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Police Devoted A Lot Of Effort To Investigating Raeesah Khan’s False Claims, Many Officers Involved

On 3 Aug, then Sengkang MP Raeesah Khan gave a speech that  contained untruths in Parliament, which involved the Singapore Police Force (SPF). But on 9 Dec, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh said he didn’t feel that her lie did a wrong to the police. In front of the Committee of Privileges (COP) , he also questioned whether they had put in much work to check her story in the first place. To that, the SPF has responded that they actually devoted “substantial resources” towards investigating her claims. This involved many police officers, they added. Raeesah Khan claimed police made comments about rape victim Ms Khan claimed in Parliament on 3 Aug that she’d accompanied a rape victim to the police station a few years ago, but the woman left the police station in tears. This was because, she added, The police officer had allegedly made comments about her dressing, and the fact that she was drinking. The then MP used this anecdote to illustrate how law enforcement officers need to treat survivors of sexual crimes better. On 1 Nov, Ms Khan admitted to Parliament that this was untrue, and she’d heard the account in a women’s support group that both of them were part of. Source Police took the claim seriously However, the legwork had already been done, the SPF said in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday (13 Dec). In fact, because an MP had made that statement in Parliament, it was “taken seriously and at face value”. Thus, “a substantial amount of resources was dedicated to this”. Exhaustive amount of work undertaken Firstly, they tried to identify the visit, then they also considered that Ms Khan might not have entered a police station but waited outside. Thus, some of the exhaustive work that was undertaken included: 2 rounds of record-checking, including particulars of police station visitors in Singapore since 1 Jan 2017 Combing through over 1,400 sexual assault and related cases from 2018-2021 Narrowing the list down to cases that seemed to match the description she gave Asking investigation officers to check their case records in detail, as well as other details Checking all the feedback from members of the public in 2018 that related to sexual assault However, they could not link any case to what Ms Khan had said. Many police officers involved Many police officers had to be involved in performing these checks, said SPF. These officers didn’t just waste their own time doing them – it also affected members of the public. That’s because other matters and cases had to be delayed, SFP noted, adding, Cases could have been handled faster had the time and resources not been wasted trying to investigate an incident which never happened. Pritam not aware of police work done SPF’s statement was a counter to Mr Singh’s assertion—that he wasn’t aware that the police had gone through all their cases to check on Ms Khan’s untruths. Source The Workers’ Party (WP) chief pointed out to the COP that Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan had said in Parliament – also on 3 Aug – that the police couldn’t find any case resembling the one Ms Khan mentioned. Thus, Mr Singh questioned, So what work was actually done? I am not aware. He also denied that the police would be adversely affected by Ms Khan’s lie. He didn’t feel either that Ms Khan’s lie did a wrong to the police as they were not a “broken-back” organisation. Catch the exchange here: Untruths will erode public trust in police: SPF In their statement, the SPF retorted that untruths like Ms Khan’s would cast doubt on the police. This will, in time, erode public trust in the SPF—which is important in securing their cooperation and carrying out police work to fight crime and protect the community. Besides that, victims may also decide against seeking help from the police. Additionally, comments that dismiss false accusations against the police are discouraging, and, They can also affect the morale of our officers, who work hard every day to keep Singaporeans safe and secure. Kudos to our brave police officers The police indeed play a vital role in the community, so it’s important the public trusts them. False accusations against them may hinder that, so it’s no surprise that Ms Khan’s claims were investigated thoroughly. But some may think that police resources should have been allocated elsewhere than on an unsubstantiated case, and public trust can be regained via concrete actions. Kudos to the brave police officers who carry out their duties for the public. We’re sure every Singaporean will agree that those focused on public service should never be faulted for their dedication.

Famous Person - Commit Crime - Investigate

Archaeology breakthrough: 'Fascinating' Roman discovery under Devon bus station–new report

The remains were found during the construction period for Exeter's state-of-the-art bus station two years ago, with the site being opened to passengers last month. At the time of the findings, the remains, which form part of Exeter's history, were described as "very important and completely unexpected", and a new report has just been finalised about the dig. Uncovered during the city centre's bus station development, the find included coins and local pottery made in the area and fine red Samian tableware imported from France. Items sourced from the Roman defences have been handed over to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. A new report, set to be published in the Devon Archaeological Proceedings Journal, of the findings will be available to the public two years after the initial discovery. The report concludes that what lies beneath Exeter continues to have the "capacity to surprise". The discovery was made in 2019 by the Exeter Office of Cotswold Archaeology who were working with Kier Construction to record remains of the city's Roman history during the bus station construction process. The discovery happened in stages, with a Roman ditch at the top end of the site between Bampfylde Street and Cheeke Street being the first to be uncovered. READ MORE: Pompeii archaeologists baffled by 'significant discovery Two further ditches were found running parallel to each other and experts revealed that they belonged to a new and completely unknown Roman military site. It is believed the site was either a fort occupied by a military unit, or a defended depot or compound. The shaping of the sites make them easy to identify as typical Roman military ditches as the outer, eastern one has a steep “V-shaped' profile”, with a deep “ankle breaker” trench along the bottom, while the other is larger and deeper. DON'T MISS Archaeologists 'breathtaking discovery' of ancient stone circle [REPORT] Archaeologists want YOU to help save London's past from being lost [APPEAL] Archaeologists heartbroken by 'eternal lovers' locked in dying embrace [INSIGHT] The local council worked alongside developers to ensure that any remains that were inevitably affected during the development process were properly excavated and recorded for the benefit of this and future generations. At the time of the discovery Andrew Pye of Exeter City Council told Devon Live: "Along with other recent work in Exeter, it demonstrates just how much of the city’s history can still survive in unlikely places, despite damage caused by bombing and modern concrete foundations. “As the city continues to grow and renew, it is a good example of how the planning system and developers work together to make sure that remains that are inevitably affected by new development are properly excavated and recorded for the benefit of this and future generations.” He continued: “This discovery of yet another new Roman “fort” within the city does demonstrate, along with that of the fortress and baths back in the 1970s and of several other new major military sites in the last decade, just how pivotal a role the Exeter area played in the first decades of the Roman conquest and subjugation of Britain, and how crucial development led archaeology has been in revealing this.”

New archeological discoveries

Authorities: Arrest Made In Flagstaff Bank Robbery

The Flagstaff Police Department says it has made an arrest in a bank robbery that happened at the Wells Fargo Bank on Milton Road last week. On Thursday, April 30, 2020 shortly after 12:30 p.m., Flagstaff Police were called to the 1200 Block of S. Milton Road for a Bank Robbery report that had just occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank. According to a written news statement from the Flagstaff PD, officers arrived and met with bank staff, who reported a male suspect approached a teller and produced a note. The note advised of a robbery and requested cash be placed in an envelope. The male suspect was given an undisclosed amount of money and he fled out of the bank. Staff at the bank provided officers with a description of the suspect and direction he fled after leaving the bank. Responding officers searched the area and quickly located a subject matching the description provided by bank staff, walking away from the bank. A witness was brought to the suspect and verified the individual was the man they saw produce the note and leave the bank with the envelope. The suspect was identified as Robert Donald Rickman, 66. He was arrested for robbery and during a search of his person; evidence of the robbery was allegedly located on his person. Officers did not locate any weapons in his possession. Rickman has been booked into the Coconino County jail for one count of Robbery.

Bank Robbery

Teens charged with murdering Fairfield Spanish teacher ask to be released without bail

The two 16-year-olds facing murder charges in the death of a Fairfield High School teacher have asked a judge to release them, without bail. On Tuesday, defendant Jeremy Everett Goodale, formally waived his right to a public hearing in which prosecutors would have had to show they had enough evidence for the case to move forward. Fairfield police arrested Goodale and co-defendant Willard Noble Chaiden Miller Nov. 4 after a search party found the corpse of missing, 66-year-old Spanish teacher Nohema Graber the previous day. Each teen is charged in adult court with counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. More:Nohema Graber's friends, students gather for candlelight vigil at Fairfield High School In court papers Monday, Miller's attorney claimed he is indigent and asked that the cash bail amount of $1 million be removed or "significantly reduced," and that he be released to the supervision of his parents. Lawyer Christine Branstad, who acknowledged that Miller's parents have funds, said Miller would agree to wear a GPS monitoring device and to 24-hour supervision by his family. In papers filed Tuesday, prosecutors said Miller is a risk to the community based on his "numerous statements indicating his involvement which include his state of mind at, before, and after the commission of the crime." "Any promise of home supervision is particularly insufficient since this crime occurred while the defendant was residing at home presumably under the supervision of his parents and the support of his family," wrote Special Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown. READ: In criminal complaints, police say social media exchanges revealed suspects’ motive to kill Iowa teacher, attempts to conceal crime Goodale's attorneys filed similar documents Tuesday in which they said he lacked the resources to post the $1 million bail and that he would appear for trial if released on his own recognizance or placed on pre-trial supervision. If prosecutors object to that request as well, each would likely be entitled to a bail review hearing before District Court Judge Joel Yates, who is presiding over the cases. Meanwhile, the preliminary evidence hearing for Miller remains scheduled for Friday, although it too could be cancelled. Such hearings are routinely waived by defendants, and in most cases prosecutors file documents detailing charges while providing sealed testimony for confidential review by the judge and defense lawyers. Prosecutors had not yet filed those formal charging papers in either case by Tuesday afternoon. More:What we know about the death of Spanish teacher Nohema Graber in Fairfield, Iowa

