the same way as during Korea under Japanese rule. Citizens' anger against pro-Japanese policemen grew very much, and the police retaliated against them here and there. In the midst of this, the public sentiment of Daegu and Gyeongsnabuk-do was very chaotic. [12]
Meanwhile, in May 1946, in the case of counterfeit bills by Jung Pan-sa, the USAMGIK announced 'illegalization of communist activities' and issued a massive arrest order for communist party officials. The forces of the Communist Party of Korea of Pak Hon-yong(Hangul:: 박헌영, Hanja:朴憲永) showed a more extreme tendency by adopting a method called 'new tactics'[14] saying, "I will fight against the USAMGIK" Subsequently, the Communist Party and Jeon-pyeongagitated the workers and held a massive strike led by railroad workers and transportation workers in September 1946, which is the general strike in September. [15]
The September general strike spread across the country, starting with the strike of railroad workers in the Busan area. [14] In this way, the Communist Party and Jeon-pyeong led a general strike in September and struck head-on against the USAMGIK in earnest. The general strike in September quickly spread across the country, and workers went on strike. The USAMGIK put the national police and anti-communist youth groups to crush the strike, but there was an unexpected situation here. When the police fired on strikes by workers in Daegu, the incident developed in response. [13][16]
When the Communist Party of Korea held a general strike in September, the Jeonpyeong leadership in Daegu began a general strike from September 23rd,[12] and strikes and demonstrations continued until October 1st. [13] However, on the evening of October 1st, during a protest in front of the Daegu Metropolitan City Hall to prepare countermeasures against hunger, civilians named Hwang Mal-Yong and Kim Jong-Tae were shot and killed when the police fired. [13] When the disbanded crowd heard the gunfire, they became angry and began to gather in front of the headquarters of the Daegu City Fighter Committee, and thousands of people gathered. The police fired again to disperse the crowd, and in response, the crowd attacked the police, resulting in casualties. [14]
The next morning, October 2nd when they heard that two civilians were shot and killed by the police firing, workers began to gather in the city, and ordinary citizens and students joined the protests. Surrounded by a crowd of about 10,000 people, the chief of the Daegu Police Department declared himself disarmed and handed the keys to the detention center to release political prisoners. Workers under the control of the leadership of the Korean Communist Party tried to take the police power in an orderly manner. At this time, however, excited crowds on one side of the street started throwing stones at the police, and police officers in the corner fired guns at the crowd, killing 17 protesters. [17]
On the occasion of the 'incident' on October 2nd, the strike developed into a violent form as it was combined with the mass struggle. The Daegu City Struggle Committee tried to unfold the strike struggle within a legal framework and to prevent the struggle from unfolding violently. However, as the public hatred for the police soared, spontaneously attacking and destroying the houses of police and military officials.
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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Kenya: Locust plague in drought region | Johanniter
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Kenya: Locust plague in drought region
For years, Kenya has had far too little rain. Time and again, the regular rainy periods fail completely. The country's president has therefore declared a state of emergency for the northern regions of the country in September. More than two million people are threatened by acute malnutrition. Now another disaster is threatening the food situation in the country: locusts.
13 swarms of desert locusts reportedly arrived at the in November in Mandera County. According to FAO projections, the swarms are moving within Mandera and west towards Moyale in Marsabit County. The swarms are mature, yet unable to lay eggs currently, suggesting that they might still migrate a relatively long distance. The formation of new swarms would be about mid-December and could pose a potential threat to drought-impacted households in North Eastern Kenya as well as South Eastern Ethiopia.
Humans and nature have not yet recovered from the last locust infestation
When the insects hatch, then young and very hungry grasshoppers feast on the few edible foods that are left. "A disaster, especially in the current situation," says Tiemo Kummer, project officer for Kenya at Johanniter International Assistance.
“We experienced the first swarm of desert locusts early 2020, which has impacted us negatively and if these newly reported swarms in Mandera arrives it will pose severe challenges to livestock and food security. Currently we are losing our livestock to drought and this was contributed by experienced desert locusts, the loss of forage land acts as a driver of transhumance where we shift to new locations to find available forage. This is a significant threat to livelihoods of the 80% pastoral communities in Isiolo’’, Abdikarim Hussein, Community volunteer in Merti sub County in the north of Isiolo county.
Food Vouchers for Affected
Kummer was just on site in Isiolo County to talk to community leaders and get an idea of the situation. "The food situation is getting worse, by December 2021 half of the 268,000 inhabitants in Isiolo will be hungry. The crops have dried up and the livestock are dying as there is no water either," he reports. Water is the biggest problem. The hoped-for rain will fail again, the wells are all too saline. The next working water source is 19km away.
To save the people from the worst, Johanniter`s partner organisation MID-P is currently distributing food vouchers to the affected population in Isiolo. "With these, people can buy essential staple foods at the local market and thus feed their families," Kummer further explains. "In addition, this way we support the people who can still sell food."
© Axel Fassio
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Insect Disaster
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1950 Red River flood
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The 1950 Red River flood was a devastating flood that took place along the Red River in The Dakotas and Manitoba from April 15 to June 12, 1950. Damage was particularly severe in the city of Winnipeg and its environs, which were inundated on May 5, also known as Black Friday to some residents. [3]
An estimated 70,000–100,000 residents had to be evacuated, and four of eleven bridges were destroyed. In that year, the Red River reached its highest level since 1861 and flooded most of the Red River Valley, more than 1,400 km2 (550 sq mi). One man died, and property losses due to the flood were estimated at more than $600 million to one billion. To prevent and reduce future damage, the government constructed the Red River Floodway, which was completed in 1968. It has been estimated to have prevented more than $100 billion (CAD) in cumulative flood damage. Although seasonal flooding was common, this flood surpassed the others. The north-flowing Red River was fed by flows resulting from melting of heavy snows in the winter and runoff from heavy rains in the spring. Eight dikes gave way and flooded much of Winnipeg, turning an estimated 600 square miles (1,600 km2) of farmland in the area into an enormous lake. A total of more than 1,400 km2 (550 sq mi) in the Red River Valley were flooded, from Emerson to 60 miles (97 km) north to Greater Winnipeg. The depth of the flood waters on the farmland was between 2–6 feet (0.61–1.83 m). [5] The city turned to the Canadian Army and the Red Cross for help. Four of eleven bridges in the city were destroyed and approximately 100,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes and businesses. This was the largest evacuation in Canadian history until the 1979 Mississauga train derailment. In Winnipeg there was one fatality; property damage was severe, with losses estimated at between $600 million[1] and more than a billion dollars. [3] The flood postponed opening day for baseball in the Mandak League due to inundation of Osborne Stadium. [6] The league and president Jimmy Dunn arranged benefit games to raise money for Winnipeg's Flood Fund. [7]
As a result of the damage, the government built the Red River Floodway, to divert flood waters from Winnipeg to more distant portions of the river. The project was completed in 1968 and has been used 20 times. From 1950 to about 1997, it was derogatorily referred to as "Duff's Ditch", after the premier (Dufferin Roblin) that built the floodway. It is estimated to have prevented more than $100 billion (CAD) in cumulative flood damage. [8] The Floodway was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2000, and is considered an outstanding engineering achievement both in terms of function and effects. [9]
Flooding in the Red River Valley of the United States resulted in five deaths. [2]
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Floods
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Tonnes of plastic waste pollute Cocos Island beaches, and what you see is only a fragment
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Tonnes of plastic waste pollute Cocos Island beaches, and what you see is only a fragment
A remote tropical island paradise off the coast of Western Australia in the Indian Ocean has become home to hundreds of tonnes of rubbish.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are better known as a tropical tourist destination, but a 2017 survey has revealed its beaches are littered with an estimated 414 million pieces of rubbish weighing 238 tonnes. At least a quarter of the identifiable objects were single-use plastics such as food packaging, report a team of scientists in the journal Scientific Reports,
The mix of items sets the islands apart from other polluted remote islands such as Henderson Island in the Pacific Ocean, which is dominated by discarded fishing equipment.
Jennifer Lavers from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, who led the study, said the composition of the debris on the Cocos Islands is an indicator of the type and amount of plastics circulating the world's oceans.
"Remote islands can give a good view of the volume of plastic debris globally — acting like canaries in a coal mine," Dr Lavers said.
"I hope that people can see themselves in the debris."
The Cocos Islands — an Australian external territory — lie 2,100km off the coast of Exmouth, and have long been a tropical paradise getaway for international and Australian tourists alike.
Dr Lavers and her team surveyed seven of the 27 islands that make up the territory, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the total land mass.
They found that items and fragments on the surface represented less than one tenth of the rubbish present. The vast majority of the rubbish — 93 per cent — was buried in the top 10cm of sand.
Unfortunately, this buried rubbish was not often touched by community groups. "I'm a huge advocate for beach clean-ups, but they can't go below the beach surface," Dr Lavers said.
"What you see on the surface from clean-ups is actually only the tip of the iceberg.
"If you look at the photos [of Cocos Islands] and think that's bad, when you find out that's only about ten per cent of the problem — I don't even have words to describe it."
Because Dr Lavers was unable to survey some 'debris hotspots' on the islands, the estimates are "conservative".
After surveying the even more remote Henderson Island in 2014, Dr Lavers wanted her next site to be one Australians would feel more connected to — and therefore more inclined to act on.
"A lot of the debris on the beaches [in Cocos] is still intact. Thongs, toothbrushes, bottles — things we use everyday," she said.
"Whereas on Henderson it was fragments of fishing crates and things that the rest of us couldn't connect with.
"If there was ever something to motivate people to change, I hope it's this."
Despite the best intentions, highlighting stories of pollution on remote islands might distract people and governments from investing in local actions, said marine ecologist Chris Wilcox from CSIRO, who was not involved in the study.
"The discussion is about the middle of the ocean, which I think makes people feel like the solutions are going to be really hard because it's so far away," Dr Wilcox said.
"But also if you're a government thinking about investing in the problem you don't see any benefit to you."
Monitoring of marine debris should be much closer to the source, Dr Wilcox said.
"The place you're most likely to find waste that's flowing out of the city is back on your own coastlines." "If you know that it's your own waste that is making your beaches dirty and reducing tourism income, your council is more likely to spend money on it," he said.
This article contains content that is no longer available.
The Cocos Islands have a population of about 700 people, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
Beach pollution directly affects their everyday lives, but they have little power to stop the influx of rubbish, or to get rid of what's already there.
And although tourists could easily avoid seeing the worst affected areas by sticking to the sheltered bays of the islands, local tourism operators are making sure visitors see both sides of the story.
Tour operator Kylie James has seen an increase in the amount of plastic washing up on the beaches since around 2007, which she now shows to visitors as a part of her tours.
"At first we thought, 'Oh my God, should we take people here?' but we decided visitors need to be aware of what's going on and it's a big part of our tours now," Ms James said.
"It's all about education and the more that we can share with people what's happening here, the better."
Ms James said the local council and the whole community are doing what they can to tackle the problem, but their waste disposal is limited by the size of the islands and resources available.
"A lot of [the waste] actually gets burnt here," she said. "They did bring in an incinerator at one point, but it needed too much diesel to run."
"It's a bit of a vicious cycle."
Dr Lavers agreed the solution for the Cocos Islands was complicated.
"They can't clean it up by themselves, but they've struggled to find landfill sites, and getting it off the island proves impossible," she said.
Exporting any recyclable materials to the Australian mainland is restricted due to complex biosecurity legislation.
"The community has asked for help, I hope we can find a solution to the problem they're currently dealing with," Dr Lavers said.
In the last week, plastic was discovered in one of the ocean's deepest trenches, a report from the Centre for International Environmental Law highlighted the impact of plastics on human health and climate change, and nearly every country in the world agreed on a new legally-binding famework to reduce plastic pollution.
This article contains content that is no longer available.
James Cordwell from the Australian Marine Conservation Society said the plastic problem could be solved if leaders were willing to invest in solutions.
"We're asking all parties to commit to a single use plastic ban by 2023 and a plastic reduction target of 70 per cent," Mr Cordwell said.
"The biggest single plastic solution is to stop it at its source."
Dr Wilcox said while bans work for things that are particularly damaging in the environment, but ultimately plastic needs to be worth more.
"I think we should put a fee on plastic, very high up in the manufacturing process," Dr Wilcox said. "You could use a fee like that to subsidise recycling, it's effectively just expanding the container deposit system," he said.
Dr Lavers said if the true environmental cost of plastic products was factored into the price of those products, it would flip the situation on its head.
"The cost of these products would no longer be borne by the consumer or the environment," she said.
"Within a matter of years we would treat plastic like we treat aluminium, or copper, it would become a commodity.
"If we can do it for other materials, why not plastic."
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Environment Pollution
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Topo Chico prison riot
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Events:
Topics:
On 10 February 2016, a prison riot broke out at the Topo Chico prison near Monterrey, in northern Mexico. [5] 49 inmates were killed during the riot and ensuing fire. The riot was the most deadly in Mexican penal history, surpassing the death toll of the 2012 Apodaca prison riot. [6] After the rioting, authorities uncovered 'luxury cells' prison leaders had. Among the items confiscated included televisions, mini-fridges, aquariums, and saunas. The Topo Chico prison houses 3,800 inmates, over 35% of capacity[citation needed] overseen by 100 guards. [7] According to Mexican media, the prison was controversially known for being overcrowded and ungovernable. [1]
The riot started at 11:30 p.m, the cause was an internal dispute between members of the Los Zetas drug cartel. A rival faction of the gang was led by Juan Pedro Saldivar-Farías (known as "El Z-27"), against a faction led by Jorge Iván Hernández Cantú (alias "El Credo"). Hernández was at first reported by Mexican media to have ties to the Gulf Cartel, a fierce rival to the Zetas, but it was later confirmed that the fight broke out between members of the same criminal organization. The fighting was allegedly triggered by a warring dispute between Saldivar over control of the prison from Hernández. [8][9]
The rioting began when Saldivar mobilized a group of prisoners to attack rival leader Hernández, but they failed to reach his cell. [10] The rioting took place in two separate units of the prison complex, and inmates used a combination of weapons such as wooden bats, sticks, razor blades, bottles, and chairs during the melee. [4] Fire was set to a food storage and the blaze spread to a section housing prison cells. [7]
The fighting continued until 1:30 p.m, when the Mexican Army along with federal and local police subdued the rioting. [11][1]
According to Nuevo Leon state Governor Jaime Rodríguez Calderón, the riot was not an attempt at escape but a fight between the two rival groups. No prisoners had escaped during the riot. [12]
Forty of the victims have been identified, while five were unrecognizable, charred by the fire. [7] All of the fatalities were inmates and 40 of them were killed from strikes and blows delivered by hammers, cudgels, and knives. In all, 60 hammers, 86 knives and 120 shivs were used. [4]
The sole fatality of a gunshot wound was an inmate who was killed by a guard protecting a group of women. [1] The guard, Jose Reyes Hernandez, was later charged with murder. [13]
A state prosecutor charged prison director Gregoria Salazar Robles and superintendent Jesus Fernando Dominguez Jaramillo for not maintaining the necessary security measures inside the prison. Investigators determined inmates had bats and metal bars that were used in the riot. Some cells did not have locks and inmates were out and about at times they should not have been. [13]
After the riot, authorities seized various kinds of contraband items, such as half a kilogram of marijuana, cocaine and other drugs, televisions, and USB memory sticks. [14][10] Also dismantled were 'luxury cells'. Zetas leader Jorge Iván Hernández Cantú had his cell equipped with a king-size bed, a luxury bath and a huge television, other inmates had air conditioners, mini-fridges, aquariums and portable saunas. Police also dismantled 280 inmate-run food stalls, a bar and hundreds of altars to Santa Muerte, a death-like figure revered by many members of Mexico's drug cartels. [15]
Nuevo Leon Governor Jaime Rodríguez Calderón blamed the rioting on "the old, outdated, obsolete system" under which Mexican prisons are run. [4] During a visit to Mexico, Pope Francis sent a message of condolences to the archbishop of Monterrey and the families of those killed. [16] Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto said his administration will "continue to work in coordination with the state authorities" to secure the safety of the nation's often overcrowded and gang-controlled penitentiaries. [citation needed]
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Riot
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Alarm over Desert Locusts increases as new generation of the ...
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Alarm over Desert Locusts increases as new generation of the destructive pests starts breeding in Horn of Africa
Format
© FAO
29 January 2020, Rome - The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today warned that rising numbers of Desert Locusts present an extremely alarming and unprecedented threat to food security and livelihoods in the Horn of Africa.
According to FAO's latest update on the Desert Locust upsurge, the current situation would be further worsened by new breeding that will produce more locust infestations in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
South Sudan and Uganda are at risk and there is also concern about new swarms forming in Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.
"Locust swarms have started laying eggs and another generation of breeding will increase locust numbers," said Keith Cressman, Senior Locust Forecasting Officer at FAO. "Urgent efforts must be made to stop them from increasing to protect the livelihoods of farmers and livestock holders."
It is the worst outbreak of Desert Locusts seen in the region for decades. Tens of thousands of hectares of croplands and pasture have been damaged in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia with potentially severe consequences in a region where 11.9 million people are already food insecure.
The potential for destruction is enormous. A locust swarm of one square kilometre can eat the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people.
In Kenya, immature swarms are moving through northern and central areas and have so far invaded 13 counties. Some swarms have started to lay eggs that will hatch in early February and new swarms are expected to form in early April.
Swarms are present in eastern areas of Ethiopia and continue to move south and into the Rift Valley with a new generation of locusts expected to cause more damage. In Somalia, swarms are present and breeding in the north-east as well as in the south near the Kenyan border.
As numbers continue to rise there is now serious concern that South Sudan and Uganda are under threat because some of the swarms in Kenya are only 200 kilometres from the country's borders with its neighbours.
FAO is already working closely with governments and partners, supporting control operations and initiating efforts to safeguard livelihoods and assist in the longer-term recovery of those affected.
However, intensive ground and aerial control operations need to be urgently scaled up to detect and reduce the locust numbers before they spread any further.
FAO requires $70 million to support rapid control operations and measures to protect livelihoods and prevent a deterioration of the food security situation.
On Thursday, FAO will give donors an informal briefing * at its Rome headquarters on the gravity of the Desert Locust outbreak, particularly in the Horn of Africa, as well as the ongoing response at the country and regional level.
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Insect Disaster
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2015 Rugby World Cup Final
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The 2015 Rugby World Cup Final was a rugby union match to determine the winner of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, played between reigning champions New Zealand and their rivals Australia on 31 October 2015 at Twickenham Stadium in London. New Zealand beat Australia 34–17, winning the World Cup for a record third time, and becoming the first team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup. This match saw a new record for tries in a Rugby World Cup Final with the teams combining for five, surpassing the previous record of four scored in the 1987 final. It was only the second final between two teams from the Southern Hemisphere, the previous one being South Africa's win over New Zealand in 1995. [2]
Having been in band 1 in the draw, New Zealand were placed as the top team participating in Pool C. They began their tournament with a steady performance against Argentina, earning a 26–16 victory (though having been 13–12 down at half time) in front of a then-record crowd of 89,019 at Wembley on 20 September. On that day, their starting XV was the most experienced ever. [3] Their performance remained steady four days later with a 58–14 win over Namibia in which they scored nine tries. [4] On 2 October, they faced Georgia – their first ever encounter – at the Millennium Stadium, with Julian Savea scoring a hat-trick to help New Zealand to a 43–10 win. New Zealand's last pool match was on 9 October, with their performance improving to reach a successful 47–9 victory over Tonga, which included a try by Ma'a Nonu who earned his 100th test cap during the match. [5]
In the quarter-finals, the All Blacks faced France, the last team to beat New Zealand in a Rugby World Cup match (in the quarter-final stage of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, also at the Millennium Stadium). However, New Zealand crushed France 62–13, the highest winning margin in a World Cup knockout game since their win over Wales in 1987. [6] Julian Savea scored a second hat-trick in the rout, equaling Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana's record of eight tries in a World Cup. [7] New Zealand reached the final after defeating South Africa 20–18 in a tight semi-final on 24 October, where New Zealand became the first ever nation to make four Rugby World Cup finals, having previously made the 1987, 1995 and 2011 tournament deciders. [8]
Having also been in band 1 in the draw, Australia were placed as the top team in Pool A, and began their campaign with a 28–13 win over Fiji in Cardiff. Head Coach Michael Cheika, who had only been in charge of the team since 22 October 2014, had been open about the short four-day turn-around between Fiji and Uruguay, and openly admitted he would field two different starting XVs against either team. [9] Had it not been for an injury to James Slipper in the Fiji game, Cheika would have followed this through; instead, he made 14 changes for the match against Uruguay. [10] On 27 September, they crushed Uruguay 65–3, scoring 11 tries, including two each for Sean McMahon, Ben McCalman and Drew Mitchell. They then went on to defeat hosts England at Twickenham, with Bernard Foley scoring two tries, kicking all three conversions and scoring all four penalties in a record 33–13 win. On 10 October, Australia won 15–6 against Wales in the last game of the pool stage; no tries were scored in the match — the first time this had happened since 1947 — but Foley scored five of the six penalties that he took. During the match, Australia successfully defended for nearly 10 minutes with two players in the sin bin, a period of play that was widely referred to in the media as potentially "defining" the Australian campaign. [citation needed]
Australia nearly lost their quarter-final match on 18 October, requiring a controversial last-minute penalty from Foley to beat Scotland 35–34. [11] The decision by referee Craig Joubert to award a penalty was later deemed incorrect by World Rugby, who issued a statement saying Joubert should have given a scrum instead. [12] Despite this, Australia went on to the semi-final and faced Argentina. They defeated the Pumas 29–15, to reach the final,[13] to become the second team, after New Zealand, to make four Rugby World Cup finals, having previously played in the 1991, 1999 and 2003 finals. New Zealand played with most of the possession and territory early in the match. After eight minutes, Dan Carter scored the first points in the match, putting New Zealand ahead 3–0. [14] In the 15th minute New Zealand fullback Ben Smith knocked the ball on, and from the resulting scrum New Zealand were penalised when their front row collapsed allowing Bernard Foley to tie the scores. Referee Nigel Owens awarded a penalty to New Zealand after Sekope Kepu's made a high tackle on Carter,[15] with Carter converting the penalty to give New Zealand a three-point lead. At the kick off Wallabies lock Kane Douglas injured his knee jumping for the ball and was replaced by Dean Mumm. At 26 minutes Wallabies centre Matt Giteau suffered concussion tackling All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick and was replaced by Kurtley Beale. At 27 minutes Carter stretched New Zealand's lead with another penalty goal. The first try was scored just before halftime with New Zealand winger Nehe Milner-Skudder touching down in the corner. Carter converted giving New Zealand a lead of 16–3 at the end of the first half. [16]
Two minutes into the second half, New Zealand's replacement centre Sonny Bill Williams offloaded the ball to Ma'a Nonu who beat a handful of Australian defenders to score a try, extending the lead to 21–3. In the 52nd minute, New Zealand fullback Ben Smith was sin-binned after tip-tackling Australia's Drew Mitchell. [17] While Smith was in the sin-bin, Australia ran in two tries – the first to number eight David Pocock from a driving maul, and the second to centre Tevita Kuridrani following a kick to score. Foley converted both tries to bring Australia within four points with 16 minutes remaining. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Carter scored a drop goal from 40 metres to open up the gap to seven points. Several minutes later, New Zealand were awarded a penalty, with Carter converting long range to give New Zealand a 27–17 lead. Needing to score quick tries to stay in the match, Australia lost the ball, which was kicked ahead by Ben Smith, allowing Beauden Barrett to chase and score the clinching try. Carter converted the try to make the final score 34–17. [18]
New Zealand became the first team in the History of the Rugby World Cup to successfully defend their title after eight editions of the tournament. They also became the first team to win three Rugby World Cups, previously winning the 1987 and 2011 editions, both of which were held on home soil, making this occasion the first time that New Zealand won the tournament on foreign soil. [19]
Man of the Match:
Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Assistant referees:
Jérôme Garcès (France)
Wayne Barnes (England)
Television match official:
Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Notes:
At the closing ceremony on 31 October, English singer Laura Wright sang World in Union. This was followed by the handover to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Prince Harry presented the Webb Ellis Cup to winning captain Richie McCaw after the match, once the team's name had been engraved on the base of the trophy.
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Sports Competition
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Climate Magnifies Hunger in Madagascar, Forecasted Poor Rains Bring Dread and Despair
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Severe hunger has touched over 1.1 million people with 14,000 of them one step away from famine. The situation, already alarming, is set to worsen by the end of year with the number of people in famine-like conditions expected to double. “The changing climate has meant that many families who were able to live off the land 15 years ago have now fallen into severe hunger. Families are scavenging for survival and many are living only on the food assistance they receive,” said Menghestab Haile, WFP Regional Director, Southern Africa. I recently met a mother who told me that she had lost her 8-month-old to seeds from cactus fruit that had accumulated in his stomach. The face of hunger in Southern Madagascar is horrific.” The drought has led to the complete disappearance of food sources leaving families visibly famished and resorting to survival measures such as eating locusts, wild leaves and cactus leaves which are usually fed to cattle. Vulnerable children are bearing the brunt of the crisis with malnutrition in under-fives expected to quadruple, crossing the half million mark by April 2022. “The number of malnourished children coming to health centres in Southern Madagascar has doubled compared to this time last year. Many of them are too weak to laugh or cry, let alone play and learn,” said Anna Horner, WFP’s Chief of Nutrition Innovative Financing, who recently visited Southern Madagascar. “The physical and mental damage to children due to malnutrition can be irreversible. It is heart-wrenching to see so many young minds and bodies unnecessarily suffering from hunger and malnutrition.” Amidst the hottest decade on record, Madagascar has suffered from exceptionally warm temperatures, deficits in rainfall and unexpected sandstorms that have covered fields, left crops wilted and harvests well below average. By April 2021, 70 per cent of the Grand Sud was in drought with food production only a third of the last five-year average. The forecasted dry start to the upcoming planting season means families will not be able to sow their fields immediately and their access to food and an income hangs in the balance. Adding to an already dire situation, a recent upsurge of locusts is expected to affect an estimated 400,000 hectares of land. WFP has been reaching around 700,000 people monthly with emergency life-saving food as well as supplementary nutrition products for pregnant and nursing women and children. Moving beyond emergency support, WFP together with the government, is implementing long-term resilience building activities that help communities adapt to the changing climate. These include access to water, reforestation, sand dune stabilization and economic support like access to microinsurance schemes in case of crop failure. In September, 3,500 households received a payout of US$100 each to recover losses from the failed maize crop. The payout helped families sustain themselves despite a lost harvest. WFP aims to scale up its response in Southern Madagascar and urgently needs US$69 million over the next six months to do so. WFP is increasingly concerned about the situation in Madagascar and has been ringing the alarm bells over the climate-induced hunger crisis, one of the potentially many in the world.
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Famine
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Britain leaves the EU
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In 2016, Britain voted for Brexit. On Friday—four years, three prime ministers and two general elections later—the country will leave the European Union. Officially stepping out into the world is a major moment for a country that has driven itself mad on the tortuous path to the exit door. And yet, even the buildup to this historic event typified the silliest aspects of the years between the “leave” vote and the actual leaving. Two quarrels about how Britain would mark the occasion broke out in recent weeks, one about a bell, the other about a coin. First came the fuss about whether Big Ben would ring out to mark the moment of independence. This Brexiteer wish was complicated by the fact that the bell, and the tower that houses it, are undergoing renovations, meaning a single bong would come with a $700,000 price tag. After Parliament refused to fund the move, and an online fundraising campaign failed to fill the gap, there will be no Big Ben bongs. “If Big Ben doesn’t bong, the world will see us as a joke,” lamented Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. A second brouhaha broke out over a commemorative 50 pence coin issued to mark the occasion. The coins, which read, “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations,” soon drew the ire of disbelieving Remainers. Otherwise serious and self-respecting members of the British establishment said they would refuse to use the coins or would deface any that came into their possession. (The novelist Philip Pullman also complained that the coin “is missing an Oxford comma and should be boycotted by all literate people.”) Britain’s talent for turning these trivial rows into front-page stories illustrates how much the Brexit debate has become a negative-sum culture war, with Leavers and Remainers each compelled to take a side. Yet these dust-ups also obscure some of the more interesting, and important, divides over what Britain does with its newfound freedom. So far, much of the conversation has been backward looking, focused on whether the country would give effect to the 2016 vote with a viable version of Brexit, or whether that vote should be ignored. As Britain leaves the EU, and finally casts an eye forward, there are as many disputes as ever, with global implications, and the fault lines are more complicated than just Leave vs. Remain. When Prime Minister Boris Johnson triumphed in last month’s election with a promise to “get Brexit done,” his opponents argued that after the sun rises on February 1, Britain’s future relationship with the EU, and a host of related questions, would remain unresolved. In a narrow sense, that claim is irrefutable. But it also misses the bigger picture. The case for Brexit was built on possibilities. Among other things, exiting the EU allows Britain to decide for itself what trade relationships it should pursue with the rest of the world, the criteria it should set for its immigration system and how to regulate a host of areas that have been the competence of the EU for decades. These are big, difficult decisions in and of themselves. They aren’t part of a Brexit process that will ever be finished. Britain will not one day declare mission accomplished and no longer give any thought to, for example, trade policy—something that, as Americans will know, is an ongoing consideration in the politics of sovereign countries. Understand that fact, and the divide between Leave and Remain starts to look less significant. On trade, for example, there is a split among Leavers. An image of buccaneering “Global Britain” striking trade deals with fast-growing economies around the world was a big part of the case pro-Brexit politicians made. There is little enthusiasm for this vision among Leave voters. According to one poll , Leave voters were more likely to support protectionist trade policies than Remainers. In fact, whether someone voted Leave was the single best predictor of a person’s support for barriers to trade. Politicians eager to use Brexit as an opportunity for liberalizing UK trade will have to think carefully about which voters they can rely on. The prospects of a much-hyped bilateral UK-U.S. trade deal—which U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has said he hopes will be signed “this year”—depend on a range of concessions that are highly unpopular with both Leave and Remain voters. From pharmaceutical pricing to GMOs, there are a number of deregulatory steps Britain would need to take to reach a deal with the United States—steps the British public is likely to see as an unacceptable lowering of standards and that very few government ministers appear willing to defend. Suspicion of a closer economic relationship with the U.S. is widespread among Brits. Largely bogus warnings about Britain’s National Health Service being “sold” to American firms was a major theme in last month’s election. The safety of chlorinated chicken (which is permitted in the United States but not the EU) has become another unlikely flashpoint. The British government is also reluctant to acknowledge the trade-offs inherent in making decisions about these kinds of matters, insisting they want the closest possible partnership with the EU while being able to diverge sufficiently to cut deals with other countries. That balancing act might prove impossible. More generally, many conservative thinkers and politicians, including senior Cabinet ministers like Dominic Raab and Priti Patel, saw a departure from the EU as an opportunity to pursue economic liberalization and deregulation on a range of fronts, something that was soon derided by the Labour Party as a desire to build “Singapore-on-Thames.” Today, that agenda feels a long way away. There is next to no enthusiasm for it among the public—Leave or Remain. And, so far, the domestic policy made possible by Brexit that Johnson’s government has shouted the loudest about is industrial subsidies to prop up British businesses; this kind of left-wing measure was not exactly what the Euroskeptics had in mind when Brexit was a far-off dream years ago. Even as the political dividing lines in Britain have less and less to do with Leave and Remain, some are determined to keep fighting the old battle, and many still struggle to see the other side of the argument. Remainers’ skepticism of Britain’s ability to go it alone stems from what they see as a delusion among Brexiteers about the country’s place in the world. The charge is that Brexit supporters suffer delusions of imperial grandeur, wedded to an idea of what Britain once was. If there is some truth to that claim, Remainers often reveal their own misunderstanding of Britain’s global standing by claiming that the sixth-largest economy in the world, with considerable soft power and a seat on the U.N. Security Council is somehow irrelevant. The two misapprehensions are two sides of the same coin: a shared crisis of national confidence. Leavers have long been sensitive to the charge that Brexit represents Britain turning in on itself, imposing barriers to trade, accepting fewer new arrivals, and becoming poorer and more insular as a result. Until now, it has been possible to argue that breaking free from the EU need not mean any of those things. As of today, the time for hypotheticals is over. It’s no longer a question of what Brexit might mean. It’s time for the country to choose what it will mean. Leave supporters no longer need to hold the line against an effort to block Brexit. Instead they can engage in a good faith discussion about what direction a newly independent UK should take. At stake isn’t just the political and economic health of the Britain, but a radical experiment in a country plotting a new course for itself by balancing sovereignty and openness in the 21st century. Whether or not they voted for it, the whole country is part of that experiment. The sooner debates over immigration, trade and the special relationship become more than Leave vs. Remain proxies, the better chance Britain has of succeeding. The country can rise to this historic moment, but only if the national conversation transcends the Brexit wars of 2016 to 2020.