Famous Person - Commit Crime - Release

2010 Karachi riots

The 2010 Karachi riots started on August 3, 2010, after the assassination of Parliament member Raza Haider, a member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement political party, on the night of August 2, 2010, in Karachi, Pakistan. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) represents the Urdu-speaking Muhajir and is a political rival of the Pashtuns who have migrated to the city from northwest Pakistan. Haider, a Shia Muslim, was killed as he attended a funeral at a mosque. The riots began when the Pashtuns attacked Karachi to occupy and tag it as a "Pashtun plot", to which Urdu speakings responded back. By August 6 at least 10 Pashtuns were killed and more than 100 people injured in widespread violence that engulfed the city. Economic losses over two days of riots were estimated to be about 17 billion Pakistani rupees (approximately 200 million USD). Karachi has a history of political bloodshed stretching back to the late 1980s when the city was regularly rocked by political and ethnic shootings that killed dozens every week. Analysts said the city was again in the grip of a political turf war. Karachi, which is provincial capital of Sindh and Pakistan's commercial capital and largest city, has a population of 18 million and contributes about 70% of the country's tax income.The city has seen a wave of political killings in 2010 which have deepened ethnic tensions. Most of those killed and injured in the reprisal shootings came from the smaller Pashtuns. The MQM, which ruled Karachi until earlier 2010, represents the city's Muhajir community. Most of the injured were Pashtuns, with a few Sindhis and Punjabis among the victims, said one source. Jan Sardar, a 35-year-old Pashtun, was shot seven times. "When they fired the first shot, I jumped in a sewer to save myself, but they came after me and fired more bullets," he said from his hospital bed. The gunman was carrying an MQM flag, he added. Clothes trader Ahmed Shah, who was shot in the leg, was travelling in a bus with 50 passengers when it came under fire. "I didn't see who it was; it was dark," he said. A cousin said he saw seven dead bodies at the site. Iqbal Hussain, a teenager from Swat, said he was left for dead after a gunman burst into his house in north Karachi, opening fire. A less fortunate friend was killed. Several buildings were set on fire and vehicles destroyed after angry mobs went through the city streets seeking revenge. Most of those killed were Pashtuns.Most of the injured had been shot point blank and were targeted for their ethnicity. In the neighboring city of Hyderabad gunmen attacked a train going to Lahore, injuring the driver and destroying the locomotive. MQM declared three days of mourning after the assassination. Business activities in the city virtually shut down. The local police arrested 40 people including 20 Islamist hardliners. Interior minister Rehman Malik blamed Sipah-e-Sahaba of fomenting violence against the minority Shia community in Pakistan. President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, ordered an immediate investigation into the violence. The Karachi Stock Exchange saw very slow activity in the aftermath of the riots and the rupee hit a record low of 85.80 to a United States dollar.

Riot

China launches twin radar satellites for 3D mapping

A Chinese Long March 4B carrying two Tianhui-2 radar-mapping satellites.lifts off from Tiayuan on Aug. 19, 2021 local time to deliver the twin satellites into orbit. China conducted its 29th orbital launch of a busy year to boost the country’s remote sensing and satellite mapping capabilities. A Long March 4B rocket lifted off from Taiyuan, north China, at 6:32 p.m. EDT August 18 (2232 GMT, 6:32 a.m. local August 18) rising into foggy skies . Insulation tiles were illuminated as they fell away from the rocket body and close to the rocket plume. U.S. space tracking data reported that the two Tianhui-2 (02) satellites into a near-polar orbit around 318 miles (511 kilometers) above the Earth. Related: The latest news about China's space program Little information about the satellites was released prior to nor following launch. Chinese state media said the pair were for “scientific experiments and research, land and resources surveying, and geographic surveying and mapping.” A paper published in the Journal of Surveying and Mapping states that the Tianhui-2 satellite system is China’s first microwave surveying and mapping satellite system. The two satellites will orbit in formation, mapping the Earth so that their respective data can be combined to create 3D maps with a resolution of around 9.8 feet (3 meters). The paper also compares the system to the German TanDEM-X and TerraSAR-X combination launched in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Another view of the Tianhui-2 satellites' launch on Aug. 19 local time. Both the Tianhui-2 (02) satellites and the Long March 4B rocket were developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a major subsidiary of China’s giant state-owned main space and defense contractor, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). A previous pair of Tianhui-2 satellites (01 group) were launched in April 2019 and were likewise described as for scientific experiments, land resource survey, geographic survey and mapping. China also launched the Tianhui-1 (04) satellite from Jiuquan in northwest China on July 29. The country has launched 29 times so far in 2021, with more than 40 planned for the year by China's state-owned space sector. Major missions have included the Tianhe space station module and the Shenzhou 12 crewed mission. A new space station cargo mission, Tianzhou 3 , is being prepared for launch in mid-September to provide supplies ahead of the Shenzhou 13 mission in October. Private and commercial companies are also planning their own launches.

New achievements in aerospace

Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 831 crash

Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) Flight 831 was a flight from Montréal–Dorval International Airport to Toronto International Airport on November 29, 1963. About five minutes after takeoff in poor weather, the jet crashed about 20 miles (32 km) north of Montreal, near Ste-Thérèse-de-Blainville, Quebec, Canada, killing all 111 passengers and seven crew members. The crash was the deadliest in Canadian history at the time. [3] It was also the deadliest crash of a DC-8 at the time, and, as of 2020, the sixth-deadliest. [1][4] The aircraft involved was a Douglas DC-8 54CF series, powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3D engines and delivered new to Air Canada just nine months prior to the accident. [5] At the time of the incident the aircraft had only accumulated 2174 hours of flight time. [6] The aircraft was registered CF-TJN and was the 179th DC-8 built at the Long Beach assembly plant. [5] The 50 series was the same length as the original DC-8 but with more efficient turbofan engines. [7] At 6:28 p.m., the DC-8 began its takeoff roll on Dorval airport's Runway 06R. The crew reported back when they reached 3,000 feet (910 m) and were given clearance for a left turn. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft deviated from its expected flight path and began a quick descent. At about 6:33 p.m., the jet struck the ground at an estimated 470–485 knots (870–898 km/h; 541–558 mph) while descending at about a 55-degree angle (± 7 degrees). [1] The aircraft had plunged into a soggy field in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, about 100 metres from the main highway that leads to the Laurentian Mountains. One witness said that he saw what looked like "a long red streak in the sky" just before the crash. [8] The red-trimmed, silver jet dug a crater 6 feet (1.8 m) deep and 150 feet (46 m) wide in the ground that soon began to fill with rainwater. [9] Although parts of the plane were scattered over a wide area ahead of (and separate from) the crater, the commission of inquiry found that the aircraft was structurally intact when it struck the ground. [10] The site of the crash was a flat field away from houses in the town of 12,000 people. The main sections of the wreckage lay about halfway between Highway 11, now Quebec Route 117, and the Laurentian Autoroute (Quebec Highway 15). Rescue parties were hampered by deep mud around the wreckage, and by a fuel-fed fire that lasted for hours despite heavy rain. [9] The investigation was complicated by the severe damage to the plane and the fact that it did not have voice cockpit recorders or flight data recorders, as they were not required in Canada at the time. Though the official report released in 1965 could not determine the cause of the accident, it pointed to problems in the jet's pitch trim system (the device that maintains a set nose-up or nose-down attitude) as a possibility, as a pitch trim problem caused the similar crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 304, another DC-8, three months after the crash of Flight 831. [11] Other suggested possible causes that could not be ruled out included icing of the pitot system and failure of the vertical gyro. [1] The crash killed all 118 people on board, 111 passengers and seven crew members. [1] Of the victims, 76 were from the Metropolitan Toronto area and three were foreign nationals (two Americans and one Indian). [8] A TCA official said that "the bodies were so badly smashed that identification was virtually hopeless. "[8] The plane's flight crew included 47-year-old captain John D. "Jack" Snider of Toronto, a World War II bomber pilot, 35-year-old first officer Harold J. "Harry" Dyck of Leamington, Ontario and 29-year-old flight engineer Edward D. Baxter of Toronto. [8] Traffic congestion on Montreal's main expressway, which extended all the way into the downtown core, caused eight people to miss the flight but also impeded emergency vehicles from reaching the crash site. [12] Among the victims were two employees of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) who had been in Montreal preparing a bilingual television variety show called A Show from Two Cities. As a consequence, the CBC public affairs series This Hour Has Seven Days began filming the aftermath and the investigations into the crash. In November 1965, the CBC broadcast the hour-long documentary,[13] which was watched by more than two million Canadians, but many victims' families avoided it, not wanting to revisit the tragedy. [14] TCA, the predecessor to Air Canada, created a memorial garden near the site of the crash at the Cimetière de Sainte-Thérèse. [15] The crash site is now within a residential neighbourhood. [16] Though it is customary for airlines to retire a flight number after a major incident, Air Canada continued to use flight number 831 for a route from Geneva to Toronto with a stopover in Montreal. However, this route number has since been changed to 835. [17]

Air crash

Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Drug Discovery Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth And Change To 2030

Major players in the artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery market are IBM Corporation, Microsoft, Atomwise Inc. , Deep Genomics, Cloud Pharmaceuticals, Insilico Medicine, Benevolent AI, Exscientia, Cyclica, and BIOAGE. New York, Sept. 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Drug Discovery Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth And Change To 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06151669/?utm_source=GNW The global artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery market is expected to grow from $0.36 billion in 2020 to $0.47 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6%. The growth is mainly due to the companies resuming their operations and adapting to the new normal while recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges. The market is expected to reach $1.69 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 38%.The artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery market consists of sales of AI for drug discovery and related services.Artificial Intelligence (AI) for drug discovery is a technology that uses a simulation of human intelligence process by machines to tackle complex problems in the drug discovery process.It helps to find new molecules to identify drug targets and develop personalized medicines in the pharmaceutical industry.The artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery market covered in this report is segmented by technology into deep learning, machine learning. It is also segmented by drug type into small molecule, large molecules; by therapeutic type into metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, others and by end-users into pharmaceutical companies, biopharmaceutical companies, academic and research institutes, others.The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.The shortage of skilled professionals is expected to hamper the AI in drug discovery market.The employees have to re-train or learn new skill sets to work efficiently on the complex AI machines to get the desired results for the drug.The shortage of skills acts as a major hindrance to drug discovery through AI, discouraging companies to adopt AI-based machines for drug discovery. According to The Pistoia Alliance, a global non-profit organization that works to encourage innovation in life sciences R&D cited that 44% of respondents agree that lack of skills was the biggest barrier to the adoption of AI and machine learning (ML) in 2019.In July 2020, Curi Bio, a leading developer of human iPSC-based platforms for drug discovery, acquired Dana Solutions for an undisclosed amount.This acquisition will give Curi Bio access to Dana’s AI/ML platforms for modelling cell and tissue phenotype, automated platform for contractility analysis of beating cardiomyocyte and platform for predictive safety pharmacology.Dana Solutions is a leading AI solutions provider for the life sciences industry.The rise in demand for a reduction in the overall time taken for the drug discovery process is a key driver propelling the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery market.Traditionally, it takes three to five years for animal models to identify and optimize molecules before they are evaluated in humans whereas start-ups based on AI have been identifying and designing new drugs in a matter of few days or months.For instance, in 2020, the British start-up Exscientia and Japan’s Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma have used artificial intelligence to produce an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) medication, decreasing the development time from four years to less than one year. The reduction in overall time taken for the drug discovery process drives the artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery market’s growth.Major companies operating in the AI drug delivery market are adopting strategic collaborations to research and discover drugs using AI and are gaining significant popularity in the artificial intelligence in drug discovery market. For instance, in September 2019, Atomwise Inc. and Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd announced the collaboration of $1.5 billion to design and discover the potential drug candidates for up to 11 undisclosed target proteins in cancer and other therapeutic areas. The collaboration is expected to combine Atomwise Inc’s AI technology, protein structure expertise, and medicinal chemistry with Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd’s manufacturing, research & development, and commercial capabilities in order to improve and accelerate clinical development and drug discovery process.The countries covered in the market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06151669/?utm_source=GNWAbout ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.__________________________ Tip: Try a valid symbol or a specific company name for relevant results In cruise news today, shares of Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL), Carnival (NYSE: CCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH) are all down, falling 2.1%, 3.8%, and 7.6%, respectively, as of 11:30 a.m. EST. It said that although it's not quite profitable yet, with 40% of its capacity operating again by the end of the quarter and 57.4% occupancy rates, it's on track to reach a "crucial inflection point" in the first quarter 2022 with operating cash flow turning positive. Yahoo Finance Live's Brian Sozzi and Julie Hyman examine trends in the EV space, including Rivian's upward momentum, Lucid's production goals, and Elon Musk continuing to offload his Tesla shares during a stock dip for the company. Shares of MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI) fell coming out of the gate on Tuesday, tumbling as much as 7.2%. The Latin American e-commerce and fintech powerhouse announced a secondary stock offering that left investors nervous. After the market close on Monday, MercadoLibre announced a sizable equity offering. The complex is projected to employ 690 people and construction is expected to be finished by the end of 2022, pending approval. (Reuters) -Qualcomm Inc on Tuesday said that it believes it will supply only 20% of the modem chips to connect Apple Inc's iPhone wireless data networks by the device's 2023 launch. Qualcomm currently supplies modem chips for all of Apple's devices. Qualcomm said at an investor conference that it believes its phone chip revenues will expand in line with broader phone markets despite Apple finding 80% of its modem chips from other suppliers. For his third "Executive Decision" segment, Jim Cramer checked in with Max Levchin, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Affirm Holdings , which has been on a roller coaster since reporting earnings earlier this month. Levchin said that everyone at Affirm believes in their mission of making the world a better place using financial technology. Companies like Amazon , Shopify and Walmart have all chosen to partner with Affirm because of their commitment to their customers and their ability to build great software that scales to meet ever-changing demands. CoinDesk Global Macro Editor Emily Parker tracks bitcoin's recent price drop-off after last week's record high and Taproot upgrades, China's cracking down on cryptocurrency mining, and Barbados' intention to build an embassy in the metaverse. In this article, we discuss the 10 Reddit stocks to buy in November. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of these stocks, go directly to the 5 Reddit Stocks to Buy in November. Retail traders, who often use internet platform Reddit to exchange investment ideas, have helped push the social media firm into […] We had some serious economic news this month, when October’s inflation rate came in at 6.2% annualized. It was the sixth consecutive month +5% year-over-year inflation gains – and the highest inflation rate seen in the US since 1990. Billionaire Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, reminds investors that the worst asset to hold in this environment is cash. "Some people make the mistake of thinking that they are getting richer because they are seeing their assets go up in price without s Yahoo Finance’s Julie Hyman and Brian Sozzi discuss earnings for Walmart and Home Depot, as well as the outlook for those retailers as the holiday season approaches. Dr. Alfred Sandrock, the man most closely associated with Biogen's controversial Alzheimer’s disease therapy, Aduhelm, will retire at the end of the year. Wall Street got jittery last week as Wedbush Securities analyst Matt Bryson downgraded Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stock from outperform to neutral on Friday, Nov. 6, citing the company's sky-high valuation. Bryson admitted that he doesn't see any negative factors affecting Nvidia and remains positive about the company's prospects. Interestingly, the Wedbush analyst raised his price target on Nvidia stock from $220 to $300. Few asset classes can match the volatility of cryptocurrencies. Naturally, companies like Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA)that operate in that space peg themselves to the volatility. Interestingly enough, despite the drop of 27% in a single session, this move has undone just two weeks of market movement. With just seven weeks left in 2021, Wall Street’s big names are firming up their year-end forecasts. Mike Wilson, chief U.S. equity strategist at Morgan Stanley, has set a 4,400 target for the S&P 500 by the end of 2022. That implies a fall of 6% from current levels. In his forecast, Wilson points out the factors that are likely to weigh on the markets, including “uncertainty around that expectation goes up materially given cost pressures, supply issues, along with tax and policy uncertainty tha Investors get psyched by rival Lucid Motors' promises -- but didn't Lucid lose money last quarter? Take for example both Lemonade (NYSE: LMND) and Upstart Holdings (NASDAQ: UPST). Lemonade posted a mostly outstanding quarter. In force premium, which has the complicated definition of "average aggregate annual premium," and is calculated by multiplying total customer count by average premium per customer, increased 84% year over year. In this article, we discuss the 10 recent additions to the stock portfolio of Jim Cramer. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of these stocks, go directly to the Jim Cramer Stock Portfolio: 5 Recent Additions. Jim Cramer, the host of Mad Money on CNBC and a former hedge fund manager, has built […] Are we watching a Rivian stock price bubble? PubMatic and Fiverr just delivered fantastic Q3 earnings reports, and both have bright futures that investors could still profit from. Strategists at Morgan Stanley say investors should resist buying U.S. stocks as part of their 2022 preview, in which they argue that the "hotter, faster" cycle advances.

Organization Merge

Alleged bank robber knew victim, court told

A former financial planner with Bank SA has gone on trial over his alleged role in a robbery where he is said to have known one of the victims. Justin Robert Lundberg, 35, is accused of tying up two staff at the Bank SA branch at Mannum and stealing more than $120,000 in a robbery in December 2009. In the Adelaide District Court, prosecutor Phil Crowe said Lundberg had used the money to repay a $41,000 debt and $20,000 in cash was found at his unit in Sydney. Mr Crowe said Lundberg was a former Bank SA employee and knew one of the women he allegedly tied up during the robbery. He said cable ties which were used were found at the woman's home. It is alleged Lundberg sent a text message to the woman after the robbery about DNA being left on the cable ties. The other bank teller who was tied up, Jennifer Hosking, told the court she was scared during the robbery but the man, whom she said fitted Lundberg's description, was calm and even joked that at least she would get the day off work.