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Maritime Decarbonisation Centre to be set up in Singapore
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Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with BW Group, Sembcorp Marine, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Ocean Network Express, Foundation Det Norske Veritas and BHP to establish the Maritime Decarbonisation Centre to be set up in Singapore. Under the MoC, the six companies have pledged to contribute S$10 million each to support the establishment of the centre and fund research and technology development projects in areas relating to decarbonisation in the maritime industry. MPA will add S$60 million R&D funding to these contributions, bringing the fund to a total of S$120 million. The Maritime Decarbonisation Centre will be a focal point for the global maritime industry’s efforts in both decarbonisation and innovation, bringing together experts and the industry, including start-ups to develop technologies and co-create innovative solutions. The centre will collaborate with other maritime technology centres based in Singapore as well as decarbonisation centres around the world to share knowledge and build capabilities. The centre will support trials of new fuels and technologies. It will include facilities for corporate labs, research facilities and house research offices and space for maritime tech start-ups. MPA’s Chief Executive, Quah Ley Hoon, said: “Maritime decarbonisation is a global challenge requiring a collective responsibility from all stakeholders involved. It is crucial to have strong public-private sector partnerships. We thank like-minded partners that have responded strongly to our call for collaboration. The agreement signed today is a first step, which we hope will catalyse a larger, much-needed momentum to make international shipping more sustainable.” BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant, said the MoC is another step forward for industry leaders in taking action on decarbonisation and climate change. “The pathway to decarbonisation in the maritime sector will accelerate with the innovation centre and the spirit of collaboration with which MPA and its partners are approaching and investing in new technology. The opportunity to achieve real reductions in industry footprint with this collaboration is great. It builds on a number of partnerships that BHP has struck across our value chain to seek to accelerate decarbonisation,” Ms Pant said. BHP’s Vice President of Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence, Rashpal Bhatti, added: “BHP has a long and trusted relationship with MPA who has a strong commitment to bringing industry together to create a cleaner and greener industry. We are proud to join as a founding member of the Maritime Decarbonisation Centre in Singapore, a key maritime hub of the world. The MoC with MPA forms an integral component of BHP’s four pillars in our strategy for supporting decarbonisation of our maritime supply chain – data democratisation, onboard innovations, future fuels and chartering choices.” BHP was part of the first marine biofuel trial involving an ocean-going vessel bunkered in Singapore on 4 April 2021 and has led the industry in its support for maritime emissions reduction initiatives, including awarding the world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carrier tender and the first LNG supply agreement for these LNG-fuelled iron ore vessels.
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Organization Established
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Indian Airlines Flight 814 crash
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Indian Airlines Flight 814, commonly known as IC 814, was an Indian Airlines Airbus A300 en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India on Friday, 24 December 1999, when it was hijacked and flown to several locations before landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. [1][2][3]
The aircraft was piloted by 37-year-old Captain Devi Sharan and first officer Rajinder Kumar, with 58-year-old flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia. The Airbus was hijacked by five masked terrorist shortly after it entered Indian airspace at about 17:30 IST. The hijackers ordered the aircraft to be flown to a series of locations: Amritsar, Lahore, and across the Persian Gulf to Dubai. The hijackers finally forced the aircraft to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which at the time was controlled by the Taliban. The hijackers released 27 of 176 passengers in Dubai but fatally stabbed one and wounded several others. At that time, most of Afghanistan, including the Kandahar airport where the hijacked plane landed, was under Taliban control. Taliban militiamen fighters encircled the aircraft to prevent any Indian military intervention,[4][5] which was found by current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval when he landed there. They also found two ISI officers were on the apron and others soon joined them; one was a lieutenant colonel and the other a major. Doval said that if the Taliban hijackers did not have ISI support, India could have resolved the crisis. [3]
The motive for the hijacking apparently was to secure the release of Islamist terrorists held in prison in India. The hostage crisis lasted for seven days and ended after India agreed to release three terrorists – Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Masood Azhar. The three have since been implicated in other terrorist actions, such as the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. [6] The hijacking has been seen as one of the millennium attack plots in late December 1999 and early January 2000 by al-Qaeda-linked terrorists. [7][8][9]
On 24 December 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC 814 took off from Kathmandu, Nepal, with Delhi, India as its intended destination. The flight left with 180 persons on board, including both the crew and the passengers. One of the passengers on board was Roberto Giori, the then-owner of De La Rue Giori, a company which controlled the majority of the world's currency-printing business at the time. [10]
Shortly after the flight left Kathmandu, senior steward Anil Sharma was accosted by a man wearing a ski mask, who told him that the plane was being hijacked and that he was carrying a bomb. The hijackers instructed Captain Devi Sharan to, "fly west", and accordingly the flight entered Pakistani air space, but was refused permission to land in Lahore, Pakistan, by Pakistani Air Traffic Control. On being told that there was insufficient fuel to go further, the hijackers allowed Captain Sharan to land the flight in Amritsar, Punjab, to refuel. [11][12]
Subsequent intelligence reports indicated that the hijackers had purchased five tickets on the flight in Kathmandu; two first class tickets were bought directly, while three economy seats were bought through a travel agency. Indian intelligence officials believed that Dawood Ibrahim, an Indian mob leader, had provided assistance in giving the hijackers access to the airport in Kathmandu. [13]
Passenger accounts later stated that the hijackers ordered the crew to take away the lunch that had been served, and separated the men from the women and children, blindfolding them and threatening them with explosives if they did not co-operate. [14]
Air Traffic Control (ATC) in India first received news of the hijacking at 4:40 pm. [13] The Crisis Management Group of the Indian Government, led by Union Secretary Prabhat Kumar, did not convene on receiving the news that the plane had been hijacked, and information concerning the hijacking was not communicated at that time to the Intelligence Bureau or the Research and Analysis Wing. The Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was briefed regarding the incident at 7:00 pm. [13]
At 6:04 pm the Indian ATC made contact with flight IC 814, but had not received any orders on how to proceed. Captain Devi Sharma notified ATC that they were running low on fuel and had not been allowed to land in Lahore by Pakistani ATC. Sharma continued to make contact with ATC, requesting them to reach out to Pakistan and obtain permission to land, as the hijackers did not want to land in India and had already threatened to execute 10 hostages if their demands were not met. At 6:30 pm, the Indian High Commission in Pakistani requested permission for the plane to land there, but was denied. [15]
At 6:44 pm, flight IC 814 began descent over the nearest airport in Amritsar, following a message from Captain Sharan, and was approached by local officials. The Director-General of Police for the state of Punjab, Sarabjeet Singh, later stated that he only received information regarding the hijacking when he saw it on television at 6 pm that evening. [13] The Union Government's Home Minister, L.K. Advani, also stated later that he was informed about the incident via the news, and not by the Crisis Management Group, which had convened since then. [15] Although he had recently stepped down as Inspector-General of Police in the area, J.P. Birdi met up with the plane, since his successor, Bakshi Ram, was on leave when the incident occurred. [15]
On landing, IC 814 requested immediate refuelling for the aircraft. Captain Sharan later stated that he had hoped that with the assistance of Indian government, the hijacking would be prevented and that the plane would not have to take off again from Amritsar. [11][16] In accordance with hijacking contingency plans prepared by the Crisis Management Group, a local committee consisting of the District Collector, the senior-most police and intelligence officials, and the airport manager had been created; they were instructed to delay the refuelling of the plane for as long as possible. [15][13] These orders had been received by the committee from the Central Government at 6:40 pm, however, a phone call received with contradictory orders delayed initial response. This phone call was later established to have been an attempted hoax. [13] A note sent to the local committee advised them to ensure the delay by any possible means, including deflating the aircraft tires if necessary. [13]
Between landing and take-off again at 7:50 pm, Captain Sharan made contact with the ATC four times, informing them that the hijackers were armed with Kalashnikov rifles and had begun killing hostages, and requested them to refuel the plane as fast as possible to prevent any additional deaths. The hijackers had refused to communicate with local police officials while the plane was in Amritsar. [13][15] Later accounts indicated that the hijackers, who were upset by the delay in refuelling, attacked Satnam Singh, a German citizen on board the plane, with a knife, causing him several wounds to the neck. [14]
At 7:45 pm, local Punjab Police Commandos were placed on standby and ordered by the Crisis Management Group to accompany the fuel-reloading vehicles towards the plane, with the intention of deflating the plane tires in order to immobilize the plane. A fuel tanker was sent to block the aircraft's path but was ordered by the ATC to slow down as the driver was approaching the plane at a high speed. On receiving this order, the tanker came to an abrupt halt. Later, it was revealed that this approach caused the hijackers to suspect that the refuelling process would prevent their departure, and they ordered Captain Sharan to take off immediately, resulting in the plane narrowly avoiding hitting the fuel tanker on the runway. [15] Five passengers had been placed in seats towards the front with their hands bound, and the hijackers threatened that these hostages would be executed if the plane did not take off immediately. [14] The plane left Amritsar at 7:49 pm, and Captain Sharan announced the departure to the ATC, stating, "We are all dying.
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Air crash
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Cambodian activist released after 14 months in harsh prison conditions
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Underfed inmates at Cambodia’s Prey Sar prison suffer sleepless nights in unhygienic, overcrowded cells, unless they can pay corrupt prison guards to for enough room to lie down, an activist released this week after serving a 14-month stint at the prison told RFA. Eng Malai, 31, better known as So Metta, is a member of the Khmer Thavrak youth organization. She and several others were arrested in Sept. 2020 for their involvement in protests over the imprisonment of union leader Rong Chhun, currently serving a two year sentence for his criticism of the government’s handling of a longstanding border dispute with neighboring Vietnam. So Metta and nine other Rong Chhun supporters were sentenced together last month to 20 months in prison, and all set to be released early in November, with credit for time served.Upon her release from Prey Sar, located in the capital Phnom Penh, So Metta told RFA’s Khmer Service Monday that the prisoners suffered health problems due to poor sanitation, bad food, insufficient water, and severe overcrowding. “They served two tiny meals a day that were very low in nutrients. Poor inmates include me have no choice, but to eat it,” she said “Some people got stomachache and diarrhea, or itching or edema after eating the food. Even so, they still get hungry again right away because the food doesn’t provide any nutrients. It is an even lower quality than dog and pig food,” she said. Additionally the prison is a hotbed for corruption, where the prisoners with means can pay prison staff to be put in a cell with better conditions. “Some cells were packed with 170-200 inmates. Space was sold by counting the tiles on the floor, then charging by the tile. Of course the prison officials would deny this,” So Metta said. “There are countless injustices happening in the prison and I wrote them down in my dairy, but it was confiscated by the prison officials. But, it does not matter because I saved them all in my head,” she said. She described several instances of mistreatment including inmates contracting COVID-19 and dying shortly after receiving vaccines. “They got vaccines at the time when the weather was deadly hot and there was a black out and no water in the prison. You know, the majority of the prisoners are poor, they drink water from the faucets and when there is no water, they have no money to buy bottled water to drink or bathe,” she said. So Metta said her imprisonment was an example of the government trying to silence Cambodians who stand up for the rest of society. “It’s not fair to me because they will still press charges against us. They follow us, ban us from travelling abroad or doing anything,” she said. “I remain determined to maintain the same level of activism as long as my country is still experiencing injustice, people losing their land, and people crying for help,” she said. Five of the other nine activists were released from Prey Sar last week. In September, the World Justice Project, a Washington-based independent group that promotes rule of law, ranked Cambodia next to last -- ahead only of Venezuela -- in its global Rule of Law Index for 2021. Reported by RFA’s Khmer Service. Translated by Sum Sok Ry. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
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Famous Person - Commit Crime - Release
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Sesnon Fire
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The Sesnon Fire (also known as the Porter Ranch Fire) was a wildfire that broke out near the oil fields of Oat Mountain, north of Porter Ranch, California, on Monday October 13, 2008. [2] The cause of this fire was a power line falling onto dry brush near a drainage area. [3] A state of emergency was declared by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 13 in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties The fire burned more than 22 square miles (57 km2) and cost US$7.9 million to fight. [4] This fire occurred with two others, one in San Diego County and another at the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley. [4] One person lost their life due to the low visibility on highways because of the smoke from the fire. [4]
Evacuations were ordered for Box Canyon, Woolsey Canyon, Bell Canyon, Lake Manor, Dayton Canyon, Browns Canyon and areas west of Valley Circle Blvd. [2] Evacuation centers were set up to help the people displaces by this fire as well as the Marek fire that affected areas close by. The main center was at San Fernando High School, where more than 750 evacuees registered. Other centers included El Camino High School, Shepherd of the Hills Church, and Canoga Park High School. [2]
Residents living in these areas were allowed to return to their homes on Friday. As another precaution, authorities closed all major streets that were near the fire. These included: Topanga Canyon Boulevard northbound from Chatsworth Avenue DeSoto Avenue northbound at Rinaldi Street, Corbin Avenue northbound at Porter Ranch Drive, Mason Avenue northbound at Celtic Street, Mason Avenue northbound at Corbin Street, Ronald Reagan118 Freeway between Reseda Boulevard and Stearns Avenue, (Simi Valley). [5]
The Porter Ranch (Sesnon) fires sent shock waves through the southern California area, raging out of control and burning thousands of acres each day it kept burning. The governor of California as well as nbclosangeles.com reported that 62 buildings were destroyed in the fire, including 15 homes and nbclosaneles.com reported that 41 vehicles were destroyed. More importantly, there was one fatality due to fire on the 118 freeway, and 30 firefighters were injured during the course of trying to contain and extinguish the fire. Many people have lost their homes filled with everything they own, their places of business, and their method of transportation. With $2.5 million in damages, it will be a long road to recovery. However, according to ktla.com, multiple recovery meetings have been scheduled for fire victims in order to help them cope with their losses and deal with recovery in the appropriate ways. A few hours after the fire broke out it spread within minutes. Antonio Villaraigosa declared a local emergency for the entire county of Los Angeles. This meant that all funds need to fight the fire would be provided by the local government. A few days later California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. [6] When the fire was finally extinguished the total cost of damage from the fire was $12.6 million. Local fire departments across Los Angeles County, Ventura County Fire, California Highway Patrol, National Park Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, Los Angeles Police Department, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Services, CDCR helped the firefighters in safely extinguishing the fire. [1]
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Fire
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Thibodaux massacre
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The Thibodaux massacre was an episode of racial violence that occurred in Thibodaux, Louisiana on November 23, 1887. It followed a three-week strike during the critical harvest season in which an estimated 10,000 workers protested against the living and working conditions which existed on sugar cane plantations in four parishes: Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, and Assumption. The strike was the largest strike in the history of the industry and it was also the first strike to be conducted by a formal labor organization, the Knights of Labor. At planters' requests, the state sent the militia to protect strikebreakers from ambush attacks by strikers, and work resumed on some plantations. Black workers and their families were evicted from plantations in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes and retreated to Thibodaux. Tensions erupted into violence on November 23, 1887, and the local white paramilitary forces attacked black workers and their families in Thibodaux. Although the total number of casualties is unknown, the consensus is that least 35 black people were killed during the next three days (some historians estimate that 50 black people were killed) and the total tally of killed , wounded, and missing was rumored to number in the hundreds,[1][2] which makes it one of the most violent labor disputes in U.S. history. Reportedly, the victims included elders, women and children. All of the people who were killed were African American. [3]
The massacre, and the passage of discriminatory state legislation by white Democrats, including the disenfranchisement of most blacks, ended the organizing of sugar workers for decades, until the 1940s. According to Eric Arnesen, "The defeated sugar workers returned to the plantations on their employers' terms. "[2]
The harvesting and processing of sugar cane comprised a complex series of steps which needed to be closely coordinated by a large labor force which was pushed to work to the point of physical exhaustion. Sugar plantations were called "factories in the field" and their workers died at a high rate during the era of slavery. Conditions were little improved after Reconstruction. [4]
A major issue arose in the early 1880s when plantation owners began cutting wages and forcing sugar workers to accept scrip for pay due to a declining international sugar market. [4] These "pasteboard tickets" were redeemable only at company stores, which operated at high profit margins. As the plantation kept the books, often illiterate workers were increasingly bound by debt and unable to get free. Required by law to pay off the debt, workers became essentially bound to the plantation in a state similar to slavery. [1] Most of the cane workers were black, but there were also whites. The Knights of Labor used the scrip issue to organize workers, and thousands joined the group. [2]
In October 1877, Duncan F. Kenner, a millionaire planter, founded the statewide Louisiana Sugar Producers Association (LSPA), consisting of 200 of the largest planters in the state, and served as president. The powerful LSPA lobbied the federal government for sugar tariffs, funding to support levees to protect their lands, and research to increase crop yields. For the next decade these members also worked to gain control over their labor: they adopted a uniform pay scale and withheld 80 percent of the wages until the end of the harvest season, in order to keep workers on the plantations through the end of the season. They ended the "job" system. The largest planters, who maintained stores, required workers to accept pay in scrip, redeemable only at their stores. [5]:190
The workers resisted, mounting some actions each year contesting some part of the LSPA's program. The state government supported the powerful planters, sending in state militia when the planters used convict lease labor from prisons to harvest and process the cane. [5]:190
In 1887 the Knights of Labor organized a major three-week sugar strike against cane plantations in Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, and Assumption parishes. Most plantations were idle. The strike was organized by the national Knights of Labor organization, who had established Local Assembly 8404 in Schriever the preceding year. In October labor representatives delivered demands to the LSPA that included an increase in wages to $1.25 a day, biweekly payments, and payment in currency instead of the "pasteboard tickets", or scrip, redeemable only at company stores. [1]
As the LSPA ignored the demands, the Knights of Labor called the strike for November 1, timed to coincide with the critical "rolling period" of the crop, when it had to be harvested and processed. The work stoppage threatened the entire sugar cane harvest for the year. The 1887 strike was the largest labor action in the industry, involving an estimated 10,000 workers, a tenth of whom were white. It was the first time a formal labor organization had led a strike in this region. [1]
The planters appealed to Louisiana Governor Samuel Douglas McEnery, who was also a planter. McEnery, declaring, "God Almighty has himself drawn the color line," called out ten infantry companies and an artillery company of the state militia,[5]:190 sending the latter to Thibodaux, the parish seat and "heart of the strike." They were to protect strikebreakers and suppress strikers; they evicted workers from plantation housing. The militia suppressed strikers in St. Mary Parish, resulting in "as many as twenty people" killed or wounded on November 5 in the black village of Pattersonville. [5]:191
The militia protected some 800 contract workers brought in to Terrebone Parish, and helped capture and arrest 50 strikers, most for union activities. The strike collapsed there, and workers returned to the plantations. [5]:191
Many of the black workers in Lafourche Parish retreated after eviction to the crowded black residential section of Thibodaux, and the state militia withdrew. They left it up to local officials to manage from there. Newspapers reported that on November 1, the same day the Knights of Labor called the strike, strikers concealed in a cane field fired upon white replacement workers at the Lacassagne plantation in Tigerville (present-day Gibson) in Terrebonne Parish, wounding four workers. [6] Over the next three weeks leading up to the massacre, strikers allegedly used threats and gunshots to intimidate replacement workers. A number were wounded, one losing an eye, and one man reportedly died from his wounds. [7] According to news reports, around November 13, Theodule Baille, a sugar boiler riding on the bayou levee, was fired upon about a mile below Thibodaux. Shots were also reportedly fired at white workers on two plantations near Thibodaux. [8]
A New Orleans newspaper reported that "for three weeks past the negro women of the town have been making threats to the effect that if the white men resorted to arms they would burn the town and [end] the lives of the white women and children with their cane knives. "[9] Similarly, in the days leading up to the climactic event in Thibodaux, it was reported that "[s]ome of the colored women made open threats against the people and the community, declaring that they would destroy any house in the town" and that "[n]ot a few of the negroes boasted that in case a fight was made they were fully prepared for it.
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Strike
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Israel's military deployedhundreds of soldiers to cities Wednesday to assist police in an attempt to quell shooting and stabbing attacks on Israelis by Palestinians
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Israel's military deployedhundreds of soldiers to cities Wednesday to assist police in an attempt to quell shooting and stabbing attacks on Israelis by Palestinians over the past several weeks.
The measures announced Wednesdayincludeallowing police to seal off points of friction or incitement.Israel's security Cabinet approved the action after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the government was working on "aggressive steps" in response to the violence.
Troops from six unitswill reinforce the police in cities and on roads, thegovernment said Wednesday in a statement.
Other measures include hiring an extra 300 security guards for public transportation in Jerusalem and barring construction on sites where an attacker's home has been demolished. The government said the property of those who perpetrate attacks will be confiscated and their permanent residency revoked.
The Cabinet met again Wednesday "to deal with additional issues, including incitement," the statement said.
Wednesday, Israeli police said an Arab attacker stabbed a 70-year-old woman, moderately wounding her, as she attempted to board a bus near Jerusalem’s crowded central bus station, the Associated Press reported. The attacker was shot and killed by forces in the area. Earlier, police shot and killed an Arab man after he pulled out a knife and attempted to stab them.
Three Israelis killed in renewed Palestinian violence
The added securitymeasures comeafter bloody attacks Tuesday that killed three Israeli Jews and left a number of others wounded by Palestinian attackers in Jerusalem and the city of Ra'anana in central Israel.In Jerusalem, two assailants opened fire and stabbed people on a bus, killing two men. In a separate incident in the city, a driver rammed his car into people waiting at a bus stop and began stabbing people, killing a man.
Mustafa Barghouti, president of the Palestinian National Initiative, a political party, told Al Jazeera that the new measures will not work.
"Insanity is nothing but repeating the same thing but expecting different results," he said. "When they decide to separate East and West Jerusalem, it only proves that they have failed. The whole ideaof walls and checkpoints is only deepening the military occupation."
Also Wednesday, Gilad Erdan,Israel’s internal security minister, said the bodies of dead Palestinian attackers should not be returned to their families for burial becausethe funeral processionsoften turn into “an exhibition of support for terror and incitement to murder,” the APreported.Erdan suggested theybe buried in farawaycemeteries where previous Palestinian attackers have been buried.
Since the Jewish New Year last month, eight Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in various attacks and at least 31Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, including 14identified by Israel as attackers. The rest died in clashes between stone-throwers and Israeli troops. Hundreds of Palestinians have been wounded.
In abrief speech Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbascalled for a peaceful “national struggle.” He threatened to submit a case to the International Criminal Court against what he called Israel’s “extrajudicial killings” of Palestinians, the AP reported.
'Glocker mom,' other Israeli settlers carry guns amid Palestinian violence
Eight Israelis and more than two dozen Palestinians have died in shootings, stabbings and other incidents since Oct. 1. Where some of these attacks took place:
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Armed Conflict
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26-year-old who shot teller during Harlingen bank robbery charged
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Police say 26-year-old Mohamed Pathe Bah robbed a Texas Regional Bank located on the 2000 block of South Business 77 at 9:45 a.m. A caller told officials Pathe Bah, who wore a mask at the time, shot a teller and demanded money from another. He then fled the scene on a bicycle. Authorities were able to locate and apprehend him a short time later. The teller who was shot was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to police. The teller has since been released from the hospital.
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Bank Robbery
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Jervis Bay residents lash out at Defence over PFAS management plan
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Aboriginal residents in Jervis Bay have lashed out at the Department of Defence over its PFAS management plan for the area, saying the contamination has ruined their culture.
After a four-year investigation, Defence released the plan on Thursday along with the final ecological risk assessment.
It reveals a strategy in which new technology will be used to try and remove PFAS — synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foam for decades — from the environment as well as ongoing monitoring of the contaminated area.
Health advice remains the same, with people told to limit consumption of seafood and water from contaminated areas stemming from the HMAS Creswell Navy base.
Residents told Defence representatives at a community meeting this week that they were unhappy with the management strategies being implemented.
Aboriginal man James Williams said his community was unable to access the seafood they had been catching and eating for thousands of years and they were too scared to drink the water.
Mr Williams said this had "devastated" his culture.
"My kids will never learn what I learned growing up as a child," he said.
"I would not even let them near the sites we've been told to stay away from.
"It has devastated our community culturally."
PFAS contamination is emerging as a major ongoing Australian public health issue.
Elder and former Defence firefighter Jack Hampton said he was sceptical about whether the department would be able to properly clean up the contamination caused by firefighting foams used from the 1970s until the early 2000s. He believed that by the time it happened, he would likely be dead.
In the meantime, he too was struggling with the loss of his culture due to contamination of Aboriginal land. "It's done a lot of damage to my culture, because we used to go and fish every day and get prawns, mussels, pipis and bush food," he said.
"Now, I go up to Berkeley and buy our prawns and fish from there at Lake Illawarra."
Other residents asked Defence representatives during the community meeting whether they would consider supplying seafood to those who were unable to afford it.
Defence did not commit.
Department deputy secretary Steven Grzeskowiak said Defence acknowledged it had been difficult for the community and would now begin the process of trying to clean up PFAS.
"We're very aware that for the Indigenous people, their cultural practices have had to be suspended," he said.
"We do want to try and clean this up the best we can, but it will take a few years for this to happen."
Mr Grzeskowiak said the clean-up would begin immediately, with new removal technology to be trialled in the area during the next 12 months.
"Hopefully we see levels of PFAS reduce as we remove contaminated soil in particular," he said.
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Environment Pollution
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Natural gas pipe with history of problems led to Chandler leak, explosion
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CHANDLER, AZ — The ABC15 Investigators have learned the type of pipe that leaked and caused a natural gas explosion, seriously injuring four people in Chandler last month, had a prior history of premature degradation issues, leaks, and explosions.
Southwest Gas shared the results of its initial investigation with ABC15 Tuesday morning, 12 days after the explosion at Platinum Printing at Ray and Rural roads in Chandler. PHOTOS: Chandler explosion, roof collapse leaves several badly hurt
Recent Stories from abc15.com
The company found the pipe that leaked is a Driscopipe 8000, a type of pipe that is susceptible to degradation and leaks under certain conditions. The company said the ”stub" pipe that leaked in Chandler had been mislabeled in installation records, so it had not been included in previous remediation efforts for Driscopipe 8000.
The August 26 explosion injured four people, with burns on up to 30 percent of their bodies. Platinum Printing co-owners, Dillon Ryan, 29, and Andrew Ryan, 39, their employee, Parker Milldebrandt, 29, and Glenn Jordan, 58, who worked at the Eyeglass Repair business to the west of the print shop, were all hospitalized. The explosion blew the roof off of Platinum Printing, shattered windows, and caused other damage to several nearby businesses in the strip mall.
Southwest Gas emailed the following statement:
First and foremost, we continue to keep in our thoughts those injured and affected by the incident in Chandler and are hopeful for their successful recoveries. We care deeply about those injured in this accident, as well as the people in the communities we serve, and recognize we are accountable for ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable service. Even one accident of this type is too many. We have a strong track record and focus on safety, and we are committed to taking any necessary steps to ensure something like this does not happen again.
Southwest Gas told ABC15 the company purchased Driscopipe 8000 between approximately 1980 and 1999. Southwest Gas said the leaks are most likely to occur when certain sizes of the pipe are exposed to prolonged periods of no-flow conditions, such as pressurized inactive "stub” pipelines that are exposed to prolonged elevated temperatures like those encountered in Maricopa County.
In 2014, a Gilbert man was critically injured after a Driscopipe 8000, operated by Southwest Gas, leaked in his neighborhood. Jason Nelson, 39, lit a cigarette in his garage, which triggered a natural gas explosion.
After the Gilbert explosion, ABC15 uncovered there had been prior warnings about Driscopipe 8000, which didn't hold up well to the southwest desert heat. In the years since then, the company worked with the Arizona Corporation Commission to step up inspections and replace at least some of that bad pipe. The multi-year remediation effort involved replacing or abandoning any pipe sections that were at risk. It is unclear how much pipe still needs to be replaced. Since the implementation of this plan, Southwest Gas said, there have been no other instances of personal injury or property damage from gas leaks that were caused by the pipe degradation that the company identified.
The pipe at the location of the Chandler explosion was installed in 1999. However, Southwest Gas said an error in the construction records misidentified the type of gas pipe used near the building where the August 26 incident occurred, which resulted in exempting the pipe from the prior remediation effort. Southwest Gas is in the process of investigating how that error occurred.