Bank Robbery

EgyptAir Flight 321 crash

EgyptAir Flight 321 was a Cairo-Luxor Egyptian flight which was hijacked by three armed terrorists claiming to be from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement. After hijacking the aircraft, the terrorists demanded to be flown to Libya. The terrorists agreed to land in Luxor instead, after being persuaded that the aircraft needed to be refuelled. In Luxor, Sa'ka Forces stormed the aircraft and captured the hijackers. No passengers were injured during the operation. The terrorists were convicted and sentenced to hard labor for life. [1] On August 23, 1976, three armed terrorists claiming to be from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the Egyptian Cairo-Luxor flight and asked the pilot to land in Tripoli. One of the three hijackers was a 21-year-old Palestinian, Mohammed Naguid, who was working in Kuwait. [2] They demanded the release of five Libyans imprisoned in Cairo in connection with two assassination attempts. [1] The context was the deterioration of relations between Egypt and Libya after the Yom Kippur War due to Libyan opposition to Sadat's peace policy. There had been a breakdown in unification talks between the two governments, which subsequently led to the Libyan-Egyptian War. Fifteen minutes after takeoff from Cairo International Airport, an Italian pilot called the airport to report that he had received a beam aerial from the Egyptian aircraft heading to Luxor that it had been hijacked and the flight was under terrorist control. [citation needed] President Sadat ordered the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense to make the necessary decisions to protect the passengers and arrest the terrorists. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense quickly flew to Luxor International Airport where they started a secret meeting in the airport's tower, while Major General Abdul Hafiz Al-Bagori, Governor of Qena started negotiations with the three terrorists in order to gain time. [citation needed] In a call between the cockpit and the airport, the pilot complained about a problem in the aircraft - that it hadn't shown that the aircraft needing refuelling - and that the aircraft needed maintenance. The terrorists were persuaded to allow the aircraft to land in Luxor for refuelling. Negotiations continued until 3 p.m., when the governor told the terrorists that engineers were ready. The engineers were two disguised Sa'ka Officers, who went inside and outside the aircraft several times in order to appear to be maintenance workers. Minutes later three officers stormed the aircraft and captured the hijackers. [3] The on-site commander of the Egyptian commandos was Colonel Sayed El Sharkawy. He and the other commandos have received the Star of Honor medal from President Sadat following the successful operation. The 95 passengers, mostly tourists, and 6 crew members were all rescued unharmed. During investigations the hijackers said they had received directions from Libya, that had the operation succeeded they would have received a $250,000 reward from Muammar Gaddafi,[2] and that they had already received 1/5th of this reward. The Palestinian Revolution Movement also claimed credit for the hijacking. [2]

Air crash

Nonsmoker, 38, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer shares story: 'I had no idea'

In early 2018, Abigail C. Marean, then 38, developed a “violent” cough. She was treated for pneumonia but she never improved. She followed up with a pulmonologist who eventually diagnosed her with stage 4 lung cancer. She couldn’t believe it — she had never smoked. “When you receive a cancer diagnosis, your mind immediately goes to the worst possible place,” Marean, 41, a private investigator in a risk consulting firm, who lives in Brooklyn, told TODAY. “I had no idea that lung cancer occurs outside of smoking before my own diagnosis.” She’s sharing her story so that people understand that lung cancer can happen to young nonsmokers and to help them understand what the early symptoms are. "Only when I got my own diagnosis did I realize and learn about how lung cancer can take place among people who haven’t smoked,” she said. “That’s something people need to be aware of.” In early 2018, Marean noticed she struggled to breathe if she walked a city block or up the stairs. Then the coughing started. “It was just a very severe cough, very disruptive, very violent,” she said. “I would be at work or anywhere and erupt into these coughing fits.” She visited urgent care and received an x-ray. They noticed something in her lungs but thought it was pneumonia and prescribed her an antibiotic. But the coughing continued. She made an appointment with a pulmonologist, who also believed it was pneumonia and prescribed another round of antibiotics. “That also had no effect,” she said. “That’s when the pulmonologist started thinking more broadly.” Marean underwent more x-rays, a CT scan and then a procedure where they take tissue from the lung to send it for a biopsy. Then she started experiencing “sharp pain.” “We went to my pulmonologist’s office but I was keeled over. And he’s like, ‘Abby, I think you might have a collapsed lung,’” she explained. She was in the hospital when she learned the results of the biopsy — lung cancer. Negative thoughts flooded her mind. “It is like I’m not going to be able to do anything," she recalled thinking. "I am not going to be able to have any sort of normalcy. I’m going to be lying flat out, dying in a hospital bed. I’m going to lose my hair.” Marean learned she had anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a non-small cell type of lung cancer. ALK lung cancer impacts younger people without a history of smoking. Anywhere from 10% to 20% of lung cancers occur in nonsmokers, said Dr. Jorge Gomez, medical director of the solid tumor oncology inpatient unit at The Mount Sinai Hospital. “It is actually much more common than people realize,” Gomez said. “It’s a fairly significant proportion.” Lung cancers can develop that are not related to using tobacco. But why people who have never smoked develop lung cancer remains murky. “There are multiple risk factors that are likely to contribute. It’s much harder to pin that down than to attribute the majority of lung cancers to smoking — that relationship is much more clear,” Gomez said. Risk factors for nonsmokers developing lung cancer: “So which one has the biggest contribution? We don’t know that. Again because there is no clear link between any of these and the lung cancer,” Gomez said. “What we do know is there are, for example, many studies done in areas where there is a high radon exposure and the incidence of lung cancer is significantly higher, both in smokers and never smokers.” The same is true for asbestos, he added. But when it comes to things like air pollution or asbestos exposure few people know if they’ve been exposed to it. That means they don’t know their risk factors for developing never-smoker lung cancers. In many cases people are like Marean and receive a diagnosis in stage 4. “If you take a look at all of the patients with lung cancer about half are diagnosed with already advanced, incurable disease and that’s because often lung cancer doesn’t produce symptoms until it leaves the lungs,” Gomez said. “The first symptoms are usually respiratory so things like cough, difficulty breathing. But by the time these tumors cause symptoms they’ve usually grown enough that they’ve already spread.” Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people would think little of a cough and not even seek treatment for it. That could also delay diagnosis. And never smokers don’t undergo routine screening for lung cancer — though researchers are investigating better lung cancer screenings. “There are many efforts to modify screenings, to make screenings less invasive,” Gomez said. “There are efforts to do, for example, blood tests to look at the genetic makeup potential or to look for tumor DNA in the blood.” Immediately, Marean started taking a medication “that targets the specific genes that are reproducing in a negative way.” There are at least three generations of the treatment. “Within a few weeks, honestly, of being on that treatment my breathing improves, my coughing reduced and my symptoms were diminished,” she said. “It shrunk my tumors. It stopped the reproduction of the cells.” Eventually, she became resistant to the first treatment and for the past two years she’s been taking the second generation of the targeted treatment. She feels good. “I have a little bit of shortness of breath and some coughing but nearly what I had before,” she said. “The tumors are kept to this reduced size.” While there’s cancer in her hip joint and liver, she doesn’t qualify for surgery because the cancer has already metastasized. But she’s back at work, able to walk up the stairs without stopping and enjoying life. “It’s remarkable, the efficacy of this treatment,” she said. At first, she was told her lifespan would be about three years. She’s already three and a half years into treatment and knows she has another treatment she can try. But she hopes more will emerge. “The cancer will ultimately grow resistant to the treatment I’m on now,” Marean said. “The medical world is actively researching and developing these treatments." While she originally felt depressed when she was first diagnosed, she feels like she’s reached some acceptance. “I’m in a better place having had some time to sit with it and do the work myself of processing it,” she said. Marean hopes to raise awareness of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the symptoms of it. “Telling people that lung cancer can very much exist outside of a habit of smoking and for people who are under 40 years old, it can happen, (is important),” she said.

Famous Person - Sick

2008 Market Rasen earthquake

The 2008 Market Rasen earthquake occurred at 00:56:47.8s GMT on 27 February 2008. According to the British Geological Survey the earthquake registered a reading of 5.2 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre 2.5 miles (4 km) north of Market Rasen and 15 miles (24 km) south-west of Grimsby. [1] The duration of the earthquake was confirmed as roughly 10 seconds. [2] The tremors were felt across a wide area of England and Wales, from Hampshire in the south to Newcastle upon Tyne in the north, and as far west as Bangor, Northern Ireland. They were also reported in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the far north of France. [3] Structural damage was recorded in some areas, including one case where a chimney collapsed and injured a person in Wombwell, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The earthquake was caused by the sudden rupture and motion along a strike-slip fault, 18.6 kilometres (12 mi) beneath Lincolnshire. [1] Earthquake motion occurred over a time span of ~2 minutes but it was most intense and was felt at the surface for just 10 to 30 seconds; maximum vertical ground motion at the epicentre of the earthquake was only ~1 mm. The observed focal mechanism implies either sinistral motion on a N–S or dextral motion on an E–W oriented strike-slip fault. The nine aftershocks observed, ~5 kilometres (3 mi) SSW of the main earthquake event, point to an approximately N–S oriented fault. [1] From the 5.2 ML magnitude of the main earthquake, a motion of a few centimetres along a ~2.5 kilometres (2 mi) long fault rupture is derived. [4] The energy released was 3.98×1012 joules (equal to the detonation of ~950 tonnes of TNT). [5] Unlike typical earthquakes worldwide, the earthquakes of Northern Europe are intraplate earthquakes, meaning they are not close to tectonic plate boundaries. [6] Most intraplate earthquakes in northern Europe, including the British Isles, are thought to be driven by distant tectonic stresses – a combination of E–W North Atlantic Ridge and N–S African Plate regional stress fields, and local mantle conditions. [7][8] Indeed, the motion on the strike-slip fault responsible for the earthquake is compatible with a local NW–SE stress field;[1] a product of the E–W and N–S regional stress fields. Only a minority of earthquakes in the UK are related to post-glacial rebound e.g. the minor earthquakes (<3.5 ML) of western Scotland, where glaciers ~1 km thick existed during the peak of the last ice age. [8] The earthquake resulted in structural damage to many homes and businesses in the epicentral area. [1][3] Buildings as large as apartment blocks were reported to have shaken for up to 30 seconds afterwards. [2] Birds and pets became highly agitated. [9] There were no deaths, but a 19-year-old man in Wombwell, Barnsley, South Yorkshire suffered a broken pelvis when a piece of chimney fell through the roof onto his attic bed. [3][10] The earthquake was felt by people as far south as Bournemouth, where it was felt as a mild but noticeable vibration, and as far away as Bangor, Northern Ireland, where it woke people. [3][9] Police in the Midlands received more than 5,000 telephone calls in an hour from members of the public regarding the earthquake. [2] The earthquake caused power cuts in some areas. [2] A church in March, Cambridgeshire reported that, since the earthquake, water had been coming up from the ground into the cellar at a rate of 10 imperial gallons (45 l) per hour. [11] The spire of St Mary Magdalene church at Waltham on the Wolds in Leicestershire was damaged and was to be rebuilt at a cost of £100,000. [12] Also damaged were the spires of St Andrew's church in Haconby, St Andrew's of Witham on the Hill, St Vincent's church in Caythorpe,[13] all three in South Kesteven. The cost of insurance payouts was estimated to be around £30 million,[14] with the majority of damage being done to chimneys, roof tiles and by falling masonry. [14] The tremor was the largest earthquake to affect the UK since the 1984 Llŷn Peninsula earthquake, which measured 5.4 on the Richter scale. [15] The British Geological Survey gave the earthquake a reading of 5.2ML, while the United States Geological Survey reported it measured 4.8Mb. [16] The French Atomic Energy Commission estimated the magnitude was 5.4ML. [17] A total of nine aftershocks were recorded. The largest, measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale, occurred around five weeks after the initial event, on 5 April at 13:57 GMT. [18] Firefighting crews were called out to 50 incidents and 1 fire as a result of the quake. [19] Building Control & Street Force officers worked quickly to assess damage in the area around West Lindsey,[20] and West Lindsey District Council also urged people to call their telephone number if people were concerned about damage to their homes. [20] Trent Street in Gainsborough was closed to traffic whilst a local builder assessed if properties were structurally safe,[20] after 1 family was evacuated from their house following concerns about collapses. [20] The BGS described the earthquake as an "extremely large earthquake in UK terms but not large in world terms". [2] Approximately 200 earthquakes occur in the UK every year, approximately 175 of which are too weak to be noticed by humans. [1]

Earthquakes

Factbox: What a Joe Biden win could mean for financial policy

NOWADAYS THE Bank of England, like most rich-country central banks, has two main functions: maintaining monetary stability and ensuring the soundness of the financial system. For most of its life, though, it was also responsible for managing government debt. (Thankfully, the original reason for the bank’s creation in 1694, to raise money for “carrying on the war against France”, fell by the wayside.) That function was only hived off to the newly created Debt Management Office (DMO) in 1997, when the bank was given free rein over monetary policy. But in the past decade the bank’s successive rounds of quantitative easing (QE), whereby it creates new money to buy bonds, have left it holding more than a third of the government’s entire stock of debt. That has, awkwardly, dragged it back into the realm of public-debt management. Britain ran a fiscal deficit of 14.3% of GDP in the latest financial year, higher than in any peacetime year on record and comparable to the wartime borrowing of 1914-18 or 1939-45. The stock of government debt has risen from around 80% of GDP before covid-19 to 100%. The pandemic is the second fiscal shock in little over a decade, after the global financial crisis of 2007-09. As the experience of managing debt after war shows, the divisions between fiscal and monetary policy can often become hazy in times of high public debt and wide deficits, and especially so during crises.

Financial Crisis

Happy Olympic Day!

American sprinter Nick Mayhugh twice broke the world record in the men's T37 100 metres on the first day of athletics at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games here at the Olympic Stadium. He first ran 10.97sec in the heats and then improved to 10.95 in the final. The top three all set area records, as Andrei Vdovin of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) clocked a time of 11.18 and Indonesian Saptoyoga Purnomo broke the Asian record in 11.31. Zhou Xia of China smashed the world record in the women's T35 100m, taking away Australian Isis Holt's previous best by crossing the line in 13.00. Holt broke her own world record in second and said to insidethegames her new area record felt like "my own little world record" as she delighted in winning the silver medal in 13.13. Britain's Maria Lyle claimed bronze, as the top three stayed the same for a second Games in a row, although notably they all ran faster. "It's like my own little world record" words from Isis Holt following the women's T35 100m final. Zhou Xia breaks the Australian's world record, setting a new best of 13.00.Holt's area record now stands at 13.13 - the 2nd quickest time in history. She's delighted with silver Wen Xiaoyan continued the Chinese sprinters' fine form on the first day of competition with another world record in the women's T37 200m, leading a one-two for her country, followed by Jiang Fenfen. Jiang pipped Mandy François-Elie on the line for silver, with the Frenchwoman taking bronze instead. Charismatic Brazilian sprinter Petrúcio Ferreira dos Santos won the men's T47 100m in 10.53, a new Paralympic record. Poland's Michal Derus split the Brazilians for a European record of 10.61, followed by Washington Junior who claimed bronze. World record holder Silvânia Costa de Oliveira of Brazil won the women's T11 long jump final. A fifth round effort of 5.00 metres was enough to put the favourite on the top of the podium, avoiding a near upset by Uzbekistan's Asila Mirzayorova, who set a personal best of 4.91m in the final round, securing silver after having led for the majority of the event with a second round jump of 4.89m. Ukraine's Yuliia Pavlenko won bronze with a best of 4.86m. The first gold won on the track came in the men's T11 5,000m and was awarded to another Brazilian - Yeltsin Jacques. His time of 15min 13.62sec is the new area record for South America. Japan claimed silver and bronze behind him, courtesy of Kenya Karasawa and Shinya Wada. Tunisia's Raoua Tlili won her fifth Paralympic gold medal in throwing as she defended her women's F41 shot put title successfully with a world record of 10.55m. All of the top four set new personal bests - with Colombian Mayerli Buitrago Ariza winning silver with a new area record of 9.94m. Argentinian thrower Antonella Ruiz Diaz won the bronze with a best of 9.50m; Tlili's team-mate Samar Ben Koelleb was fourth in 9.18m. China's Dong Feixia set a new Asian record in the women's F54 discus throw with a best throw of 26.64m. Diana Dadzite gave Latvia its first Paralympic medal of the Games, finishing second with a throw of 25.02m - a new personal best. Bronze went to Rosa Maria Guerrero Cazares, with a best of 24.11m. José Gregorio Lemos Rivas threw just twice - in his opening and closing rounds - on his way to gold in the men's F38 javelin, having confidently broken the world record in round one with a mark of 60.31m. Vladyslav Bilyi of Ukraine set a new European record with 55.34m, while the champion's compatriot Luis Fernando Lucumí Villegas claimed bronze with a throw of 54.63m. The former world record holder, Australian Corey Anderson, was fourth. Tomoki Sato broke the Paralympic record in the men's T52 400m final, winning gold in 55.39 as he soared past American Raymond Martin in the last 50 metres. Hirokazu Ueyonabaru made it two Japanese athletes on the podium, picking up bronze. Di Dongdong added to the Chinese silverware in the men's T11 long jump, beating world record holder Lex Gillette of the United States to gold with a jump of 6.47m. France's Ronan Pallier won bronze behind Gillette. Brazil's Wallace Santos set a new world record in the men's F55 shot put, throwing a best of 12.63m for gold, 40 centimetres in front of previous holder, Ruzhdi Ruzhdi of Bulgaria. Lech Stoltman of Poland was the bronze medallist, marginally ahead of the RPC's Sergei Sokulskii, who broke the F54 world record. RPC won their first gold in athletics courtesy of Albert Khinchagov, who threw a personal best of 15.78m to claim men's F37 shot put gold. Ahmed Ben Moslah of Tunisia broke the African record with a throw of 14.50m for silver, and João Victor Teixeira de Souza Silva of Brazil was the bronze medallist with a South American record of 14.45m. Finally, Poland's Roza Kozakowska left the Olympic Stadium with a smile on her face, having won the women's F32 club throw with a new world record of 28.74m. Anastasiia Moskalenko of Ukraine was second with a best of 24.73m and Algerian Mounia Gasmi was third. Alia Issa, a member of the Refugee Paralympic Team, threw a best of 16.33m for eighth place. Michael Houston is a reporter at insidethegames.biz. He has worked at several major events, including the cycling at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. He also has experience working for the World Curling Federation and British Athletics. Gonzales' controversial comeback on final day of Men's World Boxing Championships Denver were awarded the 1976 Winter Olympic Games ahead of Sion in Switzerland, Tempere in Finland and Vancouver in Canada at the International Olympic Committee Session in 1970. But in a Colorado referendum in November 1972, voters rejected funding for the event. It is the only time a city has been awarded the Olympics but pulled out. The IOC then offered the Games to Whistler in Canada, but they too declined owing to a change of Government following elections. Salt Lake City offered to host the Games, but the IOC, still reeling from the Denver rejection, declined and selected Innsbruck, the 1964 host city, as a replacement. UEFA Women's EURO 2022 - Event Communications Manager - Wembley, United Kingdom The mission of the Event Experience team is to create an unforgettable tournament experience for all UEFA Women's EURO 2022 spectators and to ensure a seamless fan journey, by connecting the touchpoint owners and driving enhanced spectator service levels. The LOS Event Communications Manager will support the development and implementation of the Women's EURO 2022 event communications strategy. More jobs A controversial decision by the International Modern Pentathlon Union to remove the riding element from the sport after the Paris 2024 Olympics has hit the headlines this week, with a host of athletes highly critical of the lack of consultation that took place. Mike Rowbottom speaks to those unhappy with the move and considers where the sport goes next. 