The gas company said they are taking prompt actions to implement a new remediation plan that includes extensive leak inspections, including mobile leak patrols and walking leak patrols of similarly sized pipe installations of all pipe types installed from 1999 to 2001. The goal is to identify pipe leaks for repair before they become hazardous or even noticeable. Southwest Gas said the plan will also prioritize the abandonment of inactive service pipes installed between 1999 and 2001, and will include a review of construction records for installations done in that period to ensure there are no other instances of misreported pipe type.
"We are confident that we are taking all appropriate measures to protect against any similar instances of human error in reporting,” Southwest Gas said in an email to ABC15.
Natural gas is odorless and colorless. Companies add mercaptan, which makes the gas small like rotten eggs. Southwest Gas said the gas in the Chandler line that leaked was odorized with mercaptan to the levels required by State and Federal regulations. No odor complaints were received from the print shop or the shopping complex which it was located in within the last 12 months, according to the company.
Southwest Gas encourages anyone who suspects a gas leak to leave the area immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 1-877-860-6020 from a safe location. Indicators of a gas leak can include rotten egg or sulfur-like smells, even if it’s slight or momentary; and/or a hissing coming from the ground or an above-ground pipeline.
Got a news tip? Email ABC15 Investigator Melissa Blasius at Melissa.Blasius@abc15.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
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Gas explosion
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2008 Polish Air Force C-295 Mirosławiec crash
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The Mirosławiec air accident occurred in Poland on 23 January 2008 when an EADS CASA C-295 military transport plane crashed as it approached the Mirosławiec runway, killing all passengers and crew. The Polish Air Force plane had been flying from Warsaw to the 12th Air Base in Mirosławiec, and the 20 victims included high-ranking Polish air force officers. [1][2]
Although this was the first serious accident of a CASA C-295, after the accident all Polish C-295s were grounded until further notice. [3] In the subsequent investigations the primary cause of the accident was determined to be an inadvertent loss of spatial and situational awareness by the aircraft crew during the landing approach in poor weather conditions, with a low cloud ceiling and little visibility. [4] A number of secondary causes and contributing factors were also found by the investigation after the accident, including deficiencies in the air traffic controllers' skills and methods of directing and controlling the landing. [5] Military experts had qualified it as "the safest plane of the Polish air force". [6]
The Polish defence minister Bogdan Klich dismissed five air force personnel after the accident investigation concluded that multiple failings contributed to the crash. [7]
From 1st Tactical Air Force Brigade in Świdwin
From 12th Air Base in Mirosławiec
From 8th Tactical Squadron in Mirosławiec
From 21st Air Base in Świdwin
From 22nd Air Base in Malbork
From 40. Tactical Squadron in Świdwin
CASA C-295M 019 crew
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Air crash
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2008–2009 Oslo riots
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On 29 December 2008, violent riots first broke out in Oslo, Norway amid protests against the Gaza War, starting outside the Israeli embassy. Riots broke out again following a protest on 4 January 2009, while the most violent and destructive riots took place on 8 and 10 January when riots spread throughout the city with widespread destruction of private and public property, clashes between rioters and police with several injuries, as well as attacks on civilians, including individuals targeted due to being thought by rioters to be Jews. Around 200 people were arrested in total, mainly Muslim youth, supported by left-wing autonomous Blitz activists. On 29 December 2008, around 1,000 anti-Israel protesters moved towards the Israeli embassy in Parkveien, where speeches were held by people including Inga Marte Thorkildsen of the Socialist Left Party. [ Other organisations behind the demonstration were the Red Party, Red Youth (RU), Socialist Youth (SU) and the Norwegian People's Aid. The protest turned violent when around 100 youth, mainly Blitz activists and "young boys" breached police roadblocks and began throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at the embassy and the police, striking several police officers, amid rioters heard shouting "allahu akbar". Gasoline was drawn from nearby cars to set fire to trash bins that were launched against the police. [1] Three windows of the hairdressing salon of a well-known homosexual was smashed, with circumstances suggesting a hate crime. Police responded by firing tear gas at the rioters, and eventually detained nine youths of which four were arrested, including two asylum seekers.
On 4 January 2009, an anti-Israel demonstration arranged by the Palestine Committee of Norway, Red Party and Blitz began outside the Norwegian parliament building and then moved to the Israeli embassy. Members of the crowd grew violent, and around 200 protesters including Hezbollah supporters began throwing stones and shooting fireworks against the police. The rioters were dispersed by police firing tear gas, after receiving several warnings.
On 8 January, around 200 police officers were stationed out in anticipation of protests as a peaceful pro-Israel rally arranged by organisations such as With Israel for Peace (MIFF) was to be held outside the Norwegian parliament building, with the Progress Party leader Siv Jensen scheduled to give a pro-Israel speech. During Jensen's speech, anti-Israel activists started throwing rocks at the pro-Israel demonstrators, forcing Jensen to leave the podium. The police used tear gas when rioters attacked a bus that tried to evacuate pro-Israeli activists from the area, which included a large number of elderly demonstrators. A pro-Israel protester was attacked and injured by anti-Israel protesters shouting "take him, he's a Jew", "fucking Jew" and "allahu akbar". Among other slogans, protesters shouted "death to the Jews," "kill the Jews" and "slaughter the Jews" in Arabic. An additional fifteen police officers from the Asker and Bærum police district were eventually brought in for assistance. The final count reported forty shop windows to have been smashed in the riots, and several cars and buses damaged, including fifteen police cars. At least six people were reported to have been injured, of which five police officers, one mutilated in the face by an iron rod. Police said they had found several secret stashes of Molotov cocktails, club weapons and knives throughout Oslo during the evening. 37 mainly immigrant-background rioters were detained by the police, of which fifteen were brought into custody, and nine charged with violence against police.
On 9 and 10 January new anti-Israel demonstrations were arranged by an Islamo-leftist alliance of several organisations, including the Workers' Youth League (AUF), Red Party, Red Youth (RU), Socialist Youth (SU), Norwegian People's Aid, Islamic Association, and other pro-Palestine and Muslim organisations. Blitz stated openly that they supported the violent riots. On 10 January, 3,000 demonstrators were joined by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen. The protest soon erupted into new riots as fireworks and rocks were thrown at the police and the Israeli embassy, with at least two people injured and several police officers struck by objects. The violence spread throughout Oslo, and numerous shop windows were smashed and cars damaged.Five McDonald's restaurants were destroyed in the riots because of a false rumor spread by text message that all the money McDonald's earned that day would go to support Israel. Some of the youngest rioters reported to have been told by older youths to "hunt for Jews", with one group severely beating up a shop owner accused of being a Jew. The Oslo Freemasonry Lodge, which hosted a children's Christmas party with 300 people was deliberately attacked with fireworks after crushing a window open, nearly causing a fire. The police detained 160 rioters during the evening, charging eleven with property damage and violence against police.
A total of 194 protesters were arrested during the 8 and 10 January riots. The police stated that they would investigate all the arrested and that most of them would receive fines of 9,000 NOK (around 1,300 USD). [11][23] In the end, only ten rioters were prosecuted by the police, and less than ten convicted. The Oslo Trade Association called the small number of prosecutions by the police "unacceptable" and "deeply worrying".
In his book The Anti-Jewish Riots in Oslo (2010), Norwegian author and editor Eirik Eiglad, himself a socialist who was present in Oslo during the riots, wrote:
As far as I can judge, these were the largest anti-Jewish riots in Norwegian history. Even before and during World War II, when anti-Semitic prejudices were strong, public policies were discriminatory, and the Nazified State Police efficiently confiscated Jewish property and deported Jews on that despicable slave ship SS Donau - even then, Norway had not seen anti-Jewish outbursts of this scale. This country had no previous history of wanton anti-Jewish mass violence. Police investigators noted similarities in the modus operandi of the Oslo riots with earlier riots in Paris and in the Middle East.
In cooperation with Norwegian education authorities, Islamic leaders in Norway initiated "dialogue meetings" with youths in mosques following the riots, with the aim of "using the Quran" to reach out to youths who had participated in the riots. Tariq Ramadan later visited Oslo and held speeches in the Rabita Mosque.
The riots have been credited by sociologists for "awakening" young Norwegian Muslims politically. Others have drawn connections to February 2010, when thousands of Oslo taxi drivers blocked the city centre, and 3,000 Muslims took part in an illegal demonstration against newspaper Dagbladet for publishing a Muhammad cartoon in the context of a news story about an internet link (which the newspaper strongly criticised), during which one of the speakers, Mohyeldeen Mohammad "warned" of a 9/11 or 7/7 in Norway.
The riots have later been noted as an important shared experience and common denominator for many members of the Norwegian Salafi-jihadist group Profetens Ummah, and Norwegian jihadists in the Syrian Civil War. [35] One participant in the riots, leftist turned-Muslim convert Anders Cameroon Østensvig Dale went on to become an internationally wanted terrorist as a bomb-maker for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
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Riot
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Kamensk-Shakhtinsky rail disaster
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The Kamensk-Shakhtinsky rail disaster occurred on August 7, 1987, at 01:30 in Kamenskaya station in the town of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky on the North Caucasus Railway in the Soviet Union when a freight train ran into the rear of a passenger train standing in the station, killing 106. A freight train from Bataisk (a port on the Don River) consisting of 55 wagons loaded with Kuban grain, hauled by a pair of VL80-C three section electric locomotives and weighing 5500 tons arrived at Likhaya station where a leakage of air between the 6th and 7th wagons was noticed. The train crew closed the brake line after the 6th wagon, thereby isolating the brakes of the rearmost 49 wagons, meaning that they were not being replenished with air from the locomotives. The locomotive crews were then changed without the new crew being informed of the leak and brake isolation. Complying with the regulations the new crew performed a brake test, the driver noticed the brake had to be applied harder than usual but the driver incorrectly assumed all was in order, and at 00:55 the heavy train began the long descent to Kamensk-Shakhtinsky. As the train accelerated the driver applied the service brake to keep the speed of the train down to 65 km/h but the train continued to accelerate; the emergency braking proved ineffectual. A warning was sent by radio to Kamenskaya station where a number of trains were standing (many carrying dangerous chemicals). Ahead of the runaway freight train the 10 carriage Rostov-on-Don — Moscow passenger train was due to stop at Kamenskaya station. The officer on duty at the station attempted to radio the driver to tell him not to stop but was unable to make contact and at 01:28 as it stopped at the station the driver was immediately ordered to continue. Unfortunately the conductor of the train aware that passengers had not yet alighted, pulled the emergency brake (as demanded by his job description). At 01:30 the freight train entered the station travelling at 140 km/h and collided with the rear of the passenger train, destroying three carriages and killing 106 people and injuring more than 100 (including the locomotive crew of the freight train). The two engineers who last checked the brakes on the freight train were each sentenced to 12 years in prison. [1]
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Train collisions
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Poland ordered to pay $580,000 fine for each day it continues operating a controversial coal mine
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Poland will have to pay a €500,000 ($586,000) fine for each day it continues extracting coal at an open-pit mine near the Czech and German borders, Europe's top court ruled Monday. The European Commission ordered Poland to stop operations at the Turów lignite mine in May following a lawsuit launched by the Czech Republic. Poland has so far failed to comply with the order and the Polish government said in a statement Monday it would continue to do so -- even though the European Court of Justice ruling means it will have to pay the daily penalty. "The Polish government will not close the KWB Turów mine. From the very beginning, we were of the opinion that the suspension of the works of the mine in Turów would threaten the stability of the Polish power system," Polish government spokesperson Piotr Mueller said in a statement. Not a single G20 country is in line with the Paris Agreement on climate, analysis shows Turów supplies power to around 2.3 million Polish households, according to PGE, the state-controlled company that runs the mine. It is also an important local employer, with one in every two jobs in the region directly or indirectly dependent on it. But it has long been at a center of an international dispute. The Turów mine is located in a tiny, appendix-like tip of Poland, right at the border with Germany and the Czech Republic. The two countries have been campaigning to have the mine shut over environmental concerns -- even though they also use coal for power. According to the International Energy Agency, 80% of Poland's domestic energy came from coal in 2019, compared to 54% in the Czech Republic and 43% in Germany. The Turów lignite mine in southwestern Poland in 2020. The conflict escalated when PGE made it clear it was planning to expand the digging closer towards the Czech border, a plan that has caused tension between the two longtime allies. Negotiations on the issue have failed, with Poland refusing to change the plans. The Czech government has praised the court's decision on Monday. Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said on Twitter he welcomed the judgment and added his country was ready to negotiate with Poland on the future of the mine -- although he stressed environmental issues would be a priority.. Residents on the Czech border are worried about the mine's impact on ground water levels, dust and noise. "The wells are drying out. As the mine becomes deeper and inches closer to the border, more ground water flows away. There are people who -- in the 21st century -- are now left without water," Milan Starec, one of the residents on the Czech side, told CNN last year . This legislation is an attack on the free press in Poland PGE and the Polish government say the planned mining area is within the boundaries stipulated in the original 1994 permit. PGE says its studies have shown a minimal impact on ground water levels. To prevent drainage, the company is also building an underground barrier on the site. The climate implications of the mine are also significant. Lignite, sometimes called brown coal due to its color, is the least efficient and most polluting type of coal. It has lower fuel value and higher emissions intensity compared to the geologically older hard coal that is mined underground. The European Union has said it wants to phase out coal by 2030 -- something Poland said it won't be able to do, sparking yet another disagreement with the bloc.
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Organization Fine
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Highway 1 between Spences Bridge and Lytton was proactively closed because of a few mudslides
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The operations manager for the Ministry of Transportation in Merritt says there were a few mudslides reported on Highway 1 between Spences Bridge and Lytton on Friday night. Brad Bushill says it is why the highway was proactively closed, so that highway contractor Yellowhead Road and Bridge could position equipment in areas that were considered to be at risk. “We closed the highway at 4 o’clock and approximately at 6:00 to 6:30 that evening, we had some challenges on the ditch line in between Spences Bridge and Lytton with water overtopping the road and then numerous smaller in size mudslides with one larger one,” he told NL News. Some of those larger mudslides where in the Nicomen area, midway between the two communities. “We realized that after the 2017 fires in the Elephant Hill area north of us, that the rain on these soils there were fire scarred caused quite a bit of havoc and landslides and whatnot,” Bushill added. “We had some mudslides about three weeks ago that came in with a smaller rain event and they caused us some problems with a lot of people sort of trapped overnight. We saw that coming so we proactively closed it so we wouldn’t have that same situation again.” Highway 1 reopened at noon on Saturday, Sept. 18, when it was deemed safe to do so after the geotechnical hazard assessment was completed. Still, locals in the Fraser Canyon are preparing for more potential highway closures in the coming weeks. The TNRD area director in Spences Bridge, Steven Rice, told NL News that there is ongoing concern that Highway 1 will need to keep closing whenever there is heavy rain in the coming weeks. “Once you get into November, the slide season is pretty much over for the most part but what’s really troubling now is the rains, and of course the degradation of the foundation from the wildfires,” he said. “You’re going to have more slides because the fires came down the Trans-Canada and the Highway 8 corridors, which is conducive to making the slides more frequent. “I understand why they made that call on Friday. Because of the wildfires there is more chance of a slide, and there have been quite a few.”
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Mudslides
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Anti-parallel trading protests
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Anti-parallel trading protests (Chinese: 反水貨客示威) took place in Hong Kong between 2012 and 2015 against parallel traders importing goods from Hong Kong to Mainland China. Protestors claim that parallel trading has caused a shortage of household goods and an increasing inflation rate. Parallel trading and the protests have exacerbated the Hong Kong-Mainland conflict. There has also been conflict between local shop owners and citizens as the parallel trading boosts shop sales but raises the local prices of daily necessities. In 2012, 95% of travellers who travelled between Shenzhen and Hong Kong more than once daily were mainland parallel traders. [1] Mainland consumers are able to earn profits through smuggling because of the advantage of favourable exchange rate, the absence of taxes and tariff in Hong Kong, and lax customs on the mainland side. As multiple entry visa policy permits visa holders to cross the Hong Kong-mainland border many times in one day, thus the mainland parallel traders can export goods from Hong Kong to Mainland China frequently. Since the parallel traders buy a large amount of goods in Hong Kong, the local prices in Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Po and Shatin, which are districts close to the Hong Kong-mainland border, are boosted. [2] Therefore, the first anti-parallel trading protest was started at Sheung Shui in September 2012. [3]
Sheung Shui anti-parallel trading protests began on 15 September 2012. The first rally was organised on Facebook. Around 50 protesters, angry to the influx of mainland parallel traders, gathered outside Sheung Shui station where a parallel goods distribution centre frequently operated. [4] This action prompted confrontations between the protesters and parallel traders. The number of protesters then increased to over 100 people. Police including the Police Tactical Unit intervened and the protest ended in chaos. Similar protests took place frequently in the days and months that followed, until 2015. This series of protests has been referred to as "Reclaim Sheung Shui" (Chinese: 光復上水). [4]
On 13 July 2019, with the momentum brought by the anti-extradition bill protests, a protest was organized in Sheung Shui opposing cross-border smuggling by mainland Chinese dealers, with 30,000 attendees claimed by the organizer. [5]
The protest was largely peaceful for the first two hours. However, as it went on, the organizer and protesters refused to follow the authorized route, which had Sheung Shui station as the destination. Instead, they marched on Sheung Shui Plaza, occupied some traffic roads and started skirmishing with the police who accused them of participating in an unlawful assembly, triggering an hour-long standoff which lasted until late night. A handful of journalists, including a female one working for the Agence France-Presse, were attacked by the police with batons for their live reporting of the event. [6]
During the skirmishes, protesters vandalised a number of dispensaries that they thought were directly complicit in cross-border smuggling. After the riot police cleared the crowd from the traffic roads, they chased the crowd onto a footbridge leading to Sheung Shui station, when a teenager with uneven bottom length[clarification needed] suddenly jumped off the footbridge to escape arrest, but was rescued jointly by the journalists and police. He was eventually arrested, insulted and ushered into a police van by the police, who told the press that he would be charged with "unlawful assembly",[7] resulting in instant online uproar. On 8 February 2015, hundreds of protesters chanted slogans at awaiting passengers at Tuen Mun B3X bus stop, and marched along the route of the B3X from Tuen Mun town centre to Shenzhen Bay border crossing. [8] As protesters walked to Yan Ching Street, Police used pepper spray and batons in an attempt to calm rally participants. [9] As a result, police and protesters who injured were sustained aside; 13 locals were arrested. [8]
One month later, on 8 March 2015, around one hundred protesters marched in the V City shopping mall. They walked around the mall while the police were on standby so as to prevent conflict. Later on, they turned to the pharmacies along Yan Ching Street and pulled down the goods. [10] Then, they went to B3X bus stop and tried to use barriers to block the road. [11] Police used shields and batons to separate two groups of people. Some mainland tourists had been surrounded and scolded by protesters. [12] Seven protesters had been arrested in this rally until 11 March 2015. [13]
A protest on 15 February 2015 began with more than one hundred protesters gathered at the MTR Sha Tin station and chanted their slogans at New Town Plaza. [14] The tensions and scolding between the demonstrators, mainland tourists and intervention of police officers caused the protest to turn into a conflict. There were around two hundred demonstrators in the whole protest. [15][dubious – discuss] In this protest, six men were arrested, two citizens and one officer were injured. [16] The protest was initiated by nativist activists and a related Facebook page called "Reclaim Hong Kong, Defend The Local" (光復香港，捍衛本土) and aimed at expressing resent towards parallel traders and the inclination of the shopping mall to the mainland tourists. [17]
On 1 March 2015, hundreds of protesters marched from MTR Long Ping station to downtown Yuen Long. [18] The protest caused disruption along Yuen Long's main road and nearby businesses, resulting in conflict between protesters and groups of Yuen Long residents. [19] Police said that during the protest, five officers were injured and thirty-three people were arrested after the demonstration. [20] The protest was launched by two nativist groups which are Hong Kong Indigenous and Civic Passion. [21] They demanded an abolition of the multiple-entry permit plan in the Individual Visit Scheme. [22]
Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions strongly condemned that the anti-parallel trading protesters were not rational and damaged the image of Hong Kong. [23] They asked the police enforce to work and protect the safety of workers. [24]
Since the protests happened frequently, more citizens implied that the protesters were more radical than before. They agreed that the parallel traders disturbed their daily life. [25] However, they also stated that the anti-parallel trading protests adversely affected them in recent months.
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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The Economic Conundrum of Pakistan
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By Vlagyiszlav Makszimov | EURACTIV.com Sep 16, 2021 (updated: Sep 21, 2021) [Shutterstock/Monkey Business Images] A French scheme pushing for more apprentice mobility within the European Union may serve as a roadmap for ALMA, a EU’s new programme to help young people who are neither in employment nor in education. The launch of ALMA was one of the highlights of the State of the Union speech delivered on Wednesday (15 September) by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We must step up our support to those who fall into the gaps – those not in any kind of employment, education or training,” von der Leyen told lawmakers in Strasbourg during her annual address to the European Parliament. According to von der Leyen, an EU programme to help young people find short-term work abroad is sorely needed “because they too deserve an experience like Erasmus – to gain skills, to create bonds and help forge their own European identity.” The idea of boosting professional experiences abroad is not new. The 2020 declaration of EU ministers in charge of vocational education and training (VET) in Osnabrück, Germany put the goal to “facilitate mobility for learning and work in Europe” as one of the bloc’s deliverables by 2025. France’s drive to increase the number of employment experiences abroad for those in apprenticeship training is a case in point. Despite the 2018 reform of vocational training, arranging a short-term experience abroad for apprentices remains difficult, as employers often do not see the benefit of letting their workforce spend time in another country. However, things are improving. Before the pandemic closed borders, 4,080 apprentices were sent abroad in 2018-2019, a 30% increase on the previous year, making France the second biggest apprentice sender behind Germany. Meanwhile, the number of students going into apprenticeships is also set to grow as the social stigma attached to vocational training slowly fades and young people seek the security of employment. According to Aurélie Bost, a mobility project coordinator for the chamber of crafts in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, southwestern France, “the COVID crisis helped to increase the number of apprentices because of the financial support from the state”. Apprenticeships were given a central place in the French recovery plan, France Relance, with significant hiring incentives on apprenticeship and ‘professionalisation’ contracts. But while things are improving, some societal prejudices remain against vocational training, and apprenticeships as a lesser form of education. “I think the reality is it’s very difficult to change the education system in France, because we teachers don’t want to change the system,” Bost told EURACTIV, pointing out that teachers will give information about going to university but often omit the possibility of vocational training. Including a study abroad component into the training may be one way to improve status of vocational training. According to Laure Coudret-Laut, director of the French Erasmus+ agency, mobility is “an important way to increase the prestige of the apprenticeship way of being trained.” On top of that, travelling to another country can carry immense benefit for the apprentices themselves, many of whom come from underprivileged background and have never been abroad. “A lot of the youth who went to apprenticeship didn’t choose it, they went to apprenticeships because they were not going into general education. And some of them lack really confidence”, Coudret-Laut said. “You know, when you arrive in another country, and you don’t speak the language, if you’re bit shy, or if you’re not confident enough, you don’t talk to people, it’s like a stop. You don’t want to go forward and learn things,” said Rémi, a 28 year-old apprentice in pastry and bakery whose experiences abroad helped him gain confidence. At a European level, more funds are now available to help students like Rémi gain autonomy, language skills and confidence. Of the €20.4 billion foreseen for study abroad experiences, at least €4.39 billion or 21.5% is budgeted for students in VET, a significant increase on the 17% dedicated to it in the last financial period. That might be well needed to boost employment after the pandemic. “Quality apprenticeships can make such a difference in helping people get into the labour market,” Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said on Tuesday (14 September.) [Edited by Frédéric Simon]
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Financial Crisis
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Jana Kramer, Mike Caussin split after co-authoring book on strengthening relationships
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The country music star took to her Instagram on Wednesday to address the split, revealing that she is trying "to make sense of a reality I never wanted to believe could be possible again."
"I've fought y'all," Kramer, 37, wrote. "I've loved hard. I've forgiven. I've put the work in. I've given everything I have, and now I have nothing else to give."
Though Kramer said she still believes "wholeheartedly in marriage, love, and rebuilding," she added that she "just can't fight any longer."
"It's time to heal," she continued. "Thank you for all the love, heart, and support, in many ways you have fought on this journey alongside me, and for that I am grateful. I'll always encourage you to continue the good fight, but you can't fight it alone."
USA TODAY has reached out to Kramer's reps for further comment.
Kramer and Caussin married in 2015 and share two children: 5-year-old Jolie and 2-year-old Jace. The 34-year-old former NFL player has a history of infidelity; in 2016, the couple separated after it was revealed Caussin had been cheating on Kramer. The two later reconciled and said they were working on their marriage.
Country music star Jana Kramer on hiring a 'hot' nanny: 'You're playing with fire'
In September, 2020, the couple released a book together titled "The Good Fight: Wanting to Leave, Choosing to Stay, and the Powerful Practice for Loving Faithfully." According to its Amazon description, the book is about how Kramer and Caussin "decided to honor their forever love by battling it out and staying together, told from both sides." In the book, the couple offer lessons readers can use "to give and receive lasting love," the description adds.
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Famous Person - Divorce
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Exclusive: Rashida Tlaib and AOC have a proposal for a fairer, greener financial system — public banking
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Years of low interest rates led to excessive risk taking in commercial real estate and will make the current economic downturn even more severe, Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren said Thursday. The central bank official said he expects a wave of defaults and bankruptcies to hit that will aggravate an unemployment problem that has hit lower-wage workers disproportionately. Regulatory authorities, he added, should have been able to see conditions building up that would make any unexpected crisis worse. “Clearly a deadly pandemic was bound to badly impact the economy,” Rosengren said. “However, I am sorry to say that the slow build-up of risk in the low-interest-rate environment that preceded the current recession likely will make the economic recovery from the pandemic more difficult.” The Fed has been at the center of the coronavirus pandemic crisis response, slashing already-low interest rates and implementing a slew of programs to ensure market functioning and lend money to areas of the economy in need. In recent days, it has adapted an even more dovish approach to monetary policy, pledging not to raise rates even if inflation runs above the Fed’s preferred 2% target. A loose Fed also often finds itself the target during times of excess, like the financial crisis and the dotcom bubble. Rosengren’s remarks reflected concern about the consequences of the low rates that have prevailed for the past dozen years. He noted that commercial real estate firms have “gradually increased risk by taking on more leverage, which magnifies returns with good outcomes – but also magnifies losses when bad outcomes occur. “This increase in risk-taking is more likely to take place in a low-interest environment, like the one which prevailed in the aftermath of (and as a result of) the financial crisis and Great Recession.” He specifically cited “low rates persisting for an extended period even after the economy has made progress in the recovery” as was the case when the Fed held its benchmark short-term lending rate near zero for more than six years after the Great Recession ended in 2009. In those times, “businesses and firms take on additional debt and accumulate more risky assets in search of better returns – potentially bidding up asset prices to unsustainable levels,” he said. Consequences from that climate are likely to be felt soon with looming debt defaults and business failures he said, adding that the impact on banks, particularly smaller institutions, is likely the reason for the sector’s stock market underperformance. He also spoke about the impact on employment, particularly workers in the services industries who have taken the hardest hit during the current downturn. “The build-up in risks in commercial real estate, and leverage in the corporate sector, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to result in more bankruptcies and higher unemployment during this crisis than if less risk had been taken,” he said. While banks currently have strong capital positions, lending standards are tight. Rosengren said the financial system’s placement at the center of multiple economic crises should cause officials to consider the implications of “reach-for-yield” environments.
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Financial Crisis
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1900 World Allround Speed Skating Championships
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The 1900 World Allround Speed Skating Championships took place at 24 and 25 February 1900 at the ice rinks Frognerkilen in Kristiania (Today: Oslo), Norway. [1] The first day was skated at the ice rink Friedenauer Sportplatz (a 400 m ice rink). Due to the bad ice conditions the second day the distances were skated at the ice rink Westeisbahn (a 335 m ice rink). Peder Østlund was the defending champion, after 2 distances he stopped. Edvard Engelsaas won three distances and became the new World champion. Source: SpeedSkatingStats.com[2]
Four distances have to be skated:
One could only win the World Championships by winning at least three of the four distances, so there would be no World Champion if no skater won at least three distances. Silver and bronze medals were not awarded.