Break historical records

Police investigate bank robbery with sledgehammer

Gold Coast police are continuing investigations into the robbery of a bank at the Isle of Capri yesterday. Two men menaced staff at the Suncorp Bank after smashing their way through a rear window with a sledgehammer and crowbar. Detective Inspector John Hartwell says it is important bank staff do not try to fight back. "Under these circumstances we advise people to comply, you don't know or realise how desperate some of these people can be so the best option is to comply and allow the police to carry out their investigations," he said.

Bank Robbery

Hemus Air Flight 7081 crash

Hemus Air Flight 7081 was the hijacking of a Tupolev Tu-154 operated by Hemus Air on 3 September 1996. The incident occurred on-route from Beirut International Airport in Lebanon to Varna Airport in Bulgaria. The hijacker, Palestinian Hazem Salah Abdallah, a defector of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), falsely claimed he had explosives on board. The aircraft landed at Varna at 15:15 UTC+2, where the hijacker exchanged the 149 other passengers for fuel. The aircraft continued to Norway with eight crew members and landed at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen at 20:04 UTC+1. Abdullah demanded asylum in Norway and quickly surrendered. No-one was injured in the incident. During the court case, Abdullah claimed that he was insane, but was sentenced to four years in prison. After the court case he claimed he was under orders of PFLP to crash the aircraft in Oslo. He was sent back to Lebanon after he had finished his sentence, in August 1999. Flight 7081 was a charter flight between Beirut International Airport in Lebanon and Varna Airport in Bulgaria. The Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft was a wet lease flight operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines for Hemus Air; it had 150 passengers and 8 crew members. [1] Twenty-two-year-old Abdullah checked into his flight in Beirut without check-in baggage. This arose suspicion with airport security, which questioned why he was travelling on a leisure charter without baggage, but he answered that he always travelled lightly. Fellow passengers described him as timid and nervous and that he did not say a word while on board. [2] The hijacker walked calmly to the toilet where he assembled a facsimile bomb consisting of a cylindrical chocolate box, silver foil, black tape, a switch and small pieces of wire. [3] At 15:15 Eastern European Time (UTC+2),the hijacker went to the front of the aircraft and forced his way into the cockpit falsely claiming that he had explosives in his left pocket and demanding that the aircraft continue from Varna to Oslo. [4] The aircraft landed at 14:32 at Varna Airport and after the hijacker threatened to detonate his bomb he exchanged the passengers for fuel. [5][6] The aircraft departed Varna with the crew and hijacker at 18:02,[6] landing at Oslo Gardermoen Airport at 20:04 Central European Time (UTC+1)[4] and was directed to an isolated area to the north of the airport. [7] The police operation was led by Chief of Police of Romerike Police District, Asbjørn Gran, with three representatives from the Bulgarian embassy present. Negotiations with a police negotiator were straight forward; Abdullah's demands were that he be granted a defence attorney and asylum. While the aircraft was covered by the police tactical unit Delta the hijacker left the aircraft with his arms raised at 20:47. [8] The police later found a device that looked like a bomb, but it lacked explosives. [7] Jan Schjatvet was appointed as the hijacker's defense attorney; he had also worked as defense for two previous hijackings since 1993. [4] He was driven to the police station at Lillestrøm where he was questioned. Gran stated that it was "strange" that the Bulgarian authorities had allowed the aircraft to continue to Norway instead of resolving the issue in Bulgaria, all the time it was a Bulgarian aircraft and crew. [8] It was quickly established that the hijackers only motive was to apply for asylum in Norway and that he had no political motivations. [4] Abdullah stated that he had been forcefully recruited to a Lebanese guerrilla group and that leaving the group would entail a death hunt on him. He had discovered that Lebanese could acquire a visa for Bulgaria, but had not wanted to settle there because of the crime and mafia in the country. [9] He chose Norway because if its participation in the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. [4] He was initially given eight weeks of custody. [10] It was the fourth hijacking involving Norway, the third in three years and the second in which a foreign aircraft was directed to Norway to apply for asylum. The 1993 Aeroflot Flight 3100 had resulted in the three Iranian hijackers be extradited from Norway. [11] The Norwegian Airline Pilots Association stated that Norway had become "hijacker destination number one in Europe" and demanded that the authorities change their policies regarding hijackers. Specifically they wanted Norway to introduce the same policy as Sweden, where the hijackers were sent back to land of origin with the first possible flight. Responsible for security, Kjell Erik Heibek, described the possibility of the hijacker receiving asylum as "insane". [12] The Civil Aviation Administration chose to plan for a designated are at Gardermoen which could be used for hijacked aircraft. [13] In January 1997, the Progress Party proposed that hijackers would be legally prohibited from receiving asylum, but this was not supported by any other parliamentarian parties. [14] Because of Norway's accumulation of experience with hijackings, a pan-Nordic exercise was carried out at Sandefjord Airport, Torp in September 1997. [15] Abdallah was brought to observation at Dikemark Hospital, without the court-appointed psychiatrists finding that he was insane at the time of the hijacking. He was, however, observed as periodically being psychotic. The court case was carried out by Eidsvoll District Court and started on 16 September. The maximum penalty for hijacking in Norway was 21 years, but the defense attorney stated that his client was insane and argued that he be acquitted. [16] Bulgarian authorities were not interested in following up the case; the court proceedings were not followed by Bulgarian representatives and the four crew members called to witness did not meet. [3] The accused arrived at the court in underwear, bathing shoes and a crown. Although he admitted having hijacked the aircraft, but denied criminal liability because of was under the influence of evil powers. He made is statement in Arabic with an interpreter. He stated that he had been forcefully recruited to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, where he had been brainwashed. He had then seen one of his friends die, after which he had heard voices. Both God and the Devil had spoken to him and for a while he had slept at graveyards where he had heard the screaming of the dead.

Air crash

Ongoing Iceland volcanic eruption now the longest in 50 years

It has become a major tourist attraction according to Iceland's tourist board, attracting potentially upwards of 300,000 visitors. Monday 20 September 2021 14:09, UK Image: The eruption began near Fagradalsfjall, a mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula An ongoing volcanic eruption in Iceland is now the longest the country has seen for more than 50 years, as Sunday marked the sixth month lava has been erupting from a fissure near Mount Fagradalsfjall. The eruption near the capital Reykjavik began on 19 March and has continued ever since. Sometimes the volcano has thrown enormous amounts of molten rock into the air while at other times emitting just a slow trickle of lava, but it is now the longest eruption for half a century. March 2021: Spectacular eruption of Iceland volcano As the country is part of the mid-Atlantic tectonic ridge, it is a hotbed for volcanism, with a number of volcanoes, geysers and earthquakes. Although the length of the eruption has overtaken the Holuhraun eruption which ran from August 2014 to February 2015, the 143 million cubic metres of lava which has been spurted out by Fagradalsfjall is less than a tenth of what was emitted at Holuhraun. Advertisement It has become a major tourist attraction according to Iceland's tourist board, attracting potentially upwards of 300,000 visitors. Thousands of people have headed to the Reykjanes Peninsula near the town of Grindavik, around 19 miles (30km) southwest of the capital Reykjavík, to catch a glimpse of the orange-hued display. More on Iceland Some visitors were even pictured grilling food on the scorching crust of magma as they soaked up the unique experience. Image: The site has become a major tourist attraction The longest-known eruption on the island lasted almost four years, from November 1963 until June 1967, and created the volcanic island Surtsey, the southernmost point of Iceland. In 2010 the eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull forced hundreds of homes to be evacuated and created an enormous cloud of volcanic ash that disrupted air travel across Europe. "It's a perfect tourist eruption," Thorvaldur Thordarson, volcanology professor at the University of Iceland, said. "With the caveat though, don't go too close." Image: Drone crashes into erupting Icelandic volcano Fagradalsfjall He compared the lava flux to that of the Pu'u 'O'o eruption in Hawaii, which began in 1983 and continued to erupt for 35 years. "It could end tomorrow or it could still be going in a few decades." The eruption is "special in the sense that it has kept a relatively steady outflow, so it's been going quite strong," according to Halldor Geirsson, a geophysicist at the Institute of Earth Science, who spoke to the AFP news agency. "The usual behaviour that we know from volcanoes in Iceland is that they start really active and pour out lava, and then the outflow sort of decreases over time until it stops," he said.

Volcano Eruption

Colgan Air Flight 9446 crash

Colgan Air Flight 9446 was a repositioning flight operated by Colgan Air for US Airways Express. On August 26, 2003, the Beech 1900D crashed into water 100 yards offshore from Yarmouth, Massachusetts shortly after taking off from Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis. [1] Both pilots were killed. [3][4][5]:85[6] Flight 9446 was an unscheduled deadhead flight of a Beechcraft 1900D (registration N240CJ[7]). [3][8] The aircraft had just finished receiving maintenance and was being repositioned to Albany, New York to return to revenue service. [1][8] The two occupants of the plane were its pilots, captain Scott Knabe (39) and first officer Steven Dean (38). [5][9][10] Captain Knabe had been with Colgan Air for two years and had 2,891 flight hours, including 1,364 hours on the Beechcraft 1900. Dean had been with the airline for less than a year and had 2,489 flight hours, 689 of which were on the Beechcraft 1900. [11] Flight 9446 departed Barnstable Municipal Airport on August 26, 2003 at 15:40 EDT. [2] Shortly after takeoff, the crew declared an emergency and reported a trim problem. The aircraft entered into a left turn and reached an altitude of 1,100 feet. The pilots requested a return to Barnstable, and air traffic control cleared the flight to land on any runway. [3][5]:86 The airplane continued its left turn in a nose-up attitude, and then pitched down and crashed into water near the airport. [3] The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the accident. [11] The NTSB determined that Flight 9446 was the first flight after maintenance personnel had replaced the forward elevator trim cable. The maintenance personnel had skipped a step in the maintenance process. In addition, the aircraft maintenance manual depicted the elevator trim drum backwards. [11][1] As a result, the trim system was configured in a manner that caused the trim tabs in the cockpit to move in the correct direction, but the actual trim wheel (which controlled the flight control surfaces) moved in the opposite direction. [11] The NTSB also determined that the pilots did not notice the maintenance error because the captain failed to perform a preflight checklist, which included an elevator trim check. The pilots manually set nose-up trim prior to departure, but because of the improper maintenance, this actually set the elevator trim to the full nose-down position. [11] The NTSB determined that it would have taken 250 pounds of force on the control yoke for the pilots to keep the plane airborne, making a safe landing nearly impossible. Investigators programmed a flight simulator with the improper trim settings and made six simulated flights. Five attempts resulted in crashes shortly after takeoff; in one attempt, the simulator pilot was able to circle for a landing, but impacted terrain while attempting to land. [1] The NTSB published its findings and determination of probable cause on August 31, 2004. The NTSB determined that the probable causes of the accident were the maintenance crew's improper replacement of the forward elevator trim cable and the subsequent inadequate functional check of the maintenance performed. The NTSB also identified the flight crew's failure to follow the checklist procedures and the aircraft manufacturer's erroneous depiction of the elevator trim drum in the maintenance manual as having contributed to the accident. [11] After the NTSB's final report was published, Aero News Network observed that Beechcraft 1900D maintenance manuals were considered as accident factors in two previous fatal accidents. However, Raytheon, the owner of Beechcraft, denied blame for the crash of Flight 9446, and a company spokesman said that the accident would not have happened without the Colgan Air maintenance crew's mistakes. [1]

Air crash

1970 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games

The Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were an international, multi-sport event involving athletes with a disability from the Commonwealth countries. The event was sometimes referred to as the Paraplegic Empire Games and British Commonwealth Paraplegic Games. Athletes were generally those with spinal injuries or polio. The Games were an important milestone in the Paralympic sports movement as they began the decline of the Stoke Mandeville Games' dominating influence. [1] The event was first held in 1962 and disestablished in 1974. [2] The Games were held in the country hosting the Commonwealth Games for able-bodied athletes. The countries that had hosted the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand and Scotland. Six countries — Australia, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales — had been represented at all Commonwealth Paraplegic Games. Australia and England had been the top-ranking nation two times each: 1962, 1974 and 1966, 1970 respectively. The Games were the initiative of George Bedbrook, Director of the Spinal Unit of Royal Perth Hospital. [3] In Australia, paraplegic sports activities were first held in 1954 with the First Royal Perth Hospital Games in 1954 at the Shenton Park Annex. [4] In 1956, Bedbrook was encouraged during a visit by Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Stoke Mandeville Games, to help organise disabled sport in Australia. In 1959, the Paraplegic Association of Western Australia, acting through Royal Perth Hospital, began to publicise the Paraplegic Empire Games just prior to the British Empire Games to be held in Perth in 1962. [5] The first Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were held in Perth, Australia in 1962. An Organising Committee was established with Hugh Leslie, Executive Chairman, George Bedbrook, General Secretary and Mrs M.R. Fathers, Secretary. [6] The Games were opened by the Governor of Western Australia, Sir Charles Gairdner on 10 November 1962. [6] Two Perth facilities were used: the Royal Agricultural Showground in Claremont for accommodation and most sporting events and the City of Perth Aquatic Centre, Beatty Park for swimming. Medals were awarded in the following sports: archery, dartchery, athletics, swimming, weightlifting, fencing, snooker, table tennis and basketball. Nine countries participated: England, India, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Rhodesia, Scotland, Singapore, Wales and Australia, and there were 93 athletes. [6] A film of the Games was made. [7] Australia was the leading nation in the medal table, followed by England and Rhodesia. The second Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were held in Kingston, Jamaica in 1966. There were 133 athletes from 10 countries. [8][9] The countries included Australia, England, Fiji, Jamaica, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago and Wales. [9][10] England had the largest delegation at the Games. [10] The games were opened by HRH Prince Philip. Sports on the program included archery, athletics, dartchery, pentathlon, snooker, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting for men, wheelchair basketball for men and wheelchair fencing. [9][11] England was the leading nation in the medal table, followed by Australia and Scotland. The third Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1970. There were 192 athletes from 14 countries. [12] Countries at this games that had not previously participated were Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Malta and Uganda. The Games were opened by Prime Minister Edward Heath immediately after the Commonwealth Games which were also held in Edinburgh. [12] The chairman of the Organising Committee was Lieutenant-Colonel John Fraser. [8] Sporting events were held at Meadowbank Sports Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool,[13] and the Games Village was based at RAF Turnhouse located at Edinburgh Airport. [8] Sports on the program included archery, athletics, dartchery, lawn bowls, pentathlon, shooting, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting for men, wheelchair basketball for men and wheelchair fencing. England was the leading nation in the medal table, followed by Australia and Scotland. The fourth Commonwealth Paraplegic Games were held in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1974. The Games were opened by Sir Denis Blundell, Governor General of New Zealand. The competing countries were: Australia, England, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Scotland and Wales. [14] Main venues were Caledonian Ground, Logan Park, University of Otago Physical Education Gymnasium, RSA Hall, Moana Pool and St Kilda Smallbore Rifle Range. Sports on the program included archery, athletics, dartchery, lawn bowls, pentathlon, shooting, snooker, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting for men, wheelchair basketball for men and wheelchair fencing. Australia was the leading nation in the medal table, followed by England and New Zealand. The Dunedin Games were the final Commonwealth Paraplegic Games mainly due to travel logistics and costs. [1] The Commonwealth Paraplegic Games Committee recommended to the International Stoke Mandeville Games Committee that the 'World Zone Games' be established. These Games did not come into fruition. [1] However, Sir George Bedbrook helped to establish a Pacific Rim competition called the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled. [15] In the Commonwealth Games, athletes with a disability were first included in exhibition events at the 1994 Victoria Games in Canada. [16] At the 2002 Manchester Games in England, they were included as full members of their national teams, making them the first fully inclusive international multi-sport games. This meant that results were included in the medal count.

Sports Competition

N-able Wins Comparably Award for Best Companies for Compensation

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--N-able, Inc. (NYSE: NABL), the purpose-built technology partner for managed services providers (MSPs), announced today that the company won an award for Best Compensation (Large Companies) in 2021 from Comparably, one of the fastest-growing compensation, culture, and career monitoring sites in the U.S. “We know that our N-ablites are the key to our success and we strive to provide an exceptional experience across the globe. Compensation is just one of many important aspects of our overall N-ablite Value Proposition that we will continue to expand upon.” These awards were determined by employees, who anonymously rated compensation at their place of employment. The answer to each question was given a numerical score, and then compared to companies of similar size across the U.S. No fees or costs were associated with participating. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the winners in this category alongside a number of other amazing companies,” said Kathleen Pai, chief people officer, N-able. “We know that our N-ablites are the key to our success and we strive to provide an exceptional experience across the globe. Compensation is just one of many important aspects of our overall N-ablite Value Proposition that we will continue to expand upon.” When asked what they liked most about their compensation package, many employees made positive comments on the excellent healthcare benefits, 401K matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and robust bonus payout structure. “In order to recruit and retain top talent today, companies need to provide competitive compensation across the board,” said Jason Nazar, co-founder/CEO, Comparably. “The Best Compensation list recognizes companies like N-able, who understand that investing in their employees will motivate them to do a great job and help drive the business forward.” About N-able N-able empowers managed services providers (MSPs) to help small and medium enterprises navigate the digital evolution. With a flexible technology platform and powerful integrations, we make it easy for MSPs to monitor, manage, and protect their end customer systems, data, and networks. Our growing portfolio of security, automation, and backup and recovery solutions is built for IT services management professionals. N-able simplifies complex ecosystems and enables customers to solve their most pressing challenges. We provide extensive, proactive support—through enriching partner programs, hands-on training, and growth resources—to help MSPs deliver exceptional value and achieve success at scale. n-able.com