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Sports Competition
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May 2015 Nepal earthquake
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A major earthquake occurred in Nepal on 12 May 2015 at 12:50 pm local time (07:05 UTC) with a moment magnitude of 7.3, 18 kilometres (11 mi) southeast of Kodari. The epicenter was on the border of Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk, two districts of Nepal. This earthquake occurred on the same fault as the larger magnitude 7.8 earthquake of 25 April, but further east than the original quake. [1] As such, it is considered to be an aftershock of the April quake. [1] It struck at a depth of 18.5 km (11.5 mi). Shaking was felt in northern parts of India including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. [6] Tremors were felt as far as about 2,400 km away from the epicenter in Chennai. [7][8]
Minutes later, another 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal with its epicenter in Ramechhap, east of Kathmandu. The earthquake was felt in Bangladesh, China and many other states in India. [9] The impact of these tremors was felt even 1,000 kilometres away in the Indian capital New Delhi, where buildings shook and office workers evacuated. [10]
The aftershock caused mass panic as many people were living in the open air after the 25 April quake. [11] "For the first seconds, it was complete silence. By the fifth second, everybody started to scream", said an eyewitness. "It was really, really intense. Even when the shaking stopped, people were still screaming". [12] The tremor caused fresh landslides, and destroyed some buildings which survived the first quake. [12]
In Nepal, at least 153 people were killed by the earthquake and more than 3,200 people were injured, primarily in mountain regions of the northeast. [13][14] As of 15 May, 1,700 people were still receiving treatment for their injuries. [14] Thirty-two of the nation's seventy-five districts were affected by the quake. In Kathmandu, the streets were quickly filled as people fled buildings. Within hours of the quake, tents began to fill open areas of the city as residents were afraid to go back inside. [12] The district of Sindhupalchowk, which was also hit hard in the original quake, was among the worst-affected areas. Between the two quakes, 95% of the areas houses were destroyed. [14] Areas around Mount Everest also saw fresh damage. [12]
In India, Delhi Metro service was briefly interrupted as people fled their homes and places of employment. [11] At least 17 people were killed by the quake in India. Sixteen of the deaths occurred in Bihar and one in Uttar Pradesh. One woman in the Tibet region of China was killed when falling rocks hit her car. [12]
A US military helicopter, UH-1 Huey, carrying six US Marines and two Nepalese soldiers, went missing when on a disaster relief operation in central Nepal. [16][17] On 14 May the wreckage was found in burned condition in the Gorthali area. [18] Three bodies were recovered from the crash site. [14] On 16 May, when a total of eight bodies were recovered, the Pentagon spokesman Steve Warren said that although the cause of the crash was not yet known, a nearby Indian helicopter had heard radio chatter about a possible fuel problem. [19]
The Nepal Army continued its Operation Sankat Mochan to aid the affected population along with the Indian Army and delivered several tons of relief materials, and rescued stranded people. [20]
According to geophysicist Amy Vaughan, the 12 May quake is likely a sign that more aftershocks are on the way. "Generally, in the days and weeks and months [seismic activity] tapers off", she said. "But ... this is going to temporarily increase [the aftershocks]". [12]
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Earthquakes
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Riga hostel fire
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On 28 April 2021, a fire at a hostel in Riga, Latvia, killed nine people and wounded eight others. [2]
Hostels in the Baltic state have been allowed to operate through the pandemic. [2]
The hostel building was located in the commercial center of Riga, and marketed as Japanese Style Centrum Riga with twenty-two available rooms. However, local authorities stated after the fire, it was technically a private apartment and lacked necessary fire safety and other permits. [3] The hostel was crowded and some guests who stayed there in late 2020 and early 2021 said the conditions inside were poor. [2] Reviews of the location mentioned small rooms, long term residents living alongside visiting tourists, people sleeping in the stairs and some rooms with no windows or ventilation. [4]
The local public broadcaster released that the hostel had been on the radar of the police and State Fire and Rescue Service since March 2021 due to fire concerns and non-compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, and the hostel had been issued a €500 fine. [3] In February 2021, officials who wanted to carry out a fire safety inspection were refused entry. [2] The day prior to the fire, another individual was found dead in the hostel after a suspected drug overdose. [4]
Shortly after 4:30 am the fire broke out in Japanese Style Centrum, an illegal hostel on the fifth floor of a block of flats in the Latvian capital Riga. [2] The fire brigade were called at 4:43 am. [2] By the time of the arrival of the Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service the fire had spread to the sixth floor and roof. [5] A survivor of the fire stated that they were awoken by an explosion and saw an orange light shinning underneath the door to their room, and they had to evacuate by crawling on their hands and knees. [4]
The fire killed eight people - some of whom were foreign nationals - and injured another nine people with an additional fifteen individuals evacuated. [2] Deputy Police Chief Andrejs Grisins told reporters that due to the injuries sustained by those that died in the fire DNA tests would be needed to confirm their identities. [3]
The Mayor of Riga, Mārtiņš Staķis, said the unauthorised hostel will be closed down. [2] A criminal investigation into the fire was opened on the day it occurred. [6]
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Fire
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2019–2021 Amaravati protests
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The 2019–2021 Amaravati protests also known as Amaravati protests, are ongoing demonstrations in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh triggered by the idea of three capitals by Government of Andhra Pradesh, and the Expert panel, BCG committee reports. [6][4][3] The demonstrations are against the Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020, which allows the state government to establish three capitals at different locations. This led to concerns that the decision would create chaos and insecurity fears for farmers who gave their fertile agricultural lands to the government in 29 villages of Guntur and Krishna districts. [36] The protests began in Mandadam, Thullur, Uddandarayunipalem on 18 December 2019. [37] In a few days, the protests spread across Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, in Andhra Pradesh. [38] On 17 December 2020, series of events were done to mark the protests' anniversary. [39]
The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region boasts of one of the oldest habitations in India, going back at least two millennia, and is associated with historic dynasties like Satavahanas and cities such as Dhanyakataka. [40] The last government, wanted to capitalize this region into world-class capital city and wanted to promote glory, rich culture, historical and religional treasure of Andhra Pradesh. [41] It was designed by the Singaporean company, with the masterplan being prepared by two Singapore government appointed consultants and other international consultants in association with both governments in order to develop India's Singapore. [42][43]
The foundation stone was laid for Amaravati, by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Former Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and the Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has laid foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh High Court at Amaravati. [44][45] However, the Capital city was planned in rich fertile coastal plains on the banks of Krishna river; about 60 km from Bay of Bengal and said to be designed to have 51% of green spaces and 10% of water bodies. Thus, the new riverfront capital took away eminently cultivable land from farmers. [46] For the first time in India, the farmers of Guntur and Krishna districts had gave 33,000 acres of land, to the Government of Andhra Pradesh on land pooling for Amaravati. [47][48][49] It had tied up around Rs 17,500 crore with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation, World Bank, Andhra Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and planned to raise the balance through public-private partnerships, investments, bonds, lease rental discounting also, it had estimated a budget of over Rs 1 lakh crore for the greenfield capital city. [50][51] The Government of India, has granted only 2,500 crore and further promised to grant more in future. [52][53] But, the present government had stopped major projects and contracts backed by APCRDA and Andhra Pradesh Development Corporation Limited (ADCL), stating that the previous government has committed Abuse of information, Insider trading on several properties in Amaravati. [54][55] Many construction works and road works at amaravati have come to a grinding halt, even as those undertaken by private companies continue albeit slowly, as the government had appointed several committees for review. [56]
In July 2019, the World bank dropped the $300 million Amaravati capital project, and released statement that says "India withdrawn request for financing Amaravati project. "[57][58][59] After the World bank, Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has also withdrawn $200 million funding for the Amaravati capital city project and leds the state government into financial crisis for construction of Amaravati. [60][61][62]
In November 2019, the Singapore consortium comprising Ascendas-Singbridge and Sembcorp withdrew from the capital city startup area project, after the state government decided not to proceed with the project owing to its other priorities. [63][64] On building the capital city at Amaravati, Urban development minister Botsa Satyanarayana had said: “Our priority is not to build London or Paris. It is not our priority and not in our capacity also. It is not possible for us to build” and had stated that the Amaravati region was not conducive for building a greenfield capital city and that it was prone to floods. [65][66] Citing the financial condition of Andhra Pradesh due to the economic slowdown and alleged misdeeds of the previous regime, Finance minister Buggana Rajendranath had expressed inability to continue work on several large projects of Amaravati conceived by the previous government. [67][68]
In December 2019, Chief minister Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy announced that the Andhra Pradesh would have three capitals namely as Amaravati in Coastal Andhra as the legislative capital with the state assembly, Visakhapatnam in Uttarandhra as the administrative capital with the state secretariat and Kurnool in Rayalaseema as the judicial capital with the high court. [69][70] This threw everybody into confusion, including foreign investors who had hedged their bets on the swift development of Amaravati. [71] The farmers, residents of APCR have condemned the comments and dragged into protests against the government. [37][72]
Amaravati farmers took to the streets with the announcement of Chief minister Jagan's capital decentralization. [22] Reactionary protests were held as well across the Guntur and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. They are protesting on the road with cans of pesticides and have erred in moving the Secretariat and High Court from the already all-encompassing Amaravati. [106] Farmers are demanding that the entire administration of government to stay where it is.
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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1965 USAF KC-135 Wichita crash
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On 16 January 1965, a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in the central United States, in a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, near McConnell Air Force Base. [1] This resulted in the deaths of all seven crew members on board the aircraft and an additional twenty-three people on the ground. [2][3]
This accident is the deadliest aviation disaster to occur in Kansas. [4] It is also the second-deadliest aircraft accident in the United States involving victims on the ground, after the Green Ramp disaster in 1994, which killed 24 people on the ground. [5]
At 9:28 a.m. CST (3:28 p.m. UTC)[6] on Saturday, 16 January 1965, a Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker, serial number 57-1442, took off from the McConnell Air Force Base and gained very little altitude. During this time, the aircraft began to experience a large amount of yaw, and attempted to return to the airport. [7] The crew then began to dump large quantities of fuel from the aircraft's refueling tanks. Shortly after this, the aircraft made a hard bank to the left, and began to enter a roll. Unable to recover, the aircraft crashed into a suburban neighborhood at the intersection of Piatt and 20th Street, just three minutes after take-off. [6] The site is several blocks northwest of Wichita State University. [8]
The aerial refueling aircraft was loaded with 31,000 US gallons (120,000 l) of jet fuel,[9] and the crash resulted in a large explosion and subsequent fire, which engulfed dozens of homes. The accident killed all seven crew members on the aircraft and an additional twenty-three people on the ground. [7] In addition, at least twenty-seven people on the ground sustained injuries, three of which were serious. [6]
It was reported that the crew entry door was jettisoned and a B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which took off prior to the KC-135, may have blown a detached drag chute from an F-105 Thunderchief against the departing aircraft. These factors may have contributed to the crash. [7] Recently un-redacted portions of the accident report indicate that the parachute ingested into the Number 1 engine was that of the crew member who attempted to bail out through the crew entry door. His body was found about 200 feet from the impact crater. [citation needed]
The aircraft and crew were based at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base in west central Oklahoma,[2][8] less than 200 miles (320 km) to the southwest. Ten months after the accident, the U.S. Air Force issued an official accident report that stated that the crash was caused by "a rudder control system malfunction," which was impossible for the crew to overcome. [4]
In 1971, the Piatt Memorial Park was opened to serve as a local recreational facility and a reminder of the tragedy. The park features several amenities, including a playground, a drinking fountain, and a basketball court. [10] On July 14, 2007, more than forty-two years after the accident, an airplane-shaped twelve by twenty-two foot Imperial Black Granite monument with the names of all thirty victims of the crash inscribed on it was unveiled at a ceremony. [11]
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Air crash
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Police in a German state are investigating a suspected food poisoning incident after several people fell ill at a university.
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Police in a German state are investigating a suspected food poisoning incident after several people fell ill at a university.
Seven people reported health problems after consuming various foods or beverages during Monday lunchtime at the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt). The first people were taken to hospital with symptoms of intoxication and blueish discoloration of the extremities. The health of a 30-year-old student was critical.
The university later reported that all seven employees and staff members affected were feeling better and the last two affected people had left hospital.
The public prosecutor’s office in Darmstadt is leading the investigation and started proceedings on the initial suspicion of attempted murder.
Professor Tanja Brühl, president of TU Darmstadt, said the university was shocked in light of the apparent criminal act.
Chemical contamination
Police asked all people who had eaten or drunk in a building called “L2|01” on Monday that felt unwell or have blueish discoloration of the extremities to seek medical help immediately. Emergency services evacuated the site and blocked the immediate area. The building is the Department of Materials and Earth Sciences.
Officers inspected all other buildings on the Lichtwiese campus with the help of TU Darmstadt and did not find any further objects relevant to the incident.
Rooms have been searched for food and drinks to trace the origin of the substance that caused the poisoning. Food and water samples were also taken for laboratory testing.
Specialists from the Hessian State Criminal Police Office detected substances, including in items seized by police at the crime scene, which could have caused the symptoms experienced by those sick but they have not yet revealed what they are.
Police believe that between Aug. 20 and 23 several milk cartons and water vessels were mixed with a harmful substance that had a pungent smell. Beverages and water containers had been contaminated with chemical substances at various locations.
Law enforcement officials said there is no longer any acute risk but advised people to only consume food on the Lichtwiese campus that they have with them and that has been kept under supervision at all times.
Investigations are ongoing and police are trying to identify those behind the product tampering.
Angela Dorn, Minister of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts, said her thoughts are with those affected and their loved ones and wished them a speedy recovery.
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Mass Poisoning
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Cindy Crawford posts tribute to Rande Gerber on 23rd wedding anniversary
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Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the supermodel, 55, posted a touching tribute to Gerber , 59, alongside a photo from the couple’s 1998 wedding in the Bahamas. “This night 23 years ago was magical…and you’re still the one! Happy anniversary! I love you @randegerber,” Crawford captioned the anniversary tribute, which featured the pair embracing on the dance floor. In response to the post, Crawford and Gerber received a slew of well-wishes from their celebrity pals. “You’re such a beautiful couple… And a big reason to believe in everlasting love… God bless you both and happy anniversary!” Linda Thompson posted to Instagram, while “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, Lisa Rinna, replied with two heart emojis. Rande Gerber and wife Cindy Crawford with daughter Kaia and son Presley in 2018. Helena Christensen later penned, “Love you guys and the love you share ♥️??.” Kaia Gerber, Crawford and Gerber’s 19-year-old daughter, also celebrated her parents’ love story on social media. “I feel so lucky to have this example of true love in my life as a constant reminder,” she posted to her story. “23 years and I’ve been lucky enough to witness most of them.” Gerber and Crawford pose for a photo together in 1994. Instagram In addition to Kaia, Crawford and Gerber also share 21-year-old son Presley. For the 1998 nuptials, which took place at Nassau’s Ocean Club, according to People , Crawford wore a white lace mini dress from John Galliano. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crawford took her Instagram followers for a stroll down memory lane with a 1994 photo from her first trip with Gerber.
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Famous Person - Marriage
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US, Russia hold parallel military drills in the Balkans
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BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia and Russia launched joint military exercises near Serbia’s capital Thursday as U.S.-led forces held massive drills in neighboring Balkan states in what appeared to be Moscow’s resolve to maintain influence in the European region torn by wars during the 1990s. The Serbian and Russian defense ministries said the joint training of some 200 special troops will include “the destruction of an illegal military formation,” live ammunition shooting and “anti-terrorist” action. The drills will last through May 25, the ministries said. The exercises at a training ground near Belgrade comes as large-scale U.S. Army-led drills dubbed Defender Europe 2021 are held across Europe, including in most of the nations that neighbor Serbia. The U.S. Army has said that the joint exercises which include approximately 28,000 multinational troops are “designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.’' The exercises, which include air and missile defense assets, “demonstrates our ability to serve as a strategic security partner in the western Balkans and Black Sea regions while sustaining our abilities in northern Europe, the Caucasus, Ukraine and Africa,” the U.S. military has said. U.S. Army Sgt. Kevin Lanehart grounds the Guided Missile Transporter in case of an electrical surge, May 18, 2021, at a Croatian air force base in Zadar. (Sgt. Joshua Oh/U.S. Army) Serbia, which is a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace outreach program and is formally seeking European Union membership, has been forging close military, economic and political ties with both Russia and China. Serbia remains the only Russian ally in the region that was torn by bloody civil wars in the 1990s. Most of Serbia’s neighbors belong to NATO and Moscow has openly opposed their membership in the Western military alliance, claiming the eastern European region is its traditional sphere of influence. Russian and Serbian soldiers perform during exercise in Deliblatska Pescara, a large sand area, 70 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, Serbia. (Serbian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP) Serbian Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin said Thursday that Russia is “a great security partner.” “We are jointly thinking of how to preserve our countries because Serbia and Russia can be broken only from within, not from the outside,” Vulin said.
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Military Exercise
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Dead dolphins blamed on oil spill, thousands protest against government inaction in Mauritius
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Thousands of people have protested in the capital of Mauritius over the government's handling of an oil spill from a grounded Japanese ship and the alarming discovery of dozens of dead dolphins in recent days.
The frustrated residents marched peacefully through Port Louis a month after the ship struck a coral reef offshore and later cracked and spilled around 1,000 tons of fuel oil into fragile marine areas.
Authorities on Friday said at least 39 dead dolphins have washed ashore but it is not yet clear what killed them. Some experts fear the chemicals in the fuel are to blame.
"Something that is also concerning is that we don't know the possible long-term effects. The oil is a new low-sulphur fuel oil that is being introduced to reduce air pollution," Jacqueline Sauzier with the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society told the journal Nature this week. "This is the first time that type of oil has spilled, so there have been no long-term studies on the impacts."
Residents and environmentalists have demanded investigations into why the MV Wakashio strayed miles off course. Its captain and first officer have been arrested and charged with "endangering safe navigation."
The Indian Ocean island nation depends heavily on tourism, and the spill has been a severe blow on top of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which has limited international travel.
"It's clear we are at a turning point in the history of our country," a commentary in the Le Mauricien newspaper said.
The ship ran aground on July 25 and began leaking fuel into the Mahebourg Lagoon on August 6, fouling a protected wetlands area and a small island that was a bird and wildlife sanctuary.
Thousands of civilian volunteers worked for days to try to minimise the damage, creating makeshift oil barriers by stuffing fabric bags with sugarcane leaves and empty plastic bottles to keep them afloat. Environmental workers carefully ferried dozens of baby tortoises and rare plants to shore, plucking some trapped seabirds out of the goo.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth blamed bad weather for the Government's slow response to the ship's grounding. Experts from ship owner Nagashiki Shipping, France and the United Nations have since arrived at the scene.
The ship's remaining fuel was pumped out before the vessel finally split in two.
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Environment Pollution
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Ham bank murder
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The Ham bank murder occurred on 10 November 1976, at branch of Barclays Bank in the Ham section of London, resulting in the murder of a bank teller working at the branch. The victim was Angela Mary Woolliscroft, fatally wounded by a shotgun. In 1976, Angela Mary Woolliscroft (1956–1976), who was born in Surrey[1] and lived in Chessington,[2] was working as a teller at the Barclays Bank branch at Ham Parade, Upper Ham Road, Richmond when she was fatally wounded by a shotgun during a robbery; she died on the way to hospital. After a major police operation Michael Hart was arrested, put on trial, and in November 1977 sentenced to life imprisonment. Hart was released in 2002. [3][4]
On 10 November 1976 at 12:30pm Angela Woolliscroft was working as a cashier at the Barclays Bank at Ham, Richmond. A heavily disguised man threatened her with a sawn-off shotgun and told her to "Give me some money". She passed him some money under the screen. The man then fired the shotgun, destroying the safety glass screen and blowing her backwards. She died on the way to hospital. The gunman had made off with about £2,500 (£18,402.29 in 2020). [citation needed]
The gunman had left behind a woman's yellow raincoat that had been used to hide the shotgun. The coat had belonged to a Miss Marshall, and it was her car that had been used for the robbery. Her Austin A40 had been taken from the car park of Bentalls in Kingston and then returned. Also found was a large pale orange plastic bag that had contained fertiliser that had been taken from Parkleys estate opposite the bank. [citation needed]
Barclays Bank offered a reward of £50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the gunman. [citation needed]
The hunt for the killer was led by Detective Chief Superintendent James Sewell of Scotland Yard. Hart was interviewed after a tip-off but had an alibi; he had signed on at the police station in Basingstoke where he was on bail for other crimes in the morning and again in the afternoon. However on 22 November he was stopped after a traffic accident and police found a Hendal .22 automatic. A search of his house found a box of Eley No 7 trap shooting cartridges. Both the pistol and ammunition had been stolen in Reading on 4 November; also stolen was a double-barrelled Reilly shotgun. At first the ammunition appeared to not match that used to kill Angela, which had been gameshot. However they found that the ammunition had been incorrectly labelled. Hart was arrested and charged with murder on 20 January 1977. Hart (aged 38) pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty of manslaughter. He maintained that he cocked the gun only to frighten, and that it went off by accident when he tapped the glass screen. He was found guilty of murder on 3 November 1977 and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a recommendation that he should serve at least twenty-five years. [5][6][7] He was released in 2002. Angela Woolliscroft was buried at Surbiton cemetery on 29 March 1977. [8] The funeral service was held at St Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Chessington, and was attended by members of the murder squad, the local MP, the deputy mayor of Kingston, members of staff from Barclays and pupils from Holy Cross convent, New Malden; the coffin was escorted by members of Barclays Bank international hockey team. [9]
A memorial plaque was placed inside the bank building at Ham with the wording "In fond memory of Angela Woolliscroft who died on 10th November 1976. A member of staff of this branch who will always be remembered by her colleagues." The bank closed in 2014 and the plaque was moved to the branch in George Street, Richmond. [10] There is also a memorial bench outside the former bank building in Ham (now a Sainsbury's store) and three more were placed round Ham Common. A crystal vase was filled with red roses on the anniversary of her death.
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Bank Robbery
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Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 crash
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For the families of the victims of the Whyalla Airlines disaster, May 31, 2000 is a date that will remain indelibly etched in their minds. Marie Schuppan's husband Chris and seven others were killed that night when Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 crashed into Spencer Gulf, leaving no survivors. It was in the first, raw stages of grief that Marie met Kathy Deegan, whose husband Richard was also on the plane. Over the coming days, weeks and months — as details of what went wrong began to emerge, and the victims' bodies were retrieved — the two women found solace in each other. "We sat and talked for hours and hours," Ms Schuppan remembered. "Just being able to be there with her and to have that connection was very important." Supplied: Kathy Deegan/Marie Schuppan
In some ways, they complemented each other: Ms Schuppan was stoical and strong, while Ms Deegan was outwardly more emotional. During a marathon inquest held across the span of a year, the Whyalla-based Schuppans would stay at the Deegan family home in Adelaide. "I probably wouldn't have been able to get through it without Marie," Ms Deegan said. On the 20th anniversary of what remains one of the state's deadliest aviation incidents, both say the pain of losing their husbands is still fresh — but sharing their experience has eased the burden. ABC News: Lincoln Rothall
"I wouldn't not want Kathy in my life," Ms Schuppan said. "I know it's all for the wrong reasons, but she totally understands where I'm coming from and she totally understands my situation because she's living it too." The night of May 31 seemed particularly dark, and Ms Schuppan was with her young daughter Emma at Whyalla Airport, waiting for the plane to arrive. The aircraft — a twin-engine Piper Navajo Chieftain — had departed Adelaide at 6:23pm with eight people on board, but its scheduled arrival time of 7:10pm came and went. "It was probably about quarter past seven when I thought this was unusual. Whyalla Airlines always flew on time," Ms Schuppan recalled. ABC West Coast SA: Samantha Jonscher
She made a phone call and was told the plane was in the air and should be landing soon. But it never arrived. ATSB
Only after making more calls was she informed the shocking and devastating news — that "the plane was down, it was in the water". Ms Schuppan was then left to drive home where her other daughter was waiting. "I thought it was a joke at first," Alix Schuppan said. "It just seemed like a huge practical joke and that dad was probably sitting in the car and that maybe he was going to jump out." They later found out that, at an altitude of 6,000 feet, disaster had unfolded in a matter of minutes. At 6:56pm, pilot Ben Mackiewicz commenced descent into Whyalla as normal, but just five minutes later he transmitted a mayday call. ABC News
In a tone later described by a coroner as "remarkable" for its calmness and professionalism, the 21-year-old pilot told the operator both engines had failed and that he would be forced to ditch into the ocean. The last contact from the plane was made at 7:04pm, before the crew of another aircraft heard its emergency locator signal a few minutes later. There were no lifejackets, flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder on board. Back in Adelaide, Kathy Deegan had received a devastating phone call which "crushed our family". "No-one slept that night," she said. "In the morning it became more apparent that the plane had crashed and sank to the bottom of the ocean." Volunteers rushed to join the widescale search immediately launched to find the plane. SA Coroners Court
The bodies of Cleve couple Peter and Wendy Olsen were recovered hours after the crash, but locating the others proved challenging. Rick Santucci was the local State Emergency Service commander at the time, and helped organise the searchers. "They came in every day," he said. "I had to actually order them to go home because they just didn't want to leave, they just wanted to be here in case they could do something." ABC News: Kathryn Bermingham
Mr Santucci, now a Whyalla councillor, said the search was made more difficult by the darkness and depth of the water, and conflicting opinions on where to look. "We had all these experts telling us where they thought it was and it was never there," he said. The plane was eventually located on the sea bed, five days after the crash, and was later lifted to the surface. The remains of Mr Deegan were located inside, along with those of Mr Mackiewicz and passengers Teresa Pawlik, Neil Marshall and Joan Gibbons. Chris Schuppan's was the only body never found. "As the anniversary approaches, I will remember the people of Whyalla who put aside their own families to find mine," Ms Pawlik's daughter Krystina Discombe said recently. "At the time of the accident I was 28 so I was old and mature enough to understand what had happened, unlike some of the other families who had small children." ABC News
A coroner eventually ruled damage to part of one engine was to blame for its failure, while a manufacturing defect possibly exacerbated by a lean mixture of fuel caused the other engine to shut down. The incident also led authorities to order that life jackets must be carried on all flights operating over water, regardless of how many passengers were on board. The crash sent shockwaves through Whyalla where, for many, the memory of that night remains vivid. Mr Santucci said it was a defining moment for the community, which endured more hardship when the future of the local steelworks became temporarily uncertain in 2016. "People still pull together when they have to and there's a huge amount of resilience in Whyalla," he said. Shortly after the crash, a memorial was erected on the Whyalla foreshore to remember the victims. ABC News: Kathryn Bermingham
This year, ahead of the 20th anniversary, the Whyalla City Council undertook restoration works to the large stone. Mayor Clare McLaughlin said it remains important that the town and affected families have a place to remember those lost.
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Air crash
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South African sets world swim record; Aussies add 6th gold
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TOKYO (AP) — South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker was the star of the day, setting the first individual swimming world record at the Tokyo Olympics.
Others shined, too.
Evgeny Rylov completed a backstroke double for Russia, Emma McKeon gave the Aussie women another gold, and China earned a return trip to the top of the medal podium.
The mighty Americans? For the first time in the meet, they spent the entire session Friday watching others win gold.
Schoenmaker, a 24-year-old South African, won the women’s 200-meter breaststroke with a time of 2 minutes, 18.95 seconds, breaking the mark of 2:19.11 set by Denmark’s Rikke Moller Pedersen at the 2013 world championships in Barcelona.
It was the third world record at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, with the first two coming in women’s relays.
“I wasn’t expecting that at all,” said Schoenmaker, who added to her silver in the 100 breast. ”It couldn’t have been a better race. It still just doesn’t sink in, maybe one day.”
Rylov thoroughly snuffed out America’s dominance in the backstroke, adding the 200 title to his victory in the 100 back. Rylov won with an Olympic-record time of 1:53.29, while American Ryan Murphy wound up with the silver (1:54.15).
Murphy was a double-gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he extended an American winning streak that began at the 1996 Atlanta Games. The U.S. won 12 straight men’s backstroke events over six Olympics, but that streak ended with Rylov’s victory in the 100. He made it 2-for-2 in the longer race, while Murphy settled for bronze and silver in the two events. Britain’s Luke Greenbank grabbed the 200 bronze in 1:54.72.
McKeon touched first in the 100 freestyle with an Olympic-record time of 51.96, becoming only the second woman to break 52 seconds in the sprint. Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey earned the silver in 52.27, while another Aussie, Cate Campbell, took the bronze in 52.52. American Abbey Weitzeil was last in the eight-woman field.
The Australians have won four individual women’s events at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, in addition to setting a world record in a 4x100 free relay that included both McKeon and Campbell.
The team from Down Under has six golds overall, tied with the Americans, though the U.S. has the lead in the overall medal count.
The Americans won three medals Friday, also claiming the other two spots on the podium behind Schoenmaker. But it was the first time the U.S. team went through an entire sessions of finals in Tokyo without winning at least one gold. Lilly King set a blistering pace early in the 200 breast and held on for a silver in 2:19.92, adding to her bronze in the 100 event. Annie Lazor nabbed the bronze in 2:20.84.
“I don’t come from behind, that’s for sure, so I just wanted to put it out there and see where it goes,” King said. “I thought I did great.”
A day after winning its first two golds at the pool, China picked up another victory when Wang Shun touched first in the men’s 200 individual medley.
Wang edged Britain’s Duncan Scott with a time of 1:55.00. Scott took the silver in 1:55.28, while the bronze went to Switzerland’s Jeremy Desplanches in 1:56.17.
It was another disappointment for hometown star Daiya Seto, who didn’t even qualify for the final of his first two events. He got through in the 200 IM, but just missed out on a medal with a fourth-place finish -- a mere five-hundredths of a second behind the Swiss bronze medalist.
American Michael Andrew led after the third leg, powering to the top spot on the breaststroke. But he faded badly on the freestyle to wind up in fifth, more than 2 seconds behind the winner.
“I think it hurt worse than it looked, and it looked pretty bad,” Andrew said. “I knew I had to be fast at the 150 and I was praying for some Holy Spirit power to get me home in that (final) 50, but it wasn’t all there.”
But the U.S. has several good chances to claim gold over the last two days of the swimming competition.
Caeleb Dressel has two individual finals remaining, and Katie Ledecky is a big favorite in the 800 free.
Dressel set another Olympic record in the semifinals of the 100 butterfly.
Minutes after Hungary’s Kristof Milak took down the mark in the first semifinal heat, Dressel went even faster with a time of 49.71 in the second heat.
“I feel fine,” Dressel said. “I’m not worried about the schedule. I’ve had it written down for a couple weeks now. I know what’s coming. I know how to pace it correctly. I know how to take care of my body.”
It was the third-fastest time in history and left Milak as the second-fastest qualifier at 50.31.
In the preliminaries, Dressel tied the former Olympic record of 50.39 set by Singapore’s Joseph Schooling to win gold at the 2016 Rio Games.
Dressel will be a big favorite in Saturday morning’s final, though he could get pushed by Milak. The Hungarian already won the 200 fly with a dominating victory.
Dressel picked up the first individual gold medal of his career with a win in the 100 freestyle.
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Paul Newberry is an Atlanta-based national writer and sports columnist covering his 14th Olympics. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/pnewberry1963 and his work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/paulnewberry
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Break historical records
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Joelma fire
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Edifício Praça da Bandeira, better known by its former name, Joelma Building, is a 25-story building in downtown São Paulo, Brazil, completed in 1971, located at Avenida 9 de Julho, 225. On 1 February 1974, an air conditioning unit on the twelfth floor overheated, starting a fire. There were 756 people in the building at the time. Because flammable materials had been used to furnish the interior, the entire building was engulfed in flames within 20 minutes. The fire was extinguished at 1:30pm, with 179 deaths and 300 people injured. This happened less than two years after another deadly fire in downtown São Paulo, that of the Andraus Building. As of 2019, the Joelma fire remains the second-worst skyscraper fire ever in terms of the death toll, after the collapse of the twin World Trade Center towers in New York City on September 11, 2001. [1]
The Joelma Building is a reinforced fire-resistant concrete hull construction. So, the structure itself did not suffer enough damage from the fire to cause a collapse. However, the interior was furnished with flammable items. Partitions, desks and chairs were made of wood. The ceilings were cellulose fiber tiles set in wood strappings. The curtains and carpets were also flammable. At the time, no emergency lights, posted in fire alarms, fire sprinkler systems, or emergency exits were fitted to the building. There was only one stairwell, which ran the full height of the building. An air conditioner unit on the twelfth floor, which started the fire, needed a special type of circuit breaker, which was unavailable at the time it was installed. In order to use this unit, it was installed bypassing the twelfth floor electrical control panel. The Joelma fire occurred on Friday, 1 February 1974. A short-circuit in a faulty air-conditioner on the 12th floor ignited the fire at 8:50 AM. The building was primarily occupied by a single banking company, Banco Crefisul S/A, of which 756 employees were present. A person in an adjacent building reported the fire and first fire personnel arrived on the scene at 9:10 AM. Assistance was requested and further units arrived at 9:30 AM, by which time flames were nearly to the roof of the building. The fire reached the building's only stairwell and climbed as high as the 15th floor. It did not reach any higher because of a lack of flammables in the stairwell, however it filled the stairwell with smoke and heat, making it impassable. The large amount of combustible materials, including paper, plastics, electrical equipment and wooden walls and furniture, contributed to the fire spreading rapidly. Fire crews attempted to gain access to the building using this stairwell, but could not go any higher than the 11th floor. Most importantly, the building had no emergency exits, fire alarms or fire sprinkler systems installed. Initial efforts led to the successful evacuation of some 300 employees before the heat and smoke became too overwhelming. Approximately three hundred people were evacuated using the elevators, a practice that is not recommended by fire officials. The four elevator operators were only able to make a few trips, however, before conditions within the building made it impossible to continue. Many remaining employees climbed onto balconies for air and a group of 171 individuals fled to the roof. A helicopter rescue was attempted but the heat, smoke and inadequate landing space prevented helicopters from reaching the roof until well after the fire had burned out at 10:30 AM. Even if landing space had been available, the strong heat and dense smoke made approaching the building by helicopter extremely hazardous. Despite the best efforts of rescue personnel and witnesses, who shouted and created signs encouraging people to remain calm, 40 individuals jumped to escape the conditions inside and in failed attempts to grasp unreachable fire ladders. None of these jumpers survived. Approximately 80 people hid under the tiles on the roof of the building; they were found alive. Thirteen people who tried to escape the fire using one of the elevators of the Joelma Building died of suffocation and their bodies were burnt by the fire. They were never identified. They are buried in anonymous graves at the Vila Alpina Cemetery. [2]
By 10:30 am, the fire subsided. Two hours later, it had engulfed all flammables and simply burned itself out. Medical teams, fire crews and police were then able to enter the office towers and search for survivors. At the time, this had been the greatest death toll in any high-rise building fire. Death toll estimates range from 179[3][4] to 189. [5]
After the disaster the Joelma Building remained closed for 4 years for reconstruction. Once reconstructed, it was renamed Praça da Bandeira ("Flag Square," the name of a former square facing the building). The Joelma fire became a landmark case that led to changes in fire safety regulations not only in Brazil, but all over the world. For instance, Los Angeles enacted Regulation 10, which mandated all new buildings taller than 75 feet (23 m) to have a rooftop helipad for emergency fire evacuation. The regulation was created in response to the Joelma fire. [6] Regulation 10 was rescinded in 2014, after petitioning by the builders of the 73 story Wilshire Grand Center building, who designed in a reinforced concrete central core into the building.
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Fire
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Continental Airlines Flight 12 crash
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On July 1, 1965 Continental Airlines Flight 12 overran the runway while attempting to land at Kansas City Municipal Airport. No one was killed or seriously injured, but the accident forced discussions about runway safety in Kansas City and resulted in construction of a new airport, Kansas City International Airport, which opened in 1972. The accident also led to widespread implementation of runway grooving, which improves braking in wet landing conditions. [2]:42
Continental Airlines Flight 12 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with an intermediate stop in Kansas City. On July 1, 1965, operated Flight 12 using a Boeing 707 four-engine narrow-body airliner (registration (N70773[3]). [1]:1
After a routine flight, the plane was making an approach on the instrument landing system for Runway 18. There was heavy rain and low visibility at the airport. The wind was reported from the East-northeast at 7 knots. At most airports this would normally mean an approach should be initiated from the other direction, Runway 36. Quality Hill, in downtown Kansas City overlooks the airport from this direction. It is so close to the end of the runway that aircraft have to go around it to land safely in good weather. This obstacle prevented the installation of an instrument landing system on this runway. It is normally considered safe to land opposite direction in these conditions but they would be landing with a slight tailwind. [citation needed]
Flight 12 landed in heavy rain at 5:29 a.m. Central Standard Time, about 1,050 feet (320 m) past the start of Runway 18. [1]:1 Spoilers, reverse thrusters and braking were initiated, but did not slow the airplane as anticipated. Realizing the aircraft could not stop before the end of the runway, the captain deliberately tried to swing the aircraft to the left so the right wing would take the initial brunt of impact. Using left rudder and adding power to the Nos. 3 and 4 (right-side) engines, the aircraft pivoted 35 degrees to the left but continued to slide down the runway, still traveling at 40 knots (74 km/h) when it went off the concrete. [1]:12 The right wing impacted a blast mound as the aircraft rolled over it, coming to rest in three pieces on the perimeter road between the mound and river levee. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and written off, making the accident the 14th hull loss of a Boeing 707. [4] Five people (including three passengers and two crew members) received minor injuries. [1]:1
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) investigated the accident. [1]:1
The CAB also determined that Flight 12 had not been given adequate weather information from the Kansas City approach controller or from company personnel that they could use to determine whether a safe landing was possible. [1]:12 As a result, the flight crew had no reason to expect difficulty during landing. The CAB also determined that the point Flight 12 had touched down (1,050 feet (320 m) beyond the start of the runway) was within the designated ILS touchdown area. [1]:13
Having determined that the aircraft first touched down 1,050 feet (320 m) down the 7,000 feet (2,100 m) runway, the CAB investigated whether it was possible for Flight 12 to stop in the remaining (5,950 feet (1,810 m). The CAB found evidence to believe that hydroplaning had occurred due to water accumulation on the runway. [1]:12–13 Based on information from Boeing on the 707's braking performance, input from a NASA technical expert, and witness interviews, the CAB determined that under the landing conditions at the time, it was not possible for Flight 12 to come to a stop in the remaining distance. [1]:14
In June 1966, the CAB released their final report, concluding that "the probable cause of this accident was hydroplaning of the landing gear wheels which precluded braking effectiveness. "[1]:13
Although there were no fatalities in the accident, it highlighted a number of shortcomings with jet aircraft operations at Kansas City Municipal Airport. At 7,000 feet (2,100 m), runway 18-36 was barely long enough for Boeing 707 aircraft. The airport could not be expanded, as it was surrounded on three sides by the Missouri river and a rail yard on the east side. Pilots demanded action in Kansas City after the Flight 12 accident. Runway grooving was a brand new development at the time Flight 12 occurred. Kansas City airport officials grooved the airport, which greatly improved braking conditions afterward. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a program to institute runway grooving more broadly, and by 1969 the FAA had implemented grooving at four airports: Atlanta Municipal Airport, Chicago Midway Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and Washington National Airport. However, commercial pilots continued to consider the airport unsafe even after it was grooved. In September 1969, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) released a member survey which named Kansas City Municipal Airport as one of the 10 most dangerous airports in America. Runway conditions at the airport, and the Flight 12 accident, were given by ALPA as specific reasons for including Kansas City on their 10 worst list. [2]:40–42
A new airport, Kansas City International Airport, was built to provide commercial air service to Kansas City. The new airport would have two runways, one 9,500 feet (2,900 m) and the other 9,000 feet (2,700 m), offering a greater safety margin for commercial jet aircraft such as the Boeing 707. [2] In 1972 commercial airline operations were moved to the new airport. Continental continued to use the "Flight 12" designation on its Honolulu to Los Angeles routing. After its acquisition by United Airlines, the flight number was kept for its LAX-HNL routing but it is now used on an IAH-LGA routing. As of 2007, runway 18 and 36 are known as runway 1 and 19. Kansas City did not observe Daylight saving time until 1967.
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Air crash
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GPS data help warn of rare tsunamis
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Using data from GPS receivers and seismographs, three seismologists may have found a way to identify tsunami earthquakes in time to warn people A few times a century, a medium-sized earthquake causes a large and devastating tsunami. The most recent occurrence was in 2010, when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake off the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia set off a tsunami that was more than 50 feet high in some places, killing 509 people and displacing 15,000. While rare, these tsunami earthquakes are particularly dangerous because they can hit coastal communities within five to 15 minutes, before officials can issue a warning. Now, however, using data from GPS receivers and seismographs near the 2010 Mentawai event, three seismologists — Valerie Sahakian and Diego Melgar at the University of Oregon and Muzli Muzli at the Earth Observatory of Singapore — may have found a way to identify tsunami earthquakes in time to warn people. Very large earthquakes under an ocean break both the deeper part of a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate is sinking beneath another, as well as its shallow part, in a rapid motion that creates a tsunami. Tsunami earthquakes, on the other hand, happen almost entirely in the soft, weak section of a fault, moving slower and creating much more movement on or near the sea floor compared to earthquakes of the same size that happen in rigid rock. This creates much larger tsunamis than expected. A tsunami earthquake might have the same magnitude as an earthquake that occurs in rigid rock but produces much less of what seismologists call high-frequency energy. Currently, officials issue tsunami warnings within tens of minutes of detecting an earthquake above a certain magnitude within a certain distance of a coastal area. This method, however, fails in the case of tsunami earthquakes, which produce tsunamis that are disproportionate to their magnitude. Indian Ocean (Jan. 2, 2005): A village near the coast of Sumatra lays in ruin after a tsunami struck South East Asia. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Philip A. McDaniel) Traditionally, scientists have detected tsunami earthquakes by comparing their seismic magnitude with the amount of high-frequency energy they radiate, both recorded by distant stations. Tsunami earthquakes have a very low ratio of energy to magnitude; their energy, instead of strong shaking, produces a large slow movement of the seafloor. In the past, scientists had to measure this ratio using seismic waves that had traveled from the earthquake’s epicenter to seismographs hundreds or thousands of miles away. This did not give them enough time to identify tsunami earthquakes and warn people before the tsunami’s wave hit the coast. The recent analysis, however, enabled scientists to figure out a faster way to identify these rare tsunami earthquakes by using two proxies: data from seismic stations onshore near the epicenters of 16 earthquakes that measured directly how much the ground shook in each case, to determine the amount of high frequency energy in each earthquake, and data from GPS stations close to the earthquakes, to measure the magnitude of each one on the basis of how much it moved the ground. The GPS stations used in this study were from the Badan Informasi Geospasial (BIG) network from Indonesia. The data were acquired in real-time but processed with final orbits and clocks using precise point positioning (PPP). The scientists averaged the 3-component displacement, using centimeter-level solutions, and saw 3-10 centimeter vertical displacement. This methodology, using data available during and immediately after an earthquake, enables scientists to compare the amount of energy in each earthquake with its magnitude, without waiting for their seismic waves to travel to distant measuring stations. Seismologists will be able to use this approach to identify tsunami earthquakes immediately and warn nearby coastal communities before a tsunami wave reaches them. Citation. Sahakian, V. J., Melgar, D., & Muzli, M. (2019). “Weak near-field behavior of a tsunami earthquake: Toward real-time identification for local warning.” Geophysical Research Letters, 46(16), 9519–9528.
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Tsunamis
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2016 Maryland flood
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The 2016 Maryland flood was a natural disaster in the United States that took place on July 30, 2016. [3] The flooding, which occurred in the Baltimore area, affected low-lying areas of the Patapsco and Jones Falls valleys. [4] The storm caused significant damage to the historic downtown area of Ellicott City, Maryland. [5]
On the evening of July 30, a severe thunderstorm moved into the area of Ellicott City where it dumped an estimated 6 inches (15 cm) of rain in two hours. The flash flood that resulted inflicted severe damage to the area primarily on Main Street (Maryland Route 144). [1] Flooding damaged many homes, businesses, sidewalks, and landmarks, including the city's landmark clock. [6] Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and at least two people were confirmed to have died (Jessica Watsula, 35, and Joseph A. Blevins, 38). [1][3][7]
Main Street remained closed for more than two months as businesses and residents cleaned up from the floods and began repairing damaged buildings and sidewalks. The street reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on October 6, 2016. [8] The Howard County Councilman Jon Weinstein (District 1) attempted to put a moratorium on development throughout the Tiber-Hudson watershed, but the push was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing further development. [9]
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Floods
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British Prime Minister Theresa declared the UK to leave the EU
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British Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a long-awaited speech about the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union: LONDON — In a speech that could define Britain’s relations with its neighbors for decades to come, Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday charted a course toward a clean break with the European Union, calling for the country to abandon the single market after more than four decades of integration with the Continent Mrs. May emphasized Britain’s determination to regain control of migration from the European Union and rejected the supremacy of the European Court of Justice, even at the risk of losing unfettered access to the single market, but she also said she wanted to procure tariff-free trade with the bloc and to keep parts of its customs union. The long-awaited speech was a shift for Mrs. May, who had dropped heavy hints about her thinking but had refused to outline publicly how Britain would leave the bloc after voters supported a withdrawal in a June referendum. After months of stressing that there was no “binary divide” over Britain’s membership of the single market, she explicitly ruled out staying a member, arguing that it was impossible for a Britain that controlled its borders and set all of its laws. “Let me be clear,” she said, adding that any agreement would be sent to both houses of Parliament for approval, “What I am proposing cannot mean remaining in the single market.” The speech appealed for a new relationship with Continental Europe, with Mrs. May saying she wanted “a new and equal partnership — between an independent, self-governing, global Britain and our friends and allies in the E.U.” “Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out,” she added. “We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave.” Nevertheless, she warned that if Britain were locked out of European markets, it would feel free to cut corporate taxes and change its economic model to remain competitive. Mrs. May’s intervention represents an opening gambit in a hugely complex negotiation. “The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union,” she said. “My job is to get the right deal for Britain as we do.” Reaction from opponents of a British departure from the bloc — commonly known as Brexit — was swift and harsh. “Theresa May has confirmed Britain is heading for a hard Brexit,” said Tim Farron, the leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats. “She claimed people voted to leave the single market. They didn’t. She has made the choice to do massive damage to the British economy.” Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party, focused on the Conservative Party promise to cut corporate taxes to attract businesses, on the Irish model, which the chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, proposed on Sunday. “Theresa May has made clear that she is determined to use Brexit to turn Britain into a bargain-basement tax haven on the shores of Europe,” Mr. Corbyn said. “She makes out this is a negotiating threat to the 27 E.U. countries, but it’s actually a threat to the British people’s jobs, services and living standards.” The response from European leaders was more muted. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German foreign minister, welcomed the fact that Mrs. May “finally has given a little more clarity over the British plans,” and he called on the 27 other member countries to unite to preserve the single market. Even before the speech, Mr. Farron had accused Mrs. May of taking Britain toward “a destructive, hard Brexit,” with consequences that “will be felt by millions of people through higher prices, greater instability and rising fuel costs.” His party pointed on Tuesday to the impact of the slump in the value of the pound, which helped push up inflation in December to 1.6 percent, its highest rate since July 2014. While currency markets had been jittery in recent days in anticipation of the speech, the pound rallied by as much as 1.5 percent after Mrs. May began talking, suggesting her remarks — leaked to British news outlets over the weekend — had already been accounted for. Mrs. May’s speech, delivered in the grand surroundings of Lancaster House in London, was the most closely watched statement on European policy since January 2013, when the prime minister at the time, David Cameron, promised to hold a referendum on European Union membership. Given the fact that the referendum supporting Britain’s exit from the European Union took place seven months ago, there’s been some speculation about just how committed May and her fellow Tories were to the idea of committing to a full-fledged exit from accords that have defined European politics for several decades now. Part of the reason for this may have been due to the fact that, like her predecessor David Cameron, May was a public supporter of the ‘Remain’ side of the debate as were both of the opposition parties, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. Indeed, some polling that has taken place in the wake of the June 23rd vote has suggested that the British public itself has had at least some second thoughts about the idea of leaving the E.U. and what it might mean for their nation’s economic future, its relationship with its neighbors, and their own lives. At the very least, the speech would seem to confirm, though, that May remains committed to the promise that Cameron made that the government would abide by the outcome of the referendum regardless of which way it turned out. All of this means that, absent some kind of political earthquake in Great Britain in the coming months, one that would likely have to result in new elections, the nation will be moving forward with its exit from the European Union, and that the future of the E.U. itself will be thrown into further doubt as some of the same nationalist forces that led to the surprising victory for the ‘Leave’ forces look likely to play a role in elections in France and Germany later this year. May’s speech also appears to answer questions that were hanging over the Brexit process itself, but the answer creates questions all its own. Based on some initial comments from government officials in London over the past several months, there was some question about what kind of exit could be anticipated. Since being part of the common European market has obvious economic benefits for the United Kingdom, for example, there was some suggestion that what we’d see in terms of a ‘Brexit’ would be an arrangement that ended Great Britain’s formal membership in the European Union but maintains its status in the common market itself. The opposing position, sometimes referred to as the “hard Brexit,” would mean that the U.K. would end up having to renegotiate its trade and other economic relationship with the rest of Europe all over again. May’s speech seems to make clear that she intends to take a hardline position in negotiations and that the status of future agreements between the E.U. and a Great Britain outside of Europe would have to be the subject of negotiations effectively separate from the negotiations regard separation from the European Union. Obviously, this makes the task of negotiating all of these deals far more difficult than a softer approach would involve. May also said in her speech that she intends to stick to previous promises to begin the process of leaving the European Union by the end of March, nearly a year after the June referendum. By some estimates, the process itself will take at least two years, and probably longer than that. In addition to the financial and trade issues that will need to be dealt with, negotiators will also have to deal with issues ranging from the status and rights of Britsh ex-pats living in Europe who have become used to moving from place to place with minimal trouble, the status of other diplomatic relationships, and the myriad of taxation and tariff issues that will be implicated by the change. It’s also unclear just what kind of impact all of this will have on the United Kingdom as a whole. Proponents of the ‘Leave’ side of the argument have claimed in the months since June that the doomsayers who predicted economic trouble for the nation if Brexit won have been proven wrong by the fact that the British pound has become stronger and British stock markets have been generally moving up over the past seven months. It strikes me, though, that it’s far too early to judge the consequences of Brexit on Britain or Europe. For one thing, it’s hard to judge anything given the fact that the Brexit process itself hasn’t even started yet so it is is far too premature for either side to claim victory in the argument over what the consequences of Brexit will ultimately be. At the very least, that evaluation needs to wait until the process of withdrawal is well under way, and even then it likely won’t be until well after it’s actually complete that we’ll know for sure what the consequences of and exit will be for the British people. Indeed, it’s entirely possible that voters will ultimately come to regret what happened on June 23rd, 2016. By then, of course, it will likely be too late to change course. Doug–I’ve been following the whole Brexit bruhaha and I think that it’s going to end up much more painful than the Brexiters think. Their present applause for the situation reminds me of someone who jumps off a 50-floor building and claims, as he passes the 25th floor “everything is going GREAT!”
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Withdraw from an Organization
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US plans to terminate the 1987 INF Treaty
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US-Russia Nuclear Arms Control November 2018By Kingston Reif President Donald Trump announced in October that he plans to “terminate” the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, raising concerns about the return of Cold War-style tensions over U.S. and Russian deployments of intermediate-range missiles in Europe and elsewhere and the future of the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). Trump’s sudden decision follows a years-long U.S.-Russian dispute about whether Moscow has developed and deployed a prohibited missile, known by its apparent Russian designation 9M729, and comes amid fears expressed by some government officials and defense policy experts that China, which is not a party to the INF Treaty, is gaining a military advantage in East Asia by deploying large numbers of treaty-noncompliant missiles. Still, critics of Trump’s withdrawal plan argue that it recklessly removes all constraints on the deployment of Russia’s illegal missiles, lets Russia off the hook for its violation, and goes against the wishes of allies in Europe and elsewhere who want to preserve the treaty. They also claim that the administration has not exhausted all diplomatic, economic, and military options to pressure Russia to return to compliance and that the military can counter China by continuing to field air- and sea-launched cruise missiles that do not violate the accord. The president’s decision to withdraw from the treaty appears to have come together quickly and demonstrates the strong influence of his national security adviser, John Bolton, a forceful, longtime critic of the INF Treaty and New START. “Russia has violated the agreement; they have been violating it for many years,” Trump said after a Oct. 20 campaign rally in Elko, Nevada. “And we’re not going to let them violate a nuclear agreement and go out and do weapons and we’re not allowed to.” “We’ll have to develop those weapons,” Trump said, referring to the intermediate-range missiles prohibited by the treaty, “unless Russia comes to us and China comes to us and they all come to us and say, ‘Let’s really get smart, and let’s none of us develop those weapons.’” “[B]ut if Russia’s doing it and if China’s doing it and we’re adhering to the agreement, that’s unacceptable,” he added. The INF Treaty required Russia and the United States to eliminate permanently their nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. Since 2014, Washington has accused Moscow of violating its commitment “not to possess, produce, or flight-test” a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) having a range prohibited under the INF Treaty. The Trump administration later identified the missile as the 9M729. In 2017, the Pentagon alleged that Russia began fielding the missile. Moscow has denied both charges and accused the United States of violating the treaty, most notably by deploying missile defense interceptor platforms in eastern Europe that Russia claims could be used for offensive purposes. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the compliance dispute have been limited and unsuccessful. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the U.S. plan to withdraw from the treaty could lead to a new arms race and said that any nation that hosts U.S. intermediate-range missiles will “put their own territory under the threat of a possible counterstrike.” Yet, some Russian officials were less harsh in their criticism. After a meeting Oct. 22 between Bolton and his Russian counterpart, Nikolai Patrushev, the Russian Security Council issued a statement expressing “its readiness for the joint work aimed at eliminating mutual grievances relating to the implementation of this treaty.” Trump’s announcement pitted him, once again, against an array of international friends and rivals. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing opposes a U.S. withdrawal from the treaty. U.S. allies in Europe and Asia also criticized the decision. The European Union declared in a statement that the United States should “consider the consequences of its possible withdrawal from the INF [Treaty] on its own security, on the security of its allies and of the whole world.” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that “ending the treaty would have many negative consequences.” Likewise, Yoshihide Suga, the Japanese chief cabinet secretary, called a U.S. withdrawal “undesirable.” Trump’s withdrawal plan is proving controversial in Congress, drawing a glimmer of bipartisan criticism. In an Oct. 24 letter to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Reps. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), the ranking members on the House armed services and foreign affairs committees, respectively, said a U.S. withdrawal from the treaty “would risk an arms race, would jeopardize the security of our allies in Europe and Asia, and would significantly undermine U.S. leadership on arms control.” Some Republican lawmakers also expressed opposition. “I hope we’re not moving down the path to undo much of the nuclear arms control treaties that we have put in place,” retiring Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said on Oct. 21. “I think that would be a huge mistake.” Other Republicans backed Trump, including his new close ally Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), who said withdrawal is “absolutely the right move” because “the Russians have been cheating.” Lawmakers cannot prevent the president from withdrawing from the agreement, but they could withhold funding to develop new land-based intermediate-range missiles. The Republican-controlled Congress in September approved the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2019 budget request of $48 million for research and development on and concepts and options for conventional ground-launched, intermediate-range missile systems in response to Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. But the opposition of Democratic lawmakers to withdrawing from the treaty could lead to debate over whether to continue to fund such research if Democrats retake either chamber in the November midterm elections. Even if the United States were to develop the weapons, they would need to be deployed on the territory of allies neighboring Russia and China. So far, no country has said that it would be willing to host such missiles. Last December, before Bolton joined the administration, the State Department announced an integrated diplomatic, economic, and military strategy designed to pressure Russia to return to compliance with the INF Treaty. (See ACT, December 2017.) But it is not clear what parts of the strategy have been executed and whether the administration presented Russia with a diplomatic proposal to resolve the compliance stalemate. When asked at an Oct. 23 press conference in Moscow following meetings with Putin and other top Russian officials whether there were options to preserve the treaty, Bolton said that “the treaty was outmoded, being violated, and being ignored by other countries.” He likened the decision to the George W. Bush administration’s decision in 2002 to withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Bolton said the United States will deliver to Russia “in due course” a formal withdrawal notification. Once that is done, the treaty requires the United States to wait six months before it can actually leave the agreement. In the likely event that the INF Treaty collapses, the only remaining U.S.-Russian arms control agreement would be New START, which expires in 2021 but can be extended by up to five years through agreement by both parties. Bolton, while in Moscow, reiterated that the United States does not yet have a position on whether it favors extending the agreement. (See ACT, September 2018.) If New START is allowed to expire without a replacement, there will be no legally binding limits on the world’s two largest strategic arsenals for the first time since 1972.
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Ampol ordered to pay $200,000 over Kippax petrol station leak into groundwater
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Two Canberra environmental groups will share in a $200,000 payout from a national fuel company over a fuel leak at a Belconnen service station.
Soil and groundwater was contaminated after almost 80,000 litres of fuel escaped from an underground storage tank at the Caltex service station in Kippax between December 2019 and February 2020.
Ampol Petroleum last month signed an enforceable undertaking with the ACT Environment Protection Authority over the incident.
The deal means Ampol must pay $150,000 to the Ginninderry Conservation Trust and $50,000 to the Ginninderra Catchment Group to fund their environmental work.
The enforceable undertaking said the leak came from a 45-year-old steel storage tank, which had failed after the floor corroded.
The tank had not been fitted with protective measures, including cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, automatic tank gauging or electronic line leak detection.
Ampol's investigations found a number of risk management controls had not prevented the tank's failure.
When the leak was detected in mid-February last year, the company notified the EPA, took the tank out of service and called in environmental consultants and remediation contractors.
A site audit found there were no unacceptable health risks at the site or nearby properties, and the property was suitable to continue to be used as a service station and mechanical workshop.
In a statement Ampol said it was disappointed with the incident and would work with environmental authorities to remediate the site.
"Ampol is extremely disappointed about this incident at our Kippax store which was run by a former franchisee. Upon becoming aware of the incident, Ampol took immediate action to recover product and to mitigate environmental impacts," a spokesperson said.
"We continue to work with the EPA and an independent environmental auditor to deliver ongoing remediation works.
"We are also in the process of implementing a range of actions designed to continuously improve the management of environmental risks across our network."
Under the terms of the agreement, Ampol will pay a sum total of $200,000 to the two environmental groups to improve the health of the Ginninderra Catchment and the Murrumbidgee River.
It is the first enforceable undertaking the EPA has ever entered into.
EPA chief executive Narelle Sargent said an enforceable undertaking is an alternative to prosecution "which requires action that directly benefits the environment and community".
The undertakings are legally binding and can be used when the EPA is concerned environmental laws have been breached.
"In this instance the EPA considers it is the appropriate regulatory response," Ms Sargent said.
"It's actually a better option in terms of the benefits to the community … it actually provides funds back through the community to the environment."
Business and regulation minister Tara Cheyne said the result was a reminder to industry that environmental incidents come at a significant cost.
"Preventing such incidents makes good business sense," she said.
"Despite the spill and negative environmental impacts, this is a good result which will see Ampol contributing a significant amount of funding to projects directly benefiting the local catchment and community.
"The Ginninderry Conservation Trust and the Ginninderra Catchment Group will be able to activate appropriate remediation works and enhance the catchment through many activities including education and training and dam restoration works."
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Environment Pollution
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Telstra fined $50 million over unconscionable treatment of Indigenous phone plan customers
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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 Federal Court has ordered Telstra to pay a penalty of $50 million plus costs for its treatment of Indigenous customers in rural and remote parts of Australia.
The decision comes after the telco admitted it had acted unconscionably towards 108 customers at five Telstra-branded stores, by selling phone plans people could not afford and did not understand.
Telstra admitted to unconscionable conduct during an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The ABC exposed the issue in 2019.
The $50 million fine is the second-largest penalty ever imposed on a company for breaking Australian consumer law, after the $125 million Volkswagen "dieselgate" fine in 2019.
Peter Gartlan from Financial Counselling Australia (FCA), which submitted nearly 100 cases from remote parts of Australia to the ACCC, said the decision was welcomed.
"It sends a clear message to the telco industry that mis-selling practices will not be tolerated," he said.
"This conduct should have never happened in the first place."
The story of how Telstra signed up vulnerable Australians to unfair phone and tablet contracts
Sales staff at the five stores — in Arndale in South Australia, Broome in Western Australia, and Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory — engaged in "exploitative" practices between January 2016 and August 2018, the court found.
Many of the 108 customers had difficulties with reading and writing, and had "limited or no" ability to understand the contracts they entered into with Telstra.
Many were also unemployed or spoke English as their second, third or fourth language.
The sales conduct, the court found, included:
The customers then racked up huge debts, ranging from $1,600 to $19,524, and many were pursued by debt collectors.
Do you know more about this story? Email Specialist.Team@abc.net.au
The federal court finding noted that while the 108 customers were "saddled with obligations" that would lead them to incur huge debts, the five Telstra stores received an average financial bonus of $24,492.
"Individual sales staff at the five Telstra stores were also likely to have been paid incentive payments by the relevant licensee for their work in encouraging the affected consumers to enter into these contracts," the court finding said.
Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said the Federal Court's fine "brings to an end to what has been a deeply challenging and disappointing chapter in our history".
"I want to apologise to all of the Indigenous customers affected by this," he said.
"I am deeply and personally disappointed that we have let you down. We should have listened more carefully. We should have been more attuned to what was happening. We should have picked this up earlier."
Last November, Telstra told the court it had made "full remediation" and had also implemented measures like staff training and a call centre for Indigenous customers in remote communities.
The telco said other measures it had taken included appointing an Indigenous Cultural Compliance Officer and launching an Indigenous policy statement that outlined how it engaged with communities.
Mr Penn also said Telstra was offering remediation to any affected customers between 2016 and 2018 who may not have come forward yet.
Mr Gartlan said getting the cases to court involved a "monumental effort" by financial counsellors who worked with Aboriginal people in remote parts of Australia.
He said while FCA often heard reports of telcos mis-selling, Telstra's case was particularly "outrageous".
"To the extent this conduct was systemic and so broad … this is the first time we've seen such conduct on such a huge scale," he said.
"And that is why this fine is so important."
ACCC chair Rod Sims said Telstra's behaviour was "truly beyond conscience" and the fine was appropriate.
"We expect much better behaviour from large businesses like Telstra, but all businesses in Australia have a responsibility to ensure sales staff are not breaching consumer law by manipulating or tricking consumers into buying products or services they do not need or cannot afford,” Mr Sims said.
The NT government has written to the Federal Treasurer and urged that the penalty, which will be paid to the Commonwealth, be spent helping people who were directly impacted by Telstra’s conduct.
"Telstra is being fined $50 million for misleading vulnerable Indigenous customers but those customers get nothing from this? It just doesn't pass the pub test," NT Minister for Digital Development Paul Kirby said.
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Organization Fine
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A tale of two crises: Lessons from the financial crisis to prevent the Great Fragmentation
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A tale of two crises: Lessons from the financial crisis to prevent the Great Fragmentation Marco Buti 13 July 2020 Both the severity of the recession in Europe in 2020 and the subsequent bounce back of economies are likely to differ markedly across member states. Avoiding that the current crisis risks will be remembered as the Great Fragmentation is a key goal of the EU strategy. This column looks at the lessons learned during the financial crisis, and argues that a more consensual narrative, the lower risks of moral hazard and the rising political awareness that Europe has to count on ‘indigenous’ growth drivers provide a better chance of adopting an ambitious EU policy response. Whether it will also lead to deeper political integration, will depend on finalising long-lasting open institutional 'chantiers' such as Banking Union and Capital Markets Union. The recent forecasts by official institutions and market analysts confirm that the Covid-19 crisis is set to lead to a downturn of historic proportions, much deeper than that witnessed during the financial crisis which followed the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in 2008. Figure 1a shows that the current recession is more than twice the size of the one that followed the financial crash and it envisages a partial and much slower return to the pre-crisis growth levels. In Q2 2020, EU real GDP will be almost 14% lower than that registered in Q2 2019, while for 2020 as a whole, the Commission estimates a deep recession with EU and euro area GDP declining by 8¼% and 8¾%, respectively (European Commission 2020b). Figure 1 Growth and financing needs a) GDP downfall and recovery during the Covid-19 crisis and the financial crisis b) Financing needs Source: European Commission The crisis has created huge financing needs in terms of equity repair, investment gap and social distress. Figure 1b shows that the additional financing needs of the EU for 2020-21 amount to almost €2 trillion for a baseline scenario and they exceed €2.5 trillion if a stress scenario were to materialise.1 In Buti and Messori (2020), my co-author and I attempt to apportion such financing needs to the three phases of the crisis developments: emergency, transition, and recovery. We argue that social needs will be particularly present in the initial emergency phase, but partly also during the transition phase. The need to fill the investment gap (public and private) will happen in the transition phase, but only become a key priority in the final phase, whereas the need for recapitalization will characterise both the transition and the recovery phase. Approximately, the financing needs in the emergency phase will amount to around €800 billion, the transition phase will need €500 billion while the phase envisaging the recovery will involve financing needs amounting to some €1.2 trillion. There has been much debate on the dynamics of the crisis and the potentially uneven impact on different countries. Early hopes of a V-shaped recession have faded in spite of recent positive sentiment indicators. In a U-shaped scenario, the recession would last longer and the rebound would be much slower. A W-shaped recession could be possible in case there will be a second wave of infections. The scenario of a ‘Victorian bathtub’ cannot be excluded – here, a period of stagnation would be followed by only a timid recovery due to an increase of private and public debt as well as persistent uncertainty leading to high saving, less investment and constrained consumption. Hysteresis effects would take a toll denting the exit from the crisis and negatively impact potential growth. According to the European Commission’s and most other forecasts, both the severity of the recession in 2020 and the following bounce back of the economies differ markedly among member states. As shown in Figure 1a, Germany will suffer a much smaller downturn than Italy and Spain in 2020. In a similar vein, the rebound and the level of GDP that these countries will reach in 2021 differ markedly. While Germany will also not return to its 2019 GDP level by 2021, its situation is much less severe than that of Spain and Italy. Several factors underpin such asymmetric behaviour affecting not only the severity of the recession but also the speed of the recovery. Exogenous reasons pertain essentially to the structure and resilience of the economies, whilst endogenous reasons are related to the interactions between the national policy space and the relaxation of rules at EU level. Countries relying on services will not recover fully the lost demand given the low consumer confidence and stricter safety protocols. These activities are unlikely to recover fully until an effective medical treatment of the virus is found. The typical case is tourism and leisure that have a sizeable weight in Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Croatia. Moreover, these countries’ industrial structure is characterised by a much larger number of SMEs which will suffer more as they have less of a capital buffer to absorb losses and therefore are likely to experience more bankruptcies (McKinsey 2020). In contrast, countries with larger industrial sectors, like Germany and its central European suppliers, are likely to recover more quickly as pent-up industrial demand and order backlogs will restart soon after restrictions are eased. Besides these exogenous reasons, the asymmetric reaction to the crisis is due to endogenous factors. Given the high public debt levels, countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain do not have as much fiscal space to withstand the shock as Germany and other northern European countries. This means that countries could profit differently from the leeway provided by the Commission’s triggering of the General Escape Clause of the SGP and the loosening of the state aid framework. Taking a long-term perspective, comparing the GDP level in 2021 with that in 2008, the German and the French economies will be 13% and 7% larger, respectively. Spain shows a mere 1½% increase compared to 2008, while Italy would still see a reduction of almost 9%. The variation of real GDP in the last 12 years shows the weight that the financial and Covid-19 crisis had on the economies, especially in Southern Europe. Therefore, importantly, the asymmetric impact of the Covid-19 crisis adds to the very divergent behaviour of European economies in the financial crisis and its aftermath.2 In all, the present crisis will have a larger impact on the periphery, which had not fully recovered from the financial crisis. However, the shape of the recovery as well as its distributive impact will depend on the ambition and effectiveness of the policy response at national and EU level. An ambitious policy reaction would tame these centrifugal forces and safeguard the integrity of the single market and the economic and political viability of the EU project. A sustained intervention to support the worst-hit countries would avoid seeing the EU move from the Great Recession following the 2008 financial crisis to what may be called the Great Fragmentation where the global and European economies would fracture across countries, regions, sectors and generations. Preventing the Great Fragmentation is a key goal of the European policy response. To what extent can the lessons learned during the financial crisis be of help in designing such a response? Figure 2 tries to capture in a comparative way the main features of the two crisis episodes.3 Figure 2 Financial crisis and Covid-19: A comparison In sum, this time it may well be different. Domestic and international conditions appear to be reunited for an effective response to the crisis with a decisive role of the EU level and a renewed boost to policy coordination. The Commission has proposed a package of €750 billion – two-thirds grants and one-third loans – over the period 2021-24 to be financed via issuing common debt. Next Generation EU would complement the measures agreed by the Eurogroup for a total of €540 billion in support of healthcare spending, unemployment and short time work, and credit to the private sector. The centrepiece of the Commission package is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which amounts to €560 billion between grants and loans to support investment and reforms, with an emphasis on favouring the green and digital transition. Figure 3 The European Union response to the Covid-19 crisis Source: European Commission According to Commission estimates, the recovery package would raise real EU GDP by 1¾% in 2021 and 2022, increasing to 2¼% by 2024. Moreover, given the support of investments to countries productivity, even after ten years GDP levels are estimated to be 1% higher than the baseline scenario. The package is estimated to create two million jobs over the medium term (European Commission, 2020a, Verwey et al. 2020). Based on the allocation key proposed by the Commission, member states with below-average GDP per capita levels are expected to see a sizeable boost in economic activity in the medium term, with GDP levels 4½% above baseline by 2024 for those belonging to the lower debt cluster and 4¼% for those belonging to the higher debt cluster. EU countries with above-average GDP per capita levels would experience smaller but still positive GDP effects of 1¼% compared to baseline by 2024. Lastly, the Commission package is expected to be self-financing. Overall, the average government debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU27 falls by around three-quarters of a percentage point in the short run, and falls further below baseline levels over the medium to long term. By 2030, the average debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU is estimated to be almost 3% lower than in the baseline scenario. Specifically, for those member states with below-average GDP per capital level in the higher debt group, debt to GDP is expected to decline by 5%, and 3¼% for those in the lower-debt group by 2024. According to the simulations, over the long term, the debt ratio would decline further by 8½% for those in the higher debt group and by 7% for those in the lower debt group by 2030. For the higher income group, the public debt ratio would rise slightly in the medium term, but by 2030 would fall back to the same level as in the baseline scenario. If adopted, the proposals by the Commission have a chance to strengthen the EU economically. Would that lead also to stronger political integration? Based on Rodrik’s globalisation trilemma (Rodrik 2000), Figure 4 illustrates the paths open to Europe in the response to the crisis: Europe cannot achieve at the same time deep political integration, strong democratic legitimacy, and decision making essentially based on national institutions. Options A to C indicate different ways to solve the trilemma. In the 1980s and 1990s, in response to ‘Euro-sclerosis’, option A was chosen, by establishing the Single Market and EMU: sovereignty was shared at the supranational level by strengthening or creating new European institutions, most notably the ECB. Intergovernmental solutions under option B tended to prevail during the financial crisis: the setting up the EFSF, later transformed into the ESM, and, on the fiscal front, the adoption of the Fiscal Compact took place in an intergovernmental context where the leading role was played by the European Council rather than Community institutions. Whilst the Single Supervisory Mechanism of the Banking Union was established under Community law, the financial support of the Single Resolution Mechanism and the still-to-be-established common deposit guarantee (EDIS) have been negotiated essentially as intergovernmental tools. Lack of trust and the crystallisation of the division between ‘creditors’ and ‘debtors’ underpinned the intergovernmental approach. Finally, option C prevailed during the immigration crisis of the mid-2010s where, under the impulse of the Commission, some common actions were undertaken, but no common EU immigration policy emerged. Figure 4 Trilemma of political integration Source: adapted from Buti and Lacoue-Labarthe (2016) As argued above, the handling of the Covid-19 crisis has so far been characterised by a largely consensual view on the nature and effects of the crisis implying lower worries of moral hazard, the need to complement the monetary policy response by a centralised fiscal action. The risk of fractured global governance also pushes the EU to devise a response to the crisis that relies more on its inner strengths. As a result, there has been a resurgence of the Community method compared to the mainly intergovernmental approach during the financial crisis. Hence, there is chance that option A is chosen with the EU adopting an ambitious response to the Covid-19 crisis, and also finalising long-lasting open institutional chantiers such as Banking Union and Capital Markets Union. This would be the best chance to devise an effective response to the crisis and boost European sovereignty domestically and abroad. It would also ensure that the present crisis will not be remembered as the Great Fragmentation. Author’s note: The views expressed in this column belong to the author and should not be attributed to the European Commission. I would like to thank Simon O’Connor for the comments and Oscar Polli for excellent research assistance.
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Financial Crisis
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Two Montreal schools shut down this week due to COVID-19 outbreaks
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MONTREAL -- At least two Montreal elementary schools were shut down this week due to outbreaks of COVID-19. The first closure that was confirmed happened at the Sainte-Odile Elementary School, located on Depatie Street in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, after all 530 students were sent home due to what the school described as “several” infections. The school did not provide the number of cases. In a letter sent to parents on Monday and obtained by CTV News, the school said the closure will last until Sept. 24. A virtual-classwork system hasn’t yet been fully implemented. To ensure the school’s 530 students don't miss out on class work, those who needed computers to do work from home have now received them and virtual follow-ups will start tomorrow, said Alain Perron, a spokesperson from the school service centre. Perron also confirmed Wednesday evening that a second school, École Saint-Émile in Rosemont, will close this week due to a coronavirus outbreak. No other details were released. The closures come as rapid testing appears to be ramping up in Quebec schools. The education ministry said in an email to CTV News that rapid testing kits were delivered to school service centres in the Montreal area last week. "It is up to them to distribute the tests to the schools concerned, including Sainte-Odile," said ministry spokesperson Bryan St-Louis. "Schools will be able to begin administering the tests before the end of the month, once they are ready. The English Montreal School Board, which has one school in a designated hot zone, said Wednesday they have not yet rolled out rapid testing. Rapid tests in schools are being rolled out to 10 regions in Quebec as infections driven by the more transmissible Delta variant continues to rise, but Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious disease specialist with the McGill University Health Centre, said it is just one tool in curbing the spread of the virus. "Could rapid testing have prevented the closure of [Sainte-Odile]? Perhaps, but I think we have to take a step back and say: could masking, and distancing, and bubbling or cohorting have prevented this?" he said, adding that these basic measures, if properly enforced, are proven methods at preventing cases from spreading. "Rapid testing has a lot of advantages, but it needs to be used properly." Schools need to decide how teachers, who are being tasked with administering the tests, will use them -- whether it's for diagnosing a symptomatic student or for testing as a preventative measure, he said. "You need to think about this and map out those strategies and train the schools ahead of time before you find yourself in deep waters." The Coeur-Immacule elementary school in Sherbrooke, Que. also closed down Monday, as hundreds of schools have had COVID-19 infections so far during the fourth wave of the pandemic and have sent home classrooms. Most children at that school were permitted to return Wednesday, school officials say, with the exception of eight groups that must remain in isolation. At Sainte-Odile, public health is asking all parents to bring their kids for COVID-19 tests, even if they aren’t considered high-risk, and to notify the school when the test is complete and when the results come back. While the closure is only expected to last through Friday, the letter to parents assured them that children who are infected or deemed high-risk will be required to do a longer quarantine period.
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Organization Closed
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1989 Belgium MiG-23 crash
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On 4 July 1989, a pilotless MiG-23 jet fighter of the Soviet Air Forces crashed into a house in Kortrijk, Belgium, killing one person. The pilot had ejected over an hour earlier near Kołobrzeg, Poland, after experiencing technical problems, but the aircraft continued flying for around 900 km (600 mi) before running out of fuel and descending into the ground. The incident started as a routine training flight. Colonel Nikolai Skuridin, the pilot, was to fly a MiG-23M from the Bagicz Airbase near Kołobrzeg, Poland. During takeoff, the engine's afterburner failed, causing a partial loss of power. At an altitude of 150 m (500 ft) and descending, the pilot elected to abandon the aircraft and ejected safely. However, the engine kept running and the aircraft remained airborne, flying on autopilot in a westerly direction. [1][2]
The unmanned aircraft left Polish airspace, crossing into East Germany and then West Germany, where it was intercepted by a pair of F-15s from the 32d Tactical Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Forces Europe, stationed at Soesterberg Air Base in the Netherlands. The F-15 pilots reported that the MiG had no crew. [3]
The MiG-23 crossed into Dutch airspace and continued into Belgium. The escorting F-15s were instructed to shoot down the plane over the North Sea, but as the MiG ran out of fuel, it started a slow turn to the south, prompting the French Air Force to put its fighters on alert. After flying over 900 km (560 mi), the MiG eventually crashed into a house near Kortrijk, less than 10 km (6 mi) from the French border, killing an 18-year-old resident. [1]
The Belgian government made a formal protest to the Soviet Union for the lack of notification about the stray aircraft. The then Belgian Foreign Minister Mark Eyskens expressed concern that "from the time the MiG-23 was first picked up on NATO radar to the time it crashed more than an hour later, no word of warning came from the Soviet side," and that "there was also a 'notable slowness' on the part of the Soviets in disclosing whether the jet was carrying nuclear or toxic weapons. "[2]
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Air crash
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Wheatley Explosion: One person still in hospital, rubble starting to be cleared
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Work has begun to clear the rubble from the site of an explosion in Wheatley as investigations continue into the cause of last week’s blast and an ongoing gas leak.
Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case said their monitoring equipment was not picking up any gas readings at the site Wednesday morning. He said that has allowed workers to start carefully excavating some of the debris.
“The office of the Fire Marshal in conjunction with the technical experts and fire services are currently removing layer upon layer of the debris field to try and attain the origin and cause of the explosion,” said Case.
Case said while the excavation work is underway, crews continue to spray water on the scene to keep the dust down and dissipate any gas that might be coming up from the ground.
According to Don Shropshire, Chatham-Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer, there was still one person in the hospital Wednesday morning who was injured as a result of the blast last week Thursday . Shropshire said that patient was in stable condition and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
He said 20 people were treated for injuries the day of the blast, and seven of them were initially sent to the hospital.
Since the blast on August 26, people from more than 100 households have received support. Officials said 13 families are being housed and officials are assisting local groups who are coordinating donations.
“We are in contact with the people who have been evacuated and are providing updates to staff who are providing case management support to them,” said Shropshire, adding that if everything goes well, there will be a transition over the next few days that will “start moving towards the investigation of the source of the gas leak.”
A number of community groups continue to provide support to the people displaced by the explosion with municipal officials adding that it is impossible for them to predict at this point how long it will take before everyone can return to their homes.
A reception centre at Wheatley Arena remains open for residents affected by the explosion who are looking for information regarding food, accommodation, and other emergency needs.
Community members have also set up a food hub and donation reception centre at the Talbot Trail golf course in Wheatley.
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Gas explosion
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Whale dies in Thai waters after swallowing 80 plastic bags
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Thailand coastal authorities say a whale found in the south of the country died after swallowing 80 plastic bags.
Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources says the small male pilot whale was found last week.
The whale was spotted in a canal near the Malaysian border, unable to swim.
Officials tried to help by covering it with a sunshade and attempting to use boats to help it float, the BBC reported.
But it suffered convulsions during the rescue attempt and vomited five plastic bags shortly before it died. How big is the problem and what can we do about it?
An autopsy revealed plastic bags weighing eight kilograms inside the whale's stomach.
Thailand is one of the world's largest consumers of plastic bags, which kill hundreds of marine creatures living near the country's beaches each year.
Last month, the Thai government said it was considering a levy on disposable plastic shopping bags.
A study published this year revealed there was up to 16 times more waste in the Pacific Ocean than previously thought.
Drag netting and an aerial survey showed the Great Pacific Garbage Patch covered 1.6 million square kilometres — an area almost the same size as Queensland.
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Environment Pollution
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Coal Creek War
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The Coal Creek War was an early 1890s armed labor uprising in the southeastern United States that took place primarily in Anderson County, Tennessee. This labor conflict ignited during 1891 when coal mine owners in the Coal Creek watershed began to remove and replace their company-employed, private coal miners then on the payroll with convict laborers leased out by the Tennessee state prison system. These former wage-earning Coal Creek coal miners repeatedly attacked and burned both state prison stockades and mine properties, all while releasing hundreds of the state convict laborers from their bondage to the mine companies. Many of these same Coal Creek coal miners were also wounded or killed in small-arms skirmishes during the Coal Creek War, along with dozens of Tennessee state militiamen. One historian describes the Coal Creek War as "one of the most dramatic and significant episodes in all American labor history. "[1]
The Coal Creek War was itself part of a greater labor struggle across Tennessee that was launched against the state government's controversial convict-leasing system, which allowed the state prison system to lease convict labor to mining companies (and other business enterprises) with the effect of suppressing employee wages in the open market across the state. The outbreak of this labor conflict touched off a partisan media firestorm between the miners' supporters and detractors and brought the issue of convict leasing to the public debate. Although the Coal Creek War essentially ended with the arrests of hundreds of former company coal miners during 1892, the adverse exposure that this state conflict with private labor generated nationwide led to the downfall of Governor John P. Buchanan, and forced the Tennessee General Assembly to reconsider its state convict labor-leasing system. [2] The Tennessee state government later refused to renew its convict labor-lease contracts with private businesses upon the arrival at the 1896 expiration dates, making Tennessee one of the first states within the southern United States to end this controversial practice. [1]
The Coal Creek War took place on the eastern fringe of the Cumberland Mountains, where the range gives way to the Tennessee Valley. Coal Creek, a tributary of the Clinch River, flows north for several miles from its source in the mountains, slicing a narrow valley between the backbone-like Walden Ridge on the east and Vowell Mountain to the west before exiting the mountains eastward through a water gap in Walden Ridge. A flank of Vowell Mountain known as "Militia Hill" overlooks this water gap. Most of the violence centered around two communities— Briceville, at the upper end of Coal Creek near its source, and the town of Coal Creek, the modern Rocky Top, at the lower end of the creek where it emerges from its Walden Ridge water gap. Other key events occurred some 15 miles (24 km) south of Coal Creek at Oliver Springs. A substantial number of sympathetic miners trekked southward from Jellico, about twenty-five miles north of Coal Creek, and Kentucky to join the uprising, and a parallel anti-leasing conflict took place in Grundy County and Marion County, about 100 miles (160 km) south of the Coal Creek area, in 1892. Coal Creek was connected to Kentucky and Knoxville by the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad, and a spur line connected Coal Creek to Briceville. After the American Civil War, Tennessee, like other Southern states, struggled to find sources of revenue. Post-war railroad construction, meanwhile, had opened up the state's coalfields to major mining operations, creating a large demand for cheap labor. In 1866, the state began leasing its convicts to companies willing to pay for the inmates' housing in exchange for their labor, and in 1871 leased convicts to the Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railway Company (TCI), which owned a large coal and coke operation in the Cumberland Plateau area west of Chattanooga. TCI, in turn, subleased most of the convicts to smaller mining companies. [1] While there was some resistance among free miners to the use of convict laborers in the 1870s, the abundance of jobs and companies' preference for the higher-quality production of free labor eased the miners' concerns. [3]
During the same period, the Coal Creek Valley became one of Tennessee's most lucrative coal mining regions. The town of Coal Creek expanded rapidly, becoming the largest in Anderson County with a population of 3,000 by the end of the 1870s. Coal mines opened throughout the valley between Coal Creek and Briceville, which was founded as a mining town in the late 1880s. Most mines were established by companies leasing land from the Coal Creek Mining & Manufacturing Company, which had been formed by Edward J. Sanford and other land speculators after the Civil War. While the mining companies reaped substantial profits, the miners often struggled economically and began to organize in the 1880s. The mine owners preferred free labor, but they threatened to replace free miners with convicts whenever free miners talked about forming unions. Nevertheless, by the late 1880s, only two mining operations in Anderson County— the Knoxville Iron Company mine at Coal Creek and the Cumberland Coal Company's "Big Mountain" mine at Oliver Springs— used primarily convict labor. [3][4]
In 1890, the election of several members of the labor-friendly Tennessee Farmers' Alliance— among them Governor John P. Buchanan— to the state government emboldened miners in the Coal Creek Valley to make several demands. One of the key demands was payment in cash rather than company scrip, which could either be used only at company-owned stores with marked-up prices or be redeemed for cash at a percentage of its value. Miners also demanded they be allowed to use their own checkweighmen— the specialists who weighed the coal and determined how much a particular miner had earned— instead of checkweighmen hired by the company. Since state laws already barred scrip payment and company-hired checkweighmen, most mine owners accepted the demands, though they were in the midst of an economic downturn. However, the Tennessee Coal Mining Company (TCMC), which operated a mine near Briceville, rejected the demands, and on April 1, 1891, shut down operations. Two months later, the company demanded its miners sign an iron-clad contract before returning to work. The miners refused. [5]
On July 5, TCMC reopened the Briceville mine using convicts it had leased from TCI. With tensions already high, the company tore down miners' houses in Briceville to build a stockade for its convict laborers. Miners and local merchants met on July 14 to determine a course of action. It was rumored a larger group of convicts would arrive the next day. That night about 300 armed miners— probably led by Knights of Labor organizers Eugene Merrell, George Irish, and Marcena Ingraham— surrounded the Briceville stockade. The stockade's guards surrendered without a fight, and the convicts were marched to Coal Creek, where they were loaded onto a train and sent to Knoxville. [6]
After seizing the Briceville stockade, the Coal Creek miners sent a telegram to Governor Buchanan, stating their actions were taken to defend their property and wages and asking for his intervention. On July 16, Buchanan, escorted by three Tennessee state militia companies, two from Chattanooga and one from Knoxville, led the convicts back to Briceville. [6] At Thistle Switch, a railroad stop near Fraterville, several hundred angry miners confronted the governor and demanded he address them. [1] Buchanan told the miners he was a champion of labor, but as governor he was obligated to enforce the laws and pleaded for calm and patience. After the governor's speech, Merrell rebutted it, claiming that the governor had not bothered to enforce laws regarding scrip or checkweighmen and calling the state government a "disgrace to a civilized country." Later that night, shots were fired at the stockade, startling the governor, who had remained in the area until the following day. The governor left 107 militiamen under Colonel Granville Sevier, a great-grandson of John Sevier, to guard the stockade. [5]
On the morning of July 20, an estimated 2,000 miners armed with shotguns, rifles, and pistols again surrounded the Briceville stockade. The miners' ranks had been bolstered by an influx of miners from the border town of Jellico and several hundred miners from Kentucky, some of whom had successfully removed convicts from two Kentucky mines five years earlier.
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Strike
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Rice Fire
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The Rice Fire was a wildfire that burned from October 22, 2007, until November 1, 2007, in Fallbrook, California. [1] While not one of the largest fires of the 2007 California wildfire season, only burning 9,472 acres (38 km2), it was one of the most destructive, with 248 structures being destroyed. [2]
As the fire grew, it caused major evacuations and the closure of Interstate 15. [3]
The California Public Utilities Commission ruled that in the Rice fire, San Diego Gas and Electric had not trimmed back trees as state law requires. It was also at fault, the commission said, in the Witch and Guejito fires. The power line that caused the Witch fires shorted three times in three hours, but the utility didn't cut power to it for six hours. [4]
In August 2017, administrative law judges S. Pat Tsen and Sasha Goldberg ruled that the utility did not reasonably manage its facilities and that the wildfires were not outside of its control. Therefore, they ruled, the utility could not pass its uninsured costs along to its ratepayers. The PUC agreed in early December in a 5-0 vote. [4][5]
The Rice fire began when a dead tree limb fell across power lines. It burned 9472 acres and destroyed 206 homes. [4] The Witch and Guejito fires combined to burn 197,000 acres, killed two people, injured 40 firefighters and destroyed 1141 homes and 239 vehicles. [4] Legal claims after the fires totalled $5.6 billion, $2.4 billion after the utility settled 2500 lawsuits for damages. The $379 million it had sought to pass along to customers represented uninsured costs. [4]
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Fire
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Gauteng woman killed in crash after being flung from car and run over on N4
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A woman died after being flung from a car into oncoming traffic on the N4, Pretoria. Image: Emer-G-Med A woman in her thirties died after she was ejected from a car and flung into oncoming traffic on the N4 highway, Pretoria, on Thursday night. Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said the horrific accident took place at about 7pm. “Paramedics found that a single light motor vehicle had overturned several times before coming to a rest on the shoulder of the roadway. “On closer inspection a female, believed to be about 30 years old, was found to have been ejected from the vehicle and flung into oncoming traffic. “She was struck by another motor vehicle and was found to be deceased.” Van Reenen said two other occupants of the vehicle suffered moderate injuries and were stabilised before being transported to hospital.
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Road Crash
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Frankfort family of five survives carbon monoxide poisoning on Christmas Eve
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A Frankfort family poisoned by carbon monoxide is now sharing their story. The deadly substance started leaking into their home on Christmas Eve.
Posted: Jan 5, 2021 7:56 AM
Updated: Jan 5, 2021 8:30 AM
Posted By: Micah Upshaw
FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) -- A family in Frankfort is happy to be alive after being poisoned by carbon monoxide. The deadly substance started leaking into their home on Christmas Eve.
Carbon Monoxide is orderless, colorless, tasteless, and almost impossible to detect on your own. The Martinez-Campos family is happy to be alive but they say it's unfortunate carbon monoxide detectors were not in their home at the time.
"I start feeling sick around two o'clock and I told my husband I'm feeling sick and he told me what's wrong and I prescribe myself, I say probably because I got up so early, I'm too tired," said Alexandra Campos, mother poisoned with carbon monoxide.
Campos said she started cooking earlier that day and every hour she became weaker. She later learned her stove, water heater and furnace were all leaking carbon monoxide. Her 6-year-old daughter Bella was the first to faint.
"I scream Gabriel, Gabriel, my girl, something is wrong with the baby, something is wrong with the baby," said Campos.
The family called 911 when they saw Bella stopped breathing and started turning blue. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital and Campos and her husband Gabriel Martinez-Campos followed, leaving their other two daughters Kazzandra and Gabi at home.
"Me and my sister were just hanging out in the living room and then a couple of minutes later she was sleeping on the couch, at least I thought, but supposedly what they told me that she was actually passing out," said Kazzandra Escareno, Alexandra's oldest daughter.
Kazzandra called her mother to tell her, her middle sister fainted and that she was also starting to feel sick and dizzy. Campos relayed that to the doctor working with Bella and he called for another team of paramedics to go back to their home. Frankfort firefighters were also called to investigate and that's when they discovered carbon monoxide was the cause. They said levels were up to 400 parts per million which can kill a person within hours according to Frankfort Fire Chief John Kirby.
"If those alarms were working the way it was supposed to be working, this couldn't be happening," said Campos.
Campos claims she had two-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in her home prior to the incident. She said some time ago she allowed Frankfort firefighters to replace the alarms after they told her the ones they provide are the same. Campos said this carbon monoxide incident is when she learned the detectors in their home were only smoke alarms.
"I thought that they had the same ones, that's what we thought, they have the same ones that we bought but no, they just gave me a smoke alarm," said Campos. "They took them because they have to prove that they did come to my house and switch those alarms."
Chief Kirby said he's investigating these claims. He said the fire department has never given out two-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. He also said they are not required to take the uninstalled alarms as proof of visiting a home, instead, they require homeowners to sign off on a document saying they're giving firefighters permission to install new alarms. Then the fire department puts those documents into a book of records.
"Our people were trained on how we're going to enter the homes and the talks we were going to have with them and that's definitely not something our firefighters was supposed to say but that's under investigation at this time," said Frankfort Fire Chief John Kirby.
The Frankfort Fire Department started hosting a smoke detector blitz in partnership with the American Red Cross in 2015. The program continued until 2019 and was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 safety measures. It allows firefighters to go door-to-door to replace smoke alarms and provide fire safety and awareness tips to residents for free. Campos was not able to pinpoint when the firefighters first came to their home, but Chief Kirby believes firefighters may have stopped by at some point during this blitz.
Chief Kirby said this was a dangerous accident and is grateful the family made it out alive. He hopes residents can learn from this so it doesn't happen to any more families.
"You definitely need to have a carbon monoxide detector present," said Kirby. "This time of year is when you want to get your furnace inspected and you want to make sure that you're fireplaces are cleaned out."
He suggests homeowners purchase carbon monoxide detectors that plug into the wall rather than two-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide detectors because CO rises from the ground up and a plug-in detector being closer to the ground could alarm people sooner than a detector higher up on the wall or ceiling.
"We're more than happy to come to your home to make you have peace of mind and be at ease when you go to bed if you ever want us to come in a checkout your furnace, any type of gas line, your stove and things of that nature," said Kirby.
"Get those alarms," said Campos. "You're never going to find out that your whole family is getting poisoned unless you have a carbon monoxide alarm."
The family is now back in the home and those appliances leaking carbon monoxide are turned off. A family friend donated a water heater but the family is still in need of a furnace and stove top oven. If you'd like to support the family you can do so by donating here .
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Mass Poisoning
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Northern Lights may be visible Saturday evening, some clouds expected
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There’s a chance to see the northern lights in Wisconsin Saturday evening, however the forecast may cause problems for those wishing to see the aurora borealis. The National Weather Service in Green Bay says a solar flare headed in our direction could cause the lights to be seen as early as 5 p.m., with the best chances of viewing them coming shortly after sunset, from 6-8 p.m. The lights could be seen as late as 1 a.m. Sunday. However, there will be low clouds lingering in the area of central and northern Wisconsin, and areas near the lake are expected to have the bet chance for viewing, according to the NWS.
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New wonders in nature
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I am back home & recovering, says Silambarasan TR
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I am back home & recovering, says Silambarasan TR Actor Silambarasan TR was admitted to a hospital in Chennai on December 11 after getting a throat infection. While it was first speculated that the 'Maanaadu' star has been affected by the deadly corona virus, it was later revealed that he just had a viral infection. Silambarasan's close friend and actor Mahat Ragavendra also informed the fans that Simbu has been discharged and is safe and recuperating at home. Now, the star actor himself has taken to his social networking page to inform everyone that he is back home and recovering. Thanking everyone, Silambarasan TR posted. "Thanks for all your blessings I am back home & recovering ??#NeengailaamaNaanilla ❤️" (sic) Thanks for all your blessings I am back home & recovering ??#NeengailaamaNaanilla ❤️ — Silambarasan TR (@SilambarasanTR_) 1639316187000 Silambarasan aka Simbu is expected to recover soon, so that he can continue with the shoot for his upcoming film ‘ Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu ’ directed by Gautham Menon and is being bankrolled by Vels Film International. Radikaa will be playing the role of Simbu's mother in this rural action drama, whose story has been written by acclaimed writer Jeyamohan.
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Famous Person - Recovered
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Trump announces US withdrawal from the World Health Organization
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he would make good on his threat to withdraw from the World Health Organization — an unprecedented move that could undermine the global coronavirus response and make it more difficult to stamp out other disease threats. Trump has criticized the United Nations health agency for failing to quickly sound the alarm when the virus emerged and accused it of helping China cover up the threat it posed. "Countless lives have been taken and profound economic hardship has been inflicted all around the globe," Trump said in a brief statement from the White House. Trump's announcement was quickly panned by health experts, who claimed it would set back global efforts to track and defeat a virus that's already killed more than 360,000 people and sickened nearly 6 million. But the move has been cheered by Trump's base, which is distrustful of international bodies. The U.S. has relied on its partnership with the WHO and other countries to share crucial data and information, including on treatments and potential vaccine development for the coronavirus, as well as other public health threats including HIV and Ebola. Experts cautioned the nation's public health response to the coronavirus and other emerging diseases would lag without that international cooperation. “That's a disappointing backlash for International Health,” German Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Twitter. “If WHO shall make any difference for the future it needs reform. And the EU must take a leading role and engage more financially,” he said — adding that would be a priority for Germany’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU. The American Medical Association, the largest physician group in the U.S., urged Trump in the “strongest terms possible" to reverse the decision. Republican Senator Lamar Alexander, the head of the chamber's health committee, warned canceling U.S. membership could disrupt clinical trials for vaccines that will be in high demand around the world. "Certainly there needs to be a good, hard look at mistakes the World Health Organization might have made in connection with coronavirus, but the time to do that is after the crisis has been dealt with, not in the middle of it," Alexander said. Trump last month temporarily froze U.S funding to the WHO while his administration was reviewing membership. The U.S has previously contributed over $400 million per year to WHO's $4.8 billion annual budget, more than any other country. Trump sent a letter earlier this month to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, threatening to make the funding freeze permanent if the organization did not make unspecified "substantive changes" in the next 30 days. Just 11 days later, Trump claimed the reforms had not been made and the U.S. would withdraw from the organization. WHO officials and the agency’s defenders said a comprehensive review of the agency’s pandemic response should take place, but that U.S. withdrawal would make it harder to muster an international response to the coronavirus and other critical public health work. Critics of Trump’s decision said it would leave the U.S. without any leverage to demand Trump's requested changes while enabling China to have greater influence over the body. It's not clear how quickly Trump can withdraw from WHO and if he needs congressional approval. House Democrats have complained Trump doesn’t have the authority to cut off WHO funding and accused him of scapegoating the organization to distract from his own administration's stilted response to the pandemic. When Trump announced the temporary freeze last month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would “swiftly” challenge the move but did not elaborate further on what action might be taken. A senior administration official said Trump is committed to withdrawing from WHO, and U.S. employees detailed at the organization are likely to return. A number of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees are typically stationed at the organization. "None of us in the administration is under the assumption that this is temporary or will be reversed,” the official said. “This is a fundamental repudiation of the WHO and its failed mission." A CDC spokesperson did not immediately say what impact Trump’s announcement might have on the agency’s relationship with WHO. Richard Horton, editor in chief of the Lancet, the prominent British medical journal that's been critical of Trump's coronavirus response, called the U.S. withdrawal from WHO “madness and terrifying both at the same time." “The US government has gone rogue at a time of humanitarian emergency. All leaders must call for renewed international solidarity in support of multilateral cooperation,” he said on Twitter. Several conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups cheered the move, blasting the international group not only for its treatment of China but also its record of support for access to reproductive health services, including birth control and abortion. “I am proud that our country will no longer be sending taxpayer dollars to support this radical regime,” said Allan Parker, president of The Justice Foundation, a legal group that opposes abortion rights. “True, life-saving health measures can be funded through other organizations without an abortion agenda.” Daniel Lippman and Judith Mischke contributed to this report. Proof of vaccination now required to attend large public events. Measures imposed as Salzburg region prepares for triage as hospitals are overwhelmed. Public health chief Lothar Wieler warned of ‘a very dire Christmas’ as Thursday saw more than 60,000 new cases for the first time. The decision, which applies to other non-EU countries too, solves a major Brexit hurdle for the British performing arts.
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Nobel Prize: Economist finds out about win when neighbour knocks on the door
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Receiving an unexpected knock on the front door in the early hours of the morning does not usually bring good news - but it is how one man found out he had won a Nobel Prize. Economist Paul Milgrom won the prize for economics, alongside his colleague Robert Wilson. But the prize's organisers had been unable to reach Mr Milgrom, so Mr Wilson took it upon himself to let his colleague know about their win. "You know, I was asleep and my phone is set not to take calls from unknown numbers," Mr Milgrom said. "So, they never got through to me. "But there came to be a knock at my door and my co-winner, Bob Wilson, who also lives across the street, came over and was knocking at my door and saying, 'Paul, wake up! You've won the Nobel Prize !'" Mr Milgrom stammered for a moment before saying: "Wow." Security footage at Mr Milgrom's home captured the moment he found out in the early hours of the morning.
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Awards ceremony
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CDC updates ‘Polio in Africa’ travel notice
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their travel notice for Africa due to high polio risk in some 25 countries on the continent. While the African Region was certified free of wild poliovirus one year ago following four years without a case, outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) continue to spread. cVDPVs occur in communities where not enough children have received the polio vaccine. Cases increased last year in part because of disruptions to polio vaccination campaigns caused by COVID-19. Since 2018, 23 countries in the region have experienced outbreaks and more than half of the global 1071 cVDPV cases were recorded in Africa. The following destinations in Africa are currently considered high risk for polio: Everyone should be fully vaccinated against poliovirus according to schedule (see Polio Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know). Before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series. Some international destinations are considered high risk for polio. Before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly disease that affects the nervous system. Good hand washing practices can help prevent the spread of this disease. Because the virus that causes polio lives in the feces of an infected person, people infected with the disease can spread it to others when they do not wash their hands well after defecating. People can also be infected if they drink water or eat food contaminated with infected feces. Most people with polio do not feel sick. Some people have only minor symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs. In rare cases, polio infection causes permanent loss of muscle function (paralysis). Polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralyzed or if there is an infection of the brain.
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Disease Outbreaks
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2003 Zhaosu earthquake
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The 2003 Zhaosu earthquake, also known as the Syumbinskoe earthquake, occurred on December 1 at 01:38 UTC. The epicenter was located in the Almaty Region, Kazakhstan, near the Sino–Kazakh border. [3] The earthquake had a magnitude of Mw 6.0 and had a maximum observed intensity of VII (Very strong) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale. [4] The epicenter was close to the Zhaosu County, Xinjiang, where 10 people were reported dead, 73 people injured, and more than 800 buildings collapsed. Some people were evacuated in Zhaosu. [5] The earthquake occurred in the cold winter, and the 30 cm ground snow covered the roads in the mountainous region and hindered the relief work. [6]
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Earthquakes
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TABSO Flight 101 crash
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TABSO Flight 101 was a scheduled service of the Bulgarian national airline from Sofia, Bulgaria via Budapest, Hungary and Prague, Czechoslovakia (today's Czech Republic) to East Berlin in the German Democratic Republic (today's Germany). The service was operated by the airline's 1960s' flagship equipment, the Ilyushin Il-18B airliner. On Thursday 24 November 1966, the service crashed near Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia (then part of Czechoslovakia), with the loss of 82 lives. The crash remains Slovakia's deadliest aviation disaster. [1]
On the day of the accident, flight 101 was operated by an Il-18B airliner registered LZ-BEN. It had been manufactured in January 1964 (constructor's number 7101) and had been accepted by TABSO on 22 January that year. By the time of the accident, it had not been involved in any incidents and had been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's schedules. The crew comprised Commander (captain) Lubomir Todorov Antonov, 41 years old, with 11,959 total flight hours. He was among TABSO's most senior Il-18 commanders, having gained command of the type in July 1962, a month or so after its inauguration into his airline's service. Antonov had passed a proficiency test two days earlier. He was very familiar with Bratislava Airport, having operated there on 11 prior occasions. Second Pilot (first officer) was Svetomir Dimitrov Shakadanov, 36, with 5975 flight hours. He had passed a proficiency check the previous day. Navigator Officer was First Class Specialist Navigator Slavi Stefanov Tomakov. Radio-Telegraphy Officer was Nikola Aleksandrov Tasev, 36 years old, with 3160 flight hours. On-Board Mechanical Officer was Stoyan Todorov Rangelov, 42, with 3602 flight hours. Cabin crew comprised Stewardesses Maria Ivanova, Svetla Georgieva (also known as Svetla Marinova, married 18 days earlier to Ivan Slavkov) and Violina Stoichkova. The 74 passengers on board Flight LZ101 were of 12 nationalities: Bulgarians, Argentinians, Britons, Chileans, Czechoslovaks, Germans, Hondurans, Hungarians, Japanese, Soviets, Swiss and Tunisians. Among them were Bulgarian opera soloist Katya Popova, Bulgaria's ambassador to the German Democratic Republic, General Ivan Buchvarov[2] and famous Honduran writer and journalist Ramón Amaya Amador. The diversity of nationalities was partly explained by the recent Ninth Congress of the BKP Bulgarian Communist Party, many of them having been delegated to it by foreign communist parties. Flight LZ101 departed Budapest at 1146 hours CET. While it was en route, weather in Prague deteriorated. Commander Antonov elected to make a diversion to Bratislava Airport (today the M. R. Štefánik Airport), landing there at 1158hrs. By 1530 hrs, the weather in Prague had improved and Antonov decided to prepare to resume the flight. Bratislava Airport meteorologist Jan Popeleny briefed the Commander that medium to strong turbulence was expected above the Little Carpathians hills north-west of Bratislava. By 1610 the flight had boarded and at 16:20:30 hrs, Antonov was given clearance to taxi to Runway 04 or Runway 31 at his discretion. (He chose to use Runway 31 whose extended centreline crossed the Little Carpathians.) At the same time, he was cleared to take off, to turn right, to overfly the Nitra radio beacon and to proceed to overhead Brno and on to Prague at 5,100 m (16,700 ft) Meanwhile, an Il-14 airliner of Czechoslovak Airlines had taken off from Bratislava. In order to maintain separation between the slower Il-14 and his faster Il-18, Antonov was instructed to maintain a height of 300 m (980 ft) until cleared to climb to his cruise altitude. Flight LZ101 took off at 16:28 hrs in almost total darkness. Its departure was observed by air traffic controller Jaroslav Vadovic who reported that it had been normal. Shortly after reporting lift-off, LZ101 was instructed to turn right and contact the Bratislava Approach controller on a frequency of 120.9 MHz. The airliner failed to make the transition to Approach control. Some two minutes after departing Bratislava Airport, it crashed 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the airport into the Sakrakopec location in the foothills of the Little Carpathians, near Bratislava's borough of Rača. The area of impact was 288 m (945 ft) above the elevation of the airport. The aircraft struck the snow-covered ground while flying without any bank angle, at a speed of some 500 km/h/250 knots and while full take-off power was delivered by its engines. As it disintegrated over a period of 20 seconds, it left a swathe with a total length of 562 m and a width of between 30 m and 10 m, of which the main wreckage was located towards the end of a 265 m strip. [3] A fierce fuel fire broke out but burned out fairly rapidly, mostly because fragments and fuel had dispersed over a large area. The location of the crash was close to built-up areas of Bratislava and very popular with hikers. The accident was observed and heard by many local residents, including an off-duty air traffic controller who immediately telephoned his colleagues at the airport. The approach controllers at the airport had not, however, observed the accident, visually or on radar. Because of difficult terrain, total darkness and poor weather, rescue services failed to find the scene of the crash for an hour and a half after being summoned. More delays and hesitation were caused by fears that the airliner might have been carrying radioactive isotopes. Within the next three days, the bodies of 74 of the 82 souls on board were recovered and transported to Bratislava for identification. Most victims had died instantly due to multiple injuries received during the impact, and most had severe burn marks sustained post-mortem. Today, a timber cross marks the site where the aircraft's flightdeck came to a rest and 82 birch trees (one for each victim) mark the general location of the wreckage. [4]
The investigation was conducted by a Czechoslovak commission headed by Chief Inspector of Aeronautics Jan Dvorak. Under international law, he coopted representatives of the country in which the aircraft was registered and representatives of the Ilyushin design bureau and the Ivchenko engine design bureau. A Bulgarian commission of enquiry was also formed, headed by State Comptrol Commission chairman and BKP Bulgarian Communist Party Central Committee member Ninko Stefanov and also included TABSO Director General Lazar Beluhov, air specialist and deputy defence minister Gen Avgust Kabakchiev and Darzhavna Sigurnost (State Security) investigator Col Ivan Ohridski, chief police pathologist Dr Yordan Peychev and others, enough to fill two specially chartered aircraft. [5] The Bulgarians requested to lead the inquiry under a provision in international law which allowed this.
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Air crash
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Jackie Paul and Glenda Powersshared their separate stories of delayed amputations
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A third patient is waiting through repeated cancellations for a leg amputation at Royal Inland Hospital. Last week, Jackie Paul and Glenda Powers shared their separate stories of delayed amputations at the hospital that cost patients their chance at better prosthetics. They said the delays were brought on by a lack of staffing, and left Paul, as well as Glenda’s husband Barry, with more extensive amputations than what was necessary. “The leg wasn’t improving so it was decided Barry had to lose his leg below the knee,” Powers said. “Every day for almost two weeks we were told surgery would happen and then it was cancelled. I could see black spots on his feet and then watched helplessly as the infection made its way higher and higher up his leg.” Barry Powers is recovering from an above-the-knee amputation at Royal Inland Hospital READ MORE: Second person at Kamloops's Royal Inland Hospital had leg amputated while waiting for surgery Barry Powers is still recovering in hospital, and wife Glenda said she recently spoke to a third patient who is also waiting for an above-the-knee amputation. “The patient has had to endure cancellation after cancellation just as Barry and Jackie did,” she said. “The patient said it is mental torture. When I asked them to speak up about it they were reluctant to because they were afraid to say anything until after getting the surgery.” Powers said she felt horrible for the patient. It is unclear whether the patient has had surgery yet. Interior Health has issued statements but has so far not explained the situation. “We can confirm that urgent surgeries - surgeries that involve life, limb and threatened organ (LLTO) have gone ahead at Royal Inland Hospital,” Interior Health said in an email to iNFOnews on Dec. 4. “Staffing pressures and previous outbreaks at RIH have not impacted our ability to conduct these LLTO surgeries. Our surgical team closely monitors patients and adjusts the care plan as patient conditions change.” “I would like to know what Interior Health classifies as a limb, referring to their statement,” Powers said. Interior Health said it could not comment on individual circumstances due to privacy concerns. Patients and families are encouraged to contact the Patient Care Quality Office which will investigate and respond to them directly. Jackie Paul went to the hospital mid-October with an aortic aneurysm and did not return home until Dec. 1. Jackie Paul is recovering after having an above-the-knee leg amputation. She said her experience was “horrific,” as she watched her leg turn black and get cut off piece by piece. “They kept postponing it because when people came in with COVID or from a car accident, I got bumped,” Paul said. “It was sheer fear wondering if and when I was going to get surgery. I had to just sit there and watch my leg rot. The hospital is full and there are not enough nurses and doctors to perform these surgeries.” In an update on Jackie Paul’s fundraiser for a prosthetic , friend Megan Kitigawa said Paul is getting stronger each day, her wounds are healing and her blood circulation is great. “She’s practicing with her crutches, doing her physio exercises, and eagerly awaiting the next steps to have stitches removed and fittings for the first prosthetic,” Kitigawa said. “It’s still a long road ahead but Jackie is in good spirits and the support from everyone really goes a long way.”
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Famous Person - Recovered
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2008 Canada listeriosis outbreak
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The 2008 Canadian listeriosis outbreak was a widespread outbreak of listeriosis in Canada linked to cold cuts from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto, Ontario. There were 57 total confirmed cases, resulting in 22 deaths. [1]
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak originated from lines 8 and 9 of the Maple Leaf Foods Bartor Road facility (Establishment No. 97B) in Toronto, Ontario. There were about 220 possibly contaminated products, each stamped with the code "97B" near the "Best before" date. Since the bacteria travelled through deli meats, which are cooked (and as a result are usually free of pathogens), the contamination likely occurred during packaging. [2] The outbreak was first noticed in July 2008 when regular surveillance detected an increase in cases reported. [3] Federal inspectors usually spent less than 5 hours a day at the plant in the months before the outbreak of the illness, sometimes as little as 70 minutes. [4]
Maple Leaf Foods had instituted a voluntary recall before the outbreak was linked to their plant; upon confirming the link, they expanded the recall to all products from the Bartor Road facility. In a press conference, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods Michael McCain stated, "Tragically, our products have been linked to illness and loss of life. To those people who are ill, and to the families who have lost loved ones, I offer my deepest and sincerest sympathies. Words cannot begin to express our sadness for their pain. "[5]
Officials from Maple Leaf believe that the outbreak originated sometime in July 2008 on line 8 or line 9 of the North York facility. Regardless, the entire plant underwent intense sanitation, which began August 21. About 80 workers were involved in the cleanup, with additional outside experts and microbiologists supervising the operation. They used peroxyacetic acid, quaternary ammonium compound, isopropyl alcohol, refrigeration gel and a granular compound to disinfect the parts of the apparatuses. About 600 employees were to attend a four-hour training session on Listeria and on cleanliness, and about 250 employees were laid off while the plant was being cleaned. [6]
The recall reportedly cost the company $20 million, about ten times the original estimate. [7]
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty credited the discovery of the outbreak to an early-warning system implemented after the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto. [8] Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement stated that he expected the number of cases to rise with time, since the bacteria have a lengthy incubation period. [7] Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz stated at a news conference: "Let me state on behalf of the government that our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those that are affected [...] And of course, I'd like to reiterate that our highest priority continues to be making sure that Canadian families' food supply is safe. "[9]
On the federal political level, there was a debate on the privatization of food inspection. [9] A cabinet document leaked earlier in the year outlined a plan to save money at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) by shifting federal meat inspectors into an oversight role and leaving companies to implement their own methods. Liberal leader Stphane Dion was harshly critical and drew comparisons to the 2000 Walkerton tainted water tragedy and the privatization of propane inspection, which he blamed for the 2008 Toronto explosions. Gerry Ritz responded that the CFIA had added 200 inspectors since the Conservatives came to power, adding, "As opposed to having our inspectors standing line by line, they'll have a more oversight role within the plant itself [...] We're trying to build a better mousetrap here. "[9] New Democratic Party agriculture critic Alex Atamanenko said he strongly opposed the apparent privatization plans. [9] The NDP claimed that policy changes first put in place by the Liberals and then continued under the Conservative government were to blame for the outbreak. [citation needed]
On September 17, 2008, Agricultural Minister Gerry Ritz made national news when comments he made on an August 30, 2008 conference call with government officials were made public. Ritz was quoted as saying, "This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts." Then, when told of a death in Prince Edward Island, Ritz said, "Please tell me it's (Liberal MP) Wayne Easter." Ritz apologized for his remarks, but various groups called for his resignation. New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton responded by saying, "Canadians are dying because of the mismanagement of our government... there should absolutely never be that kind of humour.... It illustrates the government is not taking this matter as seriously as they should." A spokesman for Prime Minister Harper released a statement saying Ritz's comments were tasteless and completely inappropriate. [10] Stephen Harper refused to seek Ritz's resignation. [11]
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Disease Outbreaks
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PFAS-contaminated properties can't be rented, can't be sold, leaving owners in limbo
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Three Queensland property owners have been left feeling "devastated" and in limbo after traces of fuel and PFAS contaminants were found on their properties.
The five blocks belonging to the three owners border an Ampol-owned Caltex fuel depot in Bundaberg.
Anita Penny bought her property in the city's east in 1998, but 23 years on it is now contaminated and losing value.
She said she cannot sell or rent out the Collins Street property and is unable to grow and eat fruit or vegetables from her garden.
"To be told that the house you have been paying off for 20 years is now completely worthless was absolutely devastating," Ms Penny said.
"We are paying a mortgage on a house that is useless. We are unable to sell it or rent it on the open market because it is contaminated."
Ampol notified the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) of the presence of hydrocarbon contamination at its Bundaberg depot in December 2013.
An Ampol spokesman said testing of roadside wells in 2014 and 2015 also revealed contaminants, while traces of hydrocarbons were found in groundwater and soil at five properties neighbouring the site in 2017 and 2018.
PFAS contamination is emerging as a major ongoing Australian public health issue.
"Comprehensive and ongoing testing and monitoring to date has shown this contamination in its current site does not present a risk to human health," he said.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their resistance to breaking down, was found in quantities above the adopted human health guidelines beneath the depot, in roadside reserve wells, and on the property furthest away from the depot.
Levels below the adopted guidelines for human health were detected at some of the remaining properties.
Ms Penny and the other residents approached by the ABC said they were first advised of the contamination at the depot by a letter in October 2016.
The two other property owners did not want to talk publicly about their circumstances.
Ms Penny said she was told there were two types of leaks.
"One was historic dating back to the 90s [prior to Ampol taking ownership] and then a second lot dated back to about four years ago," she said.
Monitoring wells have since been installed on each site in compliance with a Clean-Up Notice from the DES.
"Whenever they are doing testing they have to come into the yard and it usually takes a couple of hours. They also have to block off the road to traffic to test all the monitoring wells on the road and on the side of the road," Ms Penny said.
"It's generally every six months."
The Clean-Up Notice, issued in June 2020, required Ampol to implement a groundwater monitoring program to monitor changes in the concentrations of contaminants in soil and groundwater.
Ms Penny bought the property in an industrial-residential area of the city's east with her father as it allowed him to continue his engineering business.
"The reason Dad and I got it together was so that I could use it as collateral to purchase my own house down the track," she said.
Instead, she has had to list her other property she calls home, purchased with her husband, on the market.
"We're actually having to sell our house and move back here to this contaminated property because we can't continue to maintain two mortgages especially for another three to five years," she said.
"Something that's not our fault is causing us to lose a house that we worked really hard to get."
RMIT's Associate Dean of Biosciences Professor Oliver Jones said small amounts of petrol would cause limited human harm but long-term exposure could be more serious.
"Unless you've got a large amount for a long period of time, it's probably not something to be immediately concerned about," Professor Jones said.
"Groundwater is probably not so much of a problem unless you are using it as a drinking water source or putting it on the garden.
"If you were exposed every day for five, 10 years then you might start to be a little more concerned.
"With the soil, it would depend on how much is there and what depth it is at and what you were doing with the soil. "So if you were just going to sit in your garden each day that's different to if you were growing vegetables and then eating them."
Professor Jones said only limited research existed on the effects of lower-level PFAS exposure.
"With hydrocarbons, wherever you store oil underground there is always the potential that you might get a leakage but generally it's pretty well known what the risks are where it might be," he said.
"PFAS is only an emerging contaminant.
"If it's shown that these levels in the area in question are over the regulated levels and maybe there is a potential risk then I think people should be looking to either remediate or address the issue."
The DES said it was continuing to assess contamination at surrounding properties.
The residential properties have not been listed on the Environmental Management Register (EMR), which publicly lists contaminated or potentially contaminated land.
Ms Penny approached Ampol with an offer to purchase her property in 2019 and again in 2020.
An Ampol spokesman said the company would not proceed with that option but would consider compensation.
"While contamination presents no health risks, we acknowledge the issues created and the potential disruption from ongoing remediation works," he said.
In the meantime, Ms Penny said the wait continued.
"We just have to wait for Caltex to take action and move back to this contaminated property," she said.
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Environment Pollution
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As Russia mounted 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border in March, the White House and the Department of Defense readied a $100 million military assistance package that was frozen once President Joe Biden announced a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports.
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As Russia mounted 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border in March, the White House and the Department of Defense readied a $100 million military assistance package that was frozen once President Joe Biden announced a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports. A previous buildup in eastern Ukraine led to the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and a protracted war that simmers seven years later. As Putin massed attack helicopters and aircraft on the eastern Ukrainian border, Biden and NATO leaders condemned Russia and called for a drawdown but made no public offers of military assistance.
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Financial Aid
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The UK Has Left The European Union After Almost Half A Century Of Membership
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Boris Johnson said Brexit heralds “the dawn of a new era”. Donald Tusk tweeted: "My dear British friends. We were, we are, and we will always be a Community. And no brexit will ever change that. by Reuters / Toby Melville The Brexit countdown clock on 10 Downing Street. The United Kingdom left the European Union at the stroke of 11pm GMT — midnight in Brussels — on Friday, ending almost half a century of membership of Europe’s alliance of nations and heralding what prime minister Boris Johnson called “the dawn of a new era”. After three and a half years of bitter division and political turmoil since the vote to leave the EU at the 2016 referendum, a countdown clock was projected onto Downing Street to mark Britain’s formal departure from the bloc of 27 remaining countries. Downing Street Addressing the nation in a pre-recorded message after a cabinet meeting in Sunderland, Johnson expressed his desire to unite the UK, proclaiming: “This is not an end but a beginning”. “Our job as the government — my job — is to bring this country together and take us forward,” he said. “This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act. It is a moment of real national renewal and change. “This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances — your family’s life chances — should depend on which part of the country you grow up in.” Brexit supporters kept their celebrations relatively low-key, with the union jack flown on flagpoles in Parliament Square, government buildings around Whitehall lit up, and members of the Vote Leave campaign holding a private party at the Chelsea mansion of donor Jon Moynihan. Prominent Remain campaigners expressed their sadness at Britain’s departure, telling BuzzFeed News they were holding private vigils and dinners with friends to commiserate. Brussels, which illuminated its main square in union jack colours on Thursday in a heartfelt goodbye to the UK, signalled that it was also “a new dawn for Europe”. The former president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, sent a message of goodwill: US ambassador to the UK Robert W Johnson said: “President Donald J. Trump has long supported the United Kingdom’s sovereign decision to withdraw from the European Union. Now that the UK is back in control of its own trade policy, we look forward to achieving a broad Free Trade Agreement that will increase prosperity and create jobs in both our countries.” The presidents of the three main EU institutions — Charles Michel, David Sassoli, and Ursula von der Leyen — said in a joint statement that it was “a day of reflection and mixed emotions”. “Our thoughts are with all of those who have helped to make the European Union what it is today. Those who are concerned about their future or disappointed to see the UK leave. Those British members of our institutions who helped shape policies that made lives better for millions of Europeans,” they said. “We will think of the UK and its people, their creativity, ingenuity, culture, and traditions, that have been a vital part of our Union’s tapestry.” In a letter to Steve Barclay, the Brexit secretary whose job will now be abolished, Johnson thanked him for his "hard work and support". Britain will now enter an 11-month “transition period” lasting until Dec. 31, during which little will change — with the country effectively remaining a part of the EU’s single market and customs union and maintaining freedom of movement. During that time, British and European negotiators will seek to strike a new free trade agreement that will ultimately determine whether the UK economy remains closely aligned to the bloc long-term, or diverges significantly on its rules and regulations. Beth Rigby @BethRigby PM letter to @SteveBarclay whose job about to become redundant. A Brexiteer, he’s in No 10 at the PM party celebrating Brexit even if it did cost him his job. Will he return to cabinet in a different role? #brexitday Reply Retweet Favorite The EU’s presidents spelt out the high stakes of the forthcoming negotiations on Friday. “How close that partnership will be depends on decisions that are still to be taken. Because every choice has a consequence,” they said. “Without the free movement of people, there can be no free movement of capital, goods and services. Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation and state aid, there cannot be the highest quality access to the single market. Without being a member, you cannot retain the benefits of membership.” Cabinet minister and Vote Leave campaigner Michael Gove admitted on Friday morning that the government’s plan for a Canada-style loose trading arrangement with the EU would mean businesses face greater “bureaucratic processes”. He told the BBC: “We want trade to be as frictionless as possible but the EU is clear that you can only have fully frictionless trade if you accept all their rules, you accept all their laws, you are subordinate to their judges, you are subordinate to their political structures.” At a speech in Edinburgh, the Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon warned that Brexit was “a pivotal moment for the UK and Scotland”. She said that “here in Scotland, given that it is happening against the will of the vast majority of us, that sadness will be tinged with anger” and said she would pursue a “legal and legitimate” route to a second Scottish independence referendum. Oli Scarff / Getty Images At 11pm, the thousands of people packed into Parliament Square marked the occasion with cheers and confetti cannons. Groups cheered, hugged each other, and broke into choruses of "God Save the Queen" as the recorded chimes of Big Ben rung out. Speaking to BuzzFeed News, Nadia, who did not want to give her full name, said: “I’m here because we’ve finally got the Brexit people voted for. It’s friendly, if you look around you’ll see a lot of young people, and I’ve been very impressed by that.” When asked how she felt about Britain finally leaving the EU, she said: “I hope it’s a good thing. Let’s see what happens." Lynn Thatcher, a UKIP campaigner who travelled from south-west London, said: “it’s so exciting, it’s a historical moment. It’s a good feeling because we’ve worked hard for it. We’ve campaigned for it for years. “For the last three, I thought it was not going to happen, but now it’s actually happened, we’re elated.” Her friend Carol Ward added: “There’s a brilliant atmosphere. It was lovely to hear Big Ben’s bongs even though it wasn’t real — it was a recording.” George Goddard and Jordan Dilworth are both Remainers, but they said they wanted to come down to see history being made. “It’s still a historic moment,” Dilworth told BuzzFeed News. “We just wanted to see it.” “I’m really surprised by the passion," Goddard added. “I didn’t expect this level of passion. I wasn’t expecting this turnout. It does feel like a celebration.”
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Withdraw from an Organization
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Northern lights in Canada
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Updated 7:03 am Mostly cloudy Will you be staying up late or waking up early to try and catch a glimpse? The weather forecast in Vancouver is predicting crystal clear skies ahead of forecasted northern lights. Mid-October, the lights made a rare appearance in the city much to the delight of photographers and stargazers. Now, the geomagnetic storm watch issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is calling for the aurora to make an appearance between October 30 and 31. In Vancouver, the weather should be perfectly clear to catch sight of anything taking place in the skies, according to the forecast from Environment Canada. Expect to bring warm clothes with you because the temperature will dip down to 2°C in the evening on Saturday, October 30. Environment Canada There were some disappointed Vancouverites in the early morning hours of October 30 who flocked to the city’s view points but didn’t manage to see the aurora.
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New wonders in nature
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ISRO releases Chandrayaan-2 orbiter data: All you need to know
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has released the first set of data from the eight instruments aboard India’s second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2. The orbiter, which has completed sixteen months around the moon in lunar orbit, was launched on July 22, 2019 and inserted into the lunar orbit on August 20. On completion of one year of the orbiter being in space, Isro had said that the spacecraft was ‘healthy’, performance of subsystems were normal, and there was adequate onboard fuel to remain operational for about seven years. Here is all you need to know about the orbiter: - Chandrayaan-2, described as the most complex mission ever undertaken by Isro, cost less than half the budget of Hollywood blockbuster ‘Avengers Endgame’. The total cost of the mission is estimated at 124 million US dollars, while the movie has an estimated budget of close to 356 million US dollars. - The mission made India the fourth nation after the United States, Russia and China to land a spacecraft on the Moon. - Chandrayaan-2 consisted of three missions clubbed together – the orbiter that would circle around the moon, the Vikram lander that was to make a soft landing near the south pole of the moon, and the Pragyan rover that was to explore the lunar surface and observe water ice. The lander and rover were destroyed during the attempted landing in September, 2019. - The lander of Chandrayaan 2, ‘Vikram’, was named after the pioneer of India’s space programme, physicist Dr Vikram Sarabhai. - The data from seven out of the eight instruments was collected by the Indian Space Science Data Centre at Karnataka’s Byalalu, where it was prepared in the Planetary Data System 4 (PDS4) format for public release before being peer-reviewed scientifically. It was then released through the PRADAN portal hosted by ISSDC at https://pradan.issdc.gov.in.
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New achievements in aerospace
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Recent changes that could make paying for college more affordable
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Updated: Tags: Consumer Reports , consumer , Money , Morning Show Paying for college is always a challenge, especially during the current pandemic, but new rules may help ease that financial burden. Paying for college is a challenge even in the best of economic times. So when more challenging times came with the pandemic, as they did for millions of Americans, affording a degree became significantly harder. But Consumer Reports explains that recent changes could make school more affordable. This unprecedented time has also been a catalyst for significant changes that could make higher education more affordable and student debt easier to manage. Many private schools whose enrollment was hurt by the pandemic are aggressively discounting tuition and fees to attract new students and retain current ones. A study shows that on average, undergraduates got a record 48 percent discount on tuition and fees in the form of scholarships, grants, and fellowships in the 2020-21 school year from private schools. And Congress has given colleges a 36 billion dollar pot of money to distribute in emergency financial grants—money that doesn’t have to be paid back—to students hurt by the pandemic. This aid will help keep people in school who are struggling financially and prevent them from going deeper into debt. Eligibility varies by school, so you should check with your financial aid office to see how it works. The pause on student loans was extended until the end of January. Also, the American Rescue Plan signed into law in March includes a provision that makes all student loan forgiveness tax-free through 2025. The Department of Education has also streamlined the process for people with a total or permanent disability to apply to have their loan discharged. Talk with your loan servicer if you think you fall into one of these categories to make sure the new rules are being applied in your case.
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Financial Aid
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Yass man arrested over bank robberies
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Police have arrested a man over several bank robberies in southern New South Wales and Canberra. Australian Federal Police officers arrested the 39-year-old Yass man in his home town yesterday. He has been charged with offences over two bank robberies in Goulburn in January and March of this year, in which he was believed to have been armed. He has also being linked to an April robbery of a Canberra bank.
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Bank Robbery
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22 celebrity couples you probably didn't know had children together
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Kate Beckinsale and Welsh actor Michael Sheen reportedly met in 1995 during a touring production of "The Seagull." Several years later, Beckinsale gave birth to their daughter Lily Mo Sheen on January 31, 1999. Beckinsale and Sheen split in 2003, and the actress was engaged to "Underworld" director Len Wiseman months later. But the two still often appear on social media together with their daughter. Lily, now 22, is pursuing an acting career and is set to appear in an upcoming Nicolas Cage film, "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent." Alexis Bledel and husband Vincent Kartheiser secretly welcomed a baby boy in 2015. The pair never announced the pregnancy or birth, but the news was confirmed after "Gilmore Girls" actor Scott Patterson told Glamour in 2016 that Bledel was "a proud new mother and married and happy." Their rep subsequently verified to Us Weekly that their son was born in fall 2015. Neither the child's name nor any photos of him have been released to the media. The couple met when Bledel guest-starred as the mistress of Pete Campbell (Kartheiser's character) on season five of "Mad Men." They married in June 2014 at a private ceremony in California. Actor Benicio del Toro and model Kimberly Stewart reportedly dated on and off for some time but were no longer seeing each other when they welcomed daughter Delilah del Toro on August 21, 2011. A source told Us Weekly that the Oscar-winning actor was by Stewart's side in the delivery room. Stewart frequently uploads photos of their daughter on her Instagram, and the pair were spotted with Delilah at Los Angeles' California Science Center in January 2016. Del Toro joked that he and Stewart's father, music legend Rod Stewart, often vie for Delilah's attention. "I might pull the Oscar out to show to my daughter," he told Us Magazine. "Grandpa has a lot of stuff, but he ain't got one of those." Catherine Keener and Dermot Mulroney were married for 17 years. The actors reportedly met in 1988 on the set of the film "Survival Quest" and got married in November 1990. They separated in May 2005 and finalized their divorce in 2007. They have one son, Clyde Keener Mulroney, who was born in 1999 and currently works in Hollywood as a musician. "Get Out" star Keener has touched on her close bond with her son, telling Newsday in 2013, "We have a really good relationship. I think I have a lot of credibility with him; I really make sure of that." Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin, who were married for 11 years, share two children. Jack Daniel Byrne was born in 1989, and Romy Marion Byrne was born in 1992. Jack is an LA musician, and Romy is an actress. The couple met in August 1986 and married in 1988. They separated amicably in 1993 and divorced in 1999. They've seemed to remain friends. In a 2011 interview with The New York Times, Barkin said she and Byrne spend their children's birthday together. James Cameron met actor Linda Hamilton, on the set of "The Terminator" 1984. They reportedly started secretly dating during the filming of the second film while Cameron was married to filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow. Hamilton and Cameron's daughter, Josephine Archer Cameron, was born in 1993. The couple then married in 1997, six years after Hamilton divorced Bigelow. Amid reports of an affair between Cameron and actress Suzy Amis, the pair separated in 1999. In an interview with The Lady via Hello Magazine, Hamilton said their marriage was "terrible on every level. I wasn't ready, he wasn't ready." Mary Louise Parker began dating actor Billy Crudup in 1996. In 2003, while Parker was seven-months pregnant with their son, Crudup left Parker for Claire Danes. Parker gave birth to William Atticus Parker on January 7, 2004. Parker and Crudup resolved to put their differences aside to raise William "for the sake of the baby," according to a 2004 statement from Parker's reps obtained by People. William, who is currently a film student, got his parents to costar in one of his student films in 2020. Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen met and began dating while both were costarring in "Time After Time" in 1978. The film legends married in September 1980 and had two children together, daughter Lilly McDowell on January 22, 1981, and son Charlie McDowell on July 10, 1983. The couple later divorced in 1990. Charlie is now a writer and director, best known for directing the 2014 Elisabeth Moss thriller "The One I Love." Lilly has also acted in a number of films and appeared on TV shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Sons of Anarchy," and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Vanessa Marcil started dating her "Beverly Hills, 90210" castmate Brian Austin Green in 1999. The two were engaged in July 2001 and welcomed their son, Kassius Lijah Marcil-Green on March 15, 2002. Their relationship ended in 2003 before they were ever married. According to Us Weekly, Green filed papers in 2018 requesting child support and full custody of their son but lost the case. The actress then reportedly accused Green and then-wife Megan Fox of cutting her son out of their lives. Per TooFab, during an Instagram posting spree in 2020, Marcil told fans that she never loved Green, but she supports his relationship with their son. Mireille Enos and Alan Ruck met during rehearsals for a play in New York City. The couple married in 2008. They have two children together, daughter Vesper Vivianne Ruck, born in 2010, and son Larkin Zouey Ruck, born in 2014. Enos told People in December 2020 that she enjoys spending time with her children and husband. "We put an easel in the kitchen, so while we're cooking, they'll stand there and draw," she said. "We listen to them talk to each other and it is so fun!" Adam Driver is tight-lipped about his family life, so much so that he and wife Joanne Tucker kept the birth of their young son secret from the press for two years. According to The New Yorker, Tucker's sister mistakenly made her Instagram account public, which included a picture of the back of the child's head. Page Six reported the news of his son in 2018. Driver told The New Yorker in 2019 that keeping his son secret was a "military operation." "My job is to be a spy — to be in public and live life and have experience. But, when you feel like you're the focus, it's really hard to do that," he said. Rashida Jones and boyfriend Ezra Koenig managed to stealthily welcome their baby, Isaiah, to the world in 2018. Us Weekly first reported the birth months after it happened. Koenig told First Verses that he enjoys playing music to his son, including songs from his band, Vampire Weekend. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody surprised fans with the sudden announcement of their son's birth in September 2020. The former "The Oranges" costars secretly married in 2014 and welcomed their daughter, Arlo Day, the following year. Brody told People in October 2020 that having a child amid a pandemic had its "benefits. "You've gotten to be in a cocoon. The world outside is scary for the moment and also thrilling and hopeful," he said. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling are one of Hollywood's most well-known couples, but the actors are rarely photographed together or with their two daughters. The couple had their first child, Esmeralda Amada Gosling, in 2014 and their second, Amada Lee Gosling, in 2016. The pair did not publicly comment on either pregnancy. Mendes previously stated that she and Gosling want to give their children as normal a life as possible. "Whether we like it or not, privacy is going to be very difficult for Esmeralda. I think it's unfair but that's our reality. So Ryan and I decided early on to give her as much privacy as we could. And my pregnancy was the first opportunity to give her that," Mendes told Violet Grey in 2014. Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova's long-term relationship is well documented, but the pair is evasive about their family life. The Grammy-winning singer and the tennis star initially met on the music video set for Iglesias' hit song "Escape" in 2001. The couple is now parents of three, welcoming their twins Nicholas and Lucy in 2017 and daughter Mary in January 2020. They kept the pregnancies a secret in both cases, and the parents rarely post pictures of them on social media. In 2019, Iglesias Told People en Espanol, "They make me thrive to be a better person. They are my daily inspiration," referring to his children. Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale are a low-key celebrity couple who have been together since 2012 and though they aren't legally married, refer to each other as husband and wife. The couple welcomed their first son Rocco Robin Cannavale in 2016 and their second, Rafa Cannavale, in 2017. Byrne is also a stepmother to Jake Cannavale, Bobby's 26-year-old child from his marriage to screenwriter Jenny Lumet. Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis' romance began in 2011 after they met at a "Saturday Night Live" wrap party. An engagement followed in 2013, and the couple announced the birth of their first child, Otis Alexander Sudeikis, the following year. After two years, they welcomed a second child, Daisy Josephine Sudeikis. In 2020, People reported that the pair were going their separate ways, ending their seven-year engagement. "The split happened at the beginning of the year," a source close to the couple told People. "It's been amicable and they've transitioned into a great co-parenting routine. The children are the priority and the heart of the family's relationship." Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons waited for four months to share the name of their second child, James Robert, with The New York Times. The private couple met while starring in the FX series "Fargo" in 2016, and after announcing their engagement the following year, Dunst revealed she was expecting her first child, Ennis Howard Plemons, who was born in May 2018. Dunst told Marie Claire UK in July 2017 that having a goddaughter increased her desire to become a mother to her child. "I wasn't one of those 'I need a baby!' people until my goddaughter was born," she said. "I love her so much. That love is just like … you can't experience that unless you have a kid." Veteran actors Gina Torres and Laurence Fishburne met in the early 2000s on "The Matrix Reloaded." The couple got engaged soon after and married at The Cloisters museum in New York City in September 2002. In 2007, they welcomed a daughter named Delilah. Fishburne also has two children from a previous marriage, a son Langston and a daughter Montana. The couple announced their split in 2017, and Torres released a statement to People saying, "Happily, however, our family remains intact, and we will continue to raise our daughter together with love and joy and awe. As well as raise each other up with respect and love and the continued understanding that we're in this together, if not side by side." Spice Girl Melanie "Mel B" Brown called former partner Eddie Murphy the "great love" of her life in a 2018 interview. Their nine-month relationship culminated in the birth of Angel Iris Murphy Brown in 2007. After a DNA test in June 2007 confirmed that Murphy was the father of Brown's baby, Brown filed a paternity suit against Murphy. According to Reuters, she requested child support for her 3-month-old daughter, whom Murphy had never publicly acknowledged before. Several days later, Murphy's publicist released a statement saying the actor and comedian had acknowledged the paternity of Angel, paid child support to Brown, and covered the expenses of her pregnancy. "Falcon and the Winter Soldier" star Emily VanCamp welcomed her first child, daughter Iris, with actor Josh Bowman in August. VanCamp remained relatively private while expecting but shared three photos taken during her pregnancy in an Instagram post announcing the news. VanCamp and Bowman started dating in 2011 after meeting on the set of the ABC drama "Revenge." They wed in 2018. "Promising Young Woman" actress Carey Mulligan has two kids with her husband, singer-songwriter Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons.
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Famous Person - Marriage
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Lady Kitty Spencer's wedding guests revealed: From Pixie Lott to Mark Francis Vandelli
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Their wedding was a star-studded affair, filled with many of Lady Kitty's friends from Pixie Lott to Made in Chelsea star Mark Francis Vandelli. Guests arrive for the wedding of Lady Kitty Spencer Singer Pixie Lott is a close friend of Kitty, and the pair memorably met up at the Schiaparelli show during Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris. Pixie didn't head to the wedding alone, as she brought her own fiancé, model Oliver Cheshire along to the event. Ellie Goulding is another of Kitty's friends from the pop world, and Kitty has lavished her friend's vocal abilities with plenty of compliments in the past. Viscountess Emma Weymouth has been in attendance at the wedding, and has shared numerous snaps of herself enjoying her time in Italy. MORE: Inside Princess Diana's niece Kitty Spencer's pre-wedding party Sabrina Elba attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 alongside her husband Idris Elba. She was seen fanning herself alongside other attendees as they headed on their way. Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper has posted several pictures from Italy already in a gorgeous array of frocks, and her baby is also looking the part! Dutch model Marpessa Hennink is already at the event, and posted a selfie with the bride-to-be, writing: "Team Bride. It's finally happening." PR guru Simon Huck looked incredibly dapper in his suit, alongside his own fiancé, Phil Riportella. MORE: Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry did not attend Lady Kitty Spencer's wedding Made in Chelsea star Mark Francis Vandelli is also at the wedding and left a cryptic message that read: "And so it begins @kitty.spencer." Model and dietian Maye Musk looked incredibly glam as she got ready for the big day, teasing: "What's happening?" on her Instagram Stories. Photographer German Larkin looked incredibly dapper in a suit ahead of the event. Artist Piotr Krzymowski enjoyed a pre-wedding meal with Pixie Lott, Oliver Cheshire, Viscountess Emma Weymouth and Mark Francis Vandelli before getting into a striking blue suit.
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Famous Person - Marriage
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American Airlines Flight 1 (1936) crash
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American Airways Flight 1 was a Douglas DC-2 airliner on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Memphis to Little Rock. On Tuesday, January 14, 1936, the flight crashed into a swamp near Goodwin, Arkansas, disintegrating on impact and killing all 17 people on board. "With great difficulty the bodies of the victims were brought out of the marsh where their bodies were found scattered among fragments of the shattered plane. "[1] At the time, it was the worst civil plane crash on U.S. soil. [2][3] As of 2016, it remains the deadliest crash in Arkansas state history. In 2020, a group of students attempted to find a result into how American Airways flight 1 crashed. Months later, the case was closed with no answers, only one cause is believed to be fuel starvation in the aircraft.
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Air crash
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Hikianalia Crew Discover Partial Shipwreck in Lalo
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While diving to survey coral reefs on Wednesday, June 23, the Hikianalia crew members discovered two large anchors in about 20-feet of water in Lalo’s 14-mile wide lagoon, as well as two pots about 2 to 3 feet wide. Although not yet verified, circumstantial evidence indicates that what they found is possibly part of an 1800’s whaling ship located near the area where the Two Brothers ship from Nantucket was identified in 2010 by NOAA maritime archaeologists. The Two Brothers Ship was captained by George Pollard Jr., who was also on the whaling ship Essex, which inspired Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick. Capt. Pollard died in the shipwreck at Lalo in 1823. The Hikianalia crew took photos and video of the archaeological find. NOAA Research Coordinator and Hōkūleʻa crew member Randy Kosaki says the anchors were situated in a way that indicates they were not deployed but rather stored on the bow. According to Kosaki, it may take another two years for NOAA archaeologists to return to Lalo and further investigate, document and verify the possible identity of the findings. As the shipwreck is old and now home to ocean life, it is now unofficially referred to as “Hikianalia Reef.” The crew members who discovered the shipwreck parts are from Hikianalia, Hōkūleʻa’s sister canoe. The canoe is sailing with Hōkūleʻa on all of the training voyages and will be part of the Moananuiākea Voyage. “We’re here to explore and it’s exciting that our canoes are participating in the process of discovery with NOAA, one of the great stewards of this place,” said Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society President and Pwo Navigator. “The experts from NOAA say it’s a significant archaeological site. To feel like we’re helping and contributing to the body of knowledge of the ocean and this place is a privilege and a gift to those voyaging these canoes. To give us reason to support the great work, makes the voyage all the more meaningful and to have multi-generations of teachers and students on these canoes, it couldn’t be better,” added Thompson. “This discovery for us is just confirming the ability to know the destructive power of the storms and the ability of it to restore. It’s the first crack of light in the storm of what we’re doing to nature on earth in that there are ways that nature will be okay and taken care of. We can see the light in the storm because of this voyage.” NOAA worked with the State of Hawaiʻi to designate the area of the Two Brothers shipwreck, which is near this discovery, as a site on the State and National Historic Register. “This discovery links traditional voyaging and early-modern seafaring across time,” said Athline Clark, NOAA’s superintendent for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. “Hōkūleʻa used traditional Native Hawaiian navigational skills to voyage to the site and connect to an early American (1800’s) seafaring vessel.” Kosaki from NOAA also adds, “We’re off to a really good start. A lot of corals in the lagoon survived and now they’ve found an 1800 shipwreck, I’m over the moon about all of it.” The “Navigating the Kupuna Islands” Training Voyage is the second in a series of deep-sea training sails to prepare crew for the Moananuiākea Voyage, a circumnavigation of the Pacific scheduled to launch in May 2022. The 42-month, 41,000 mile journey will cover 46 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous territories and 345 ports. Focused on the vital importance of oceans, nature and indigenous knowledge, the goal of the Moananuiākea Voyage is to develop 10 million new crew members, navigators and leaders for the planet.
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Shipwreck
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Former US President Jimmy Carter has arrived in the North Korean capital Pyongyang as part of a push to resolve the stand-off over the country's nuclear programme
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Former US President Jimmy Carter has arrived in the North Korean capital Pyongyang as part of a push to resolve the stand-off over the country's nuclear programme. Mr Carter is taking part in a three-day visit by former world leaders from a group known as the Elders.
They hope to meet North Korea's reclusive leader, Kim Jong-il.
The group includes former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and former Irish President Mary Robinson.
As he left for Pyongyang, Mr Carter said that the group also hoped to meet Kim Jong-il's son and heir-apparent Kim Jong-un, according to AP.
But he said he was unsure whether that would happen.
The group, which also includes former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Brundtland, will stay in Pyongyang until Thursday before flying to South Korea. During the visit they are expected to present a report to those involved in the North Korea nuclear negotiations, based on meetings held in Beijing, Pyongyang and Seoul. Six-nation talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear programme have been stalled for months. High tensions between the two Koreas - after the sinking of a South Korean warship last year and North Korean shelling in November of a South Korean border island - have hampered efforts to restart them.
Food shortages in the country are also expected to be on the agenda for the talks.
According to the UN, more than six million people - a quarter of the North Korean population - are under-nourished. The former US president last visited North Korea in August 2010 to secure the release of a US citizen, Aijalon Gomes, who was jailed by the North for illegal entry. But Mr Carter told a South Korean news agency that he had no plans to raise the case of another US national, Jun Young-su, who is being detained in the communist state for alleged missionary work. The Elders group was formed four years ago by former South African President Nelson Mandela. Members believe that their unique experience as former leaders - and their independence from any country or organisation - allows them to help resolve some of the world's most intractable problems.
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Diplomatic Visit
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2020 Argentinian protests
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The 2020 Argentinian protests were a series of demonstrations that occurred as of May 2020 in different parts of the country. The reasons were diverse, with the common denominator being dissatisfaction over the successive extensions of the isolation measures adopted to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease. For this reason, some media describe the protests as "antiquarantine." Other slogans expressed opposition to the government, denial of the existence of the pandemic and demands for more freedom, among others. In general, the participants in these protests did so from their vehicles in order to keep their distance from other people, although in some cases the attendees did not comply with the prevention measures established by the authorities. There were also other marches and mobilizations in various parts of the country in protest for various issues. [1]
The first confirmed case of the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina was announced on 3 March 2020. On 19 March, President Alberto Fernández ordered the first stage of quarantine, initially until the 31st of the same month. At the time of adopting these measures, the positive image of the president was 72%. A week later, approval was still on the rise and was estimated at 82%. The isolation measures - with differentiation in different parts of the country according to the dynamics of the spread of the virus and the decisions of the local authorities - were extended over the months. The positive image of the president fell to values around 60% in July 2020, and remained practically stable for a time. By mid-October 2020, the approval of the discharge of the health emergency reached only 43%. On 25 May, a small group of people gathered in front of Plaza de Mayo, in the city of Buenos Aires. The call was made through social networks. Those attending the march - some 100 or 200 people according to different sources - expressed their dissatisfaction with the extension of the quarantine, demanded greater freedom, and in some cases adopted denialist positions regarding the existence of the pandemic. The protest included Cacerolazo of a group of people around the Obelisk and in some neighborhoods of the city. [2]
On 6 June, a small group of people gathered in the vicinity of the Obelisk. Most of the attendees demanded the implementation of protocols that would allow the reopening of shops, gyms, and other activities. Other heterogeneous slogans were added to this claim, such as the rejection of a supposed "new world order", and a claim "for freedom", among others. On 20 June there was a demonstration called #BanderazoNacional.Various claims were added to the usual slogans such as "promoting the Republic" or that the country "does not become Argenzuela". It was called through social networks by opposition leaders, and included caravans of vehicles that circulated in the center of the city of Buenos Aires. The march, which gathered a few hundred people, occurred at a peak in the number of infections registered in the metropolitan area. [3]
On 8 July 2020, former President Mauricio Macri gave an interview to journalist Álvaro Vargas Llosa during which he expressed his criticism of the management of his successor Alberto Fernández and declared himself firmly in favor of "freedoms" that in his opinion were in risk in Argentina. The following day, coinciding with the celebration of Independence Day, a protest march was organized with an epicenter in the city of Buenos Aires and replicas in some parts of the country. The slogans were similar to those of previous protests, with the addition of demands for "freedom of expression" and "defense of private property". The demonstration was generally peaceful, but a group of people attacked CNN journalists who were covering it and damaged the vehicle that was transporting them, without the security forces intervening to preserve order. The march received criticism from various sectors, basically due to the fact that in general the distance between the attendees was not respected and many of them did not wear masks or chinstraps. About two weeks later, spikes of confirmed infections were registered in the country, which was interpreted as the consequence of the 9 July demonstrations. [4]
On 1 August, a group of about 300 protesters gathered in the center of the city of Buenos Aires. The call was made through social networks under the hashtag "1AYoVoy", with the aim of expressing the rejection of a reform projec — presented by the national executive and not yet discussed in the National Congress — centered on federal justice. [citation needed]
On 17 August, the demonstration called 17A took place, in protest against the extension of the self-isolation measures, the judicial reform project, and in general against the national government. Some representatives of the opposition Juntos por el Cambio, as the president of PRO Patricia Bullrich, the actor and former radical deputy Luis Brandoni and the former minister Hernán Lombardi. Other politicians from the same alliance such as the head and deputy head of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta and Diego Santilli respectively, and the Minister of Health of the same district Fernán Quirós did not attend and expressed their disagreement with the meeting. The mobilisation was generally peaceful, except for some attendees who broke the mobile of the CNN channel, in a similar way to what happened in the mobilization on 9 July 2020. [5]
On the afternoon of 26 August, a group of people gathered in front of the Palace of Congress in rejection of the judicial reform whose treatment was scheduled for 27 August. The convocation proposed holding a kind of vigil and then a symbolic hug to the Parliament. About 500 people attended the march. Days later, while the work of the parliamentary committees continued prior to the treatment of the project, a small group of people tried to force entry into Congress, and a protester armed was arrested. [citation needed]
Between the night of 1 and 2 September, protesters turned up late at night in discontent over the virtual session where deputies from Juntos por el Cambio who attended the Congress in person were "absent". It lasted until after 4 in the morning on 2 September with hundreds of protesters outside Congress; It was also attended by the actor and musician Alfredo Casero. On 13 September, protests were held in various parts of the country. With its epicenter in the center of the city of Buenos Aires, the convocation achieved little support. [6]
On 19 September, new demonstrations were held in various parts of the country, such as La Plata, Córdoba, and San Miguel de Tucumán, among others. On this date, demonstrations were also held abroad, such as at the Argentine embassy in France. On 28 September, some 15,000 people demonstrated near the town of Palpalá, Jujuy province, demanding justice for the femicides committed in the province in the previous weeks. On 12 October, a new mobilization took place that had the participation of opposition leaders, and was replicated in several cities such as Mendoza, Córdoba and Tucumán. The handling of the pandemic, the supposed official interference in Justice and the direction of the economy inspired the main slogans. It generated controversy due to several attacks on the press and violence against different journalists who covered the news, including death threats against journalists and beatings. [7]
On 8 November, a new demonstration took place in different parts of the country and, unlike the previous ones, a holiday was not chosen.
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Protest_Online Condemnation
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Mudslides Close Loveland Pass Leaving Hazmat Vehicles Running Behind Schedule
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(CBS4) – A mudslide near Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort shut down Loveland Pass for much of Saturday morning. The closure was still in place at noon, the Colorado Department of Transportation says. Drivers were told to use Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel as an alternative. CBS4 spoke with a truck driver who says he tried delivering a load of fuel to a gas station in Avon when he encountered one of two closures on Loveland Pass. On his way back to Denver, Chris Cleveland says the pass had just reopened when crews closed it again for a second mudslide. He says he drove back to Dillon to get on I-70. Because of precautions, hazmat vehicles, like Cleveland’s fuel truck, have to wait to travel through the Eisenhower Tunnel until the top of the hour. #US6 eastbound/westbound: Safety closure between MM 220 and MM 228.7. Hazmat vehicles are to stage at Eisenhower Tunnel and will be run at the top of the hour or as traffic allows. Cleveland says that time adds up on an already-stressed group of drivers in the midst of a driver shortage, and in turn, can lead to fuel shortages at gas stations. CDOT updated the situation at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday saying because of the amount of debris and mud, they don’t expect to reopen Loveland Pass until Sunday night.
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Mudslides
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KLM Flight 867 crash
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On 15 December 1989, KLM Flight 867, en route from Amsterdam to Narita International Airport Tokyo, was forced to make an emergency landing at Anchorage International Airport, Alaska, when all four engines failed. The Boeing 747-400 combi, less than six months old at the time,[1] flew through a thick cloud of volcanic ash from Mount Redoubt,[2] which had erupted the day before. All four engines failed, leaving only critical systems on backup electrical power. One report assigns the engine shutdown to the conversion of the ash into a glass coating inside the engines that fooled the engine temperature sensors and led to an auto-shutdown of all four engines. [3]
When all four main generators shut off due to the failure of all the engines, a momentary power interruption occurs when the flight instruments transfer to standby power. Standby power on the 747-400 is provided by two batteries and inverters. The captain performed the engine restart procedure, which failed on the first few attempts, and repeated it until restart was achieved. On some of the attempts, as one or more (but not all) engines started to operate, the main generator switched back on. This switching on and off caused repeated power transfer interruptions to the flight instruments. The temporary blanking of the instruments gave the appearance that standby power had failed. These power transfers were later verified from the flight data recorder. [citation needed]
The following edited transmissions took place between Anchorage Center, the air traffic control facility for that region, and KLM 867:[4]
After descending more than 14,000 ft (4250 m), the crew restarted the engines and safely landed the plane. In this case, the ash caused more than US$80 million in damage to the aircraft, requiring all four engines to be replaced, but no lives were lost and no one was injured. [2][5] A shipment of 25 African birds, two genets, and 25 tortoises aboard the plane was diverted to an Anchorage warehouse, where eight birds and three tortoises died before the mislabeled shipment was discovered. [6]
KLM continues to operate the Amsterdam-Tokyo route, but as Flight 861, and it is now a nonstop eastbound flight using a Boeing 777. Flight 867 is now used for flights between Amsterdam and Osaka. The aircraft, PH-BFC, remained in service with KLM until its retirement from the fleet on 14 March 2018. [7] It joined the KLM Asia fleet upon the subsidiary's establishment in 1995, until it was returned to KLM in 2012 and repainted in the standard KLM livery after a maintenance check. [8]
Coordinates: 61°10′18″N 149°59′12″W / 61.1717°N 149.9867°W / 61.1717; -149.9867
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Air crash
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