Awards ceremony

Azad Maidan riots

Azad Maidan Riot refers to a protest by Indian muslims, organised in Azad Maidan on 11 August 2012 to condemn the Rakhine riots and which later turned into a riot. The riot reportedly began as the crowd got angry either after hearing an inflammatory speech or after seeing photographs of Rakhine state riots. The riot resulted in two deaths and injuries to 63 people including 58 police officers.Mumbai Police estimated that the riots caused a loss of ₹2.74 crore in damages to public and private property. The indigenous Bodo community of Assam alleged that the Muslim population is increasing in Assam due to the large influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, while the local Muslim community brushed it aside saying that they migrated to Assam during the British Raj. But, with the increasing population, there arose competition for lands, livelihood and power, which led to Assam agitation. Both the indigenous people of Assam and Bengali Muslims felt that the Central Government failed to protect both sides. This ethnic tension between the indigenous Bodo people and Bengali Muslims escalated into a riot in Kokrajhar on 20 July 2012, when unidentified miscreants killed four Bodo youths at Joypur. This was followed by retaliatory attacks on local Muslims killing two and injuring several of them on the morning of 21 July 2012. The continued riot has consumed 77 people and had displaced more than 4 lakh people. Similar riot was taking place in Burma between the indigenous Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, where Rohingyas were alleged to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. To condemn the Assam and Rakhine riots, Raza Academy organized a protest rally on 11 August 2012. There were reports from intelligence that there had been provocative messages going around via SMS in Mumbai. A day before the demonstration, police were warned that Friday prayer and gathering had urged a lot of people to turn up for protest.Raza Academy which had organized the protest had earlier assured the Mumbai Police that only 1500 people will turn up.But on the fateful day, around 15000 people assembled at the Azad Maidan and the crowd swelled to over 40000 people. [9] Police Commissioner Patnaik said the protest turned violent around 3 pm when some members of the crowd began showing "provocative photos" of events in Assam. A section of the mob started attacking OB vans and media crew. Rioters soon started torching vehicles, damaging buses and pelting stones towards policemen. Three OB vans and a police vehicle were set on fire. And the stone pelting resulted in the damage of a BEST bus, two four-wheelers and five two-wheelers. A group of rioters then started marching towards the nearby Chaththrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), which was contained successfully by the police nearby. Police claimed that "at least five woman police constables were molested by mob. " Also, the injured policemen said the protestors beat them with hockey stick,[12] iron rod,[12] stones,[12] wooden mace with nails[12] and metal rod. These riots led to panic in the nearby colleges and hospitals. Cama and Albless Hospital and St Xavier’s College went in lock-down mode to prevent rioters from entering their premises. Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial, which is a war memorial dedicated to the fighters of the 1857, first Indian freedom struggle, was desecrated by the rioters. Abdul Qadir was arrested later by Mumbai police after finding photos of him desecrating the memorial. Within a week of the riots, 43 rioters were arrested in Mumbai.Investigations were then taken over by Mumbai Crime Branch. Salim Allarakha Choukiya (Ali), who had snatched a self loading Rifle from a policeman and is alleged to have fired from it, was arrested on 16 August. [17] Abdul Quadir Mohammed Younus Ansari was arrested on 28 August in Bihar for damaging the Amar Jawan memorial. On 9 November 2012, Mumbai Police formally charged 80 people, including Maulana Athar (president of Ulema Board) and Saeed Noori (secretary of Raza Academy), before Esplanade court in south Mumbai. The charges against some of the accused were criminal conspiracy, murder, damaging public properties, unlawful assembly and indulging in violence. Police claim that the riots were pre-planned as rioters appeared with rods and petrol for the rally. The Mumbai police Commissioner was transferred for failing to prevent the riot despite having received prior intelligence inputs. A female traffic police Inspector wrote a poem in a local police bulletin of Mumbai. The poem title Azad Maidan was published in Mumbai city police bulletin, Samwad. According to Times of India, she had called Azad Maidan protestors as traitors and snakes and had suggested that they should have been shot. This poem was met with criticism from activists and former city police commissioner alike. Film Director and producer Mahesh Bhatt questioned the source of hatred for minority from police and also asked to put police force in psychiatric couch. In reaction to the criticisms, the journal Samwad apologised for publishing the poem. [23]

Riot

December we have a chance to see one of our favorite meteor showers – the Geminids

Every December we have a chance to see one of our favorite meteor showers – the Geminids. The shower is currently active until Dec. 17 and will peak on the night of Dec. 13 into the morning of Dec. 14, making those hours the best time for viewing the meteor shower. All meteors appear to come from the same place in the sky, which is called the radiant. The Geminids appear to radiate from a point in the constellation Gemini, hence the name “Geminids.” The graphic shows the radiants of 388 meteors with speeds of 35 km/s observed by the NASA Fireball Network in December 2020. All the radiants are in Gemini, which means they belong to the Geminid shower. The Geminids are caused by debris from a celestial object known as 3200 Phaethon , whose origin is the subject of some debate. Some astronomers consider it to be an extinct comet, based on observations showing some small amount of material leaving Phaethon’s surface. Others argue that it has to be an asteroid because of its orbit and its similarity to the main-belt asteroid Pallas. Whatever the nature of Phaethon, observations show that the Geminids are denser than meteors belonging to other showers, enabling them to get as low as 29 miles above Earth’s surface before burning up. Meteors belonging to other showers, like the Perseids, burn up much higher. The Geminids can be seen by most of the world. Yet, it is best viewed by observers in the Northern Hemisphere. As you enter the Southern Hemisphere and move towards the South Pole, the altitude of the Geminid radiant – the celestial point in the sky where the Geminid meteors appear to originate – gets lower and lower above the horizon. Thus, observers in these locations see fewer Geminids than their northern counterparts. Besides the weather, the phase of the Moon is a major factor in determining whether a meteor shower will have good rates during any given year. This is because the moonlight “washes out” the fainter meteors, resulting in sky watchers seeing the fewer bright ones. This year, the Moon will be almost 80% full at the peak of the Geminids, which isn’t ideal for our highly regarded meteor shower. Nevertheless, that bright Moon is expected to set around 2:00 a.m. wherever you are located, leaving a couple of hours for meteor watching until twilight. “Rich in green-colored fireballs, the Geminids are the only shower I will brave cold December nights to see,” said Bill Cooke, lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, located at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. NASA will broadcast a live stream of the shower’s peak Dec. 13-14 via a meteor camera at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, (if our weather cooperates!), starting at 8 p.m. CST on the NASA Meteor Watch Facebook page. Meteor videos recorded by the All Sky Fireball Network are also available each morning to identify Geminids in these videos – just look for events labeled “GEM.” Learn more about the Geminids below: Why are they called the Geminids? All meteors associated with a shower have similar orbits, and they all appear to come from the same place in the sky, which is called the radiant. The Geminids appear to radiate from a point in the constellation Gemini, hence the name “Geminids.” How fast are Geminids? Geminids travel 78,000 mph (35 km/s). This is over 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the swiftest car in the world, and over 40 times faster than a speeding bullet! How to observe the Geminids? If it’s not cloudy, get away from bright lights, lie on your back, and look up. Remember to let your eyes get adjusted to the dark – you’ll see more meteors that way. Keep in mind, this adjustment can take approximately 30 minutes. Don’t look at your cell phone screen, as it will ruin your night vision! Meteors can generally be seen all over the sky. Avoid watching the radiant because meteors close to it have very short trails and are easily missed. When you see a meteor, try to trace it backwards. If you end up in the constellation Gemini, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a Geminid. Observing in a city with lots of light pollution will make it difficult to see Geminids. You may only see a handful during the night in that case. When is the best time to observe Geminids? The best night to see the shower is Dec. 13/14. Sky watchers in the Northern Hemisphere can go out in the late evening hours on Dec. 13 to see some Geminids, but with moonlight and radiant low in the sky, you may not see many meteors. Best rates will be seen when the radiant is highest in the sky around 2:00 a.m. local time, including the Southern Hemisphere, on Dec. 14. The Moon will set around the same time. Therefore, observing from moonset until twilight on Dec. 14 should yield the most meteors. You can still see Geminids on other nights, before or after Dec. 13-14, but the rates will be much lower. The last Geminids can be seen Dec. 17. How many Geminids can observers expect to see Dec. 13/14? Realistically, the predicated rate for observers in the northern hemisphere is closer to 30-40 meteors per hour. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will see fewer Geminids than those in the northern hemisphere – perhaps 25% of rates in the Northern Hemisphere. Although this year’s conditions are not the best for viewing the Geminid meteor shower, it will still be a good show to catch in our night skies.

New wonders in nature

Reichstag fire

The Reichstag fire (German: Reichstagsbrand, listen (help·info)) was an arson attack on the Reichstag building, home of the German parliament in Berlin, on Monday 27 February 1933, precisely four weeks after Adolf Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany. Hitler's government stated that Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch council communist, was the culprit, and it attributed the fire to communist agitators. A German court decided later that year that Van der Lubbe had acted alone, as he had claimed. The day after the fire, the Reichstag Fire Decree was passed. The Nazi Party used the fire as a pretext to claim that communists were plotting against the German government, which made the fire pivotal in the establishment of Nazi Germany. The first report of the fire came shortly after 9:00 p.m., when a Berlin fire station received an alarm call. [1] By the time police and firefighters arrived, the lower house 'Chamber of Deputies' was engulfed in flames. The police conducted a thorough search inside the building and accused Van der Lubbe. He was arrested, as were four communist leaders soon after. Hitler urged President Paul von Hindenburg to issue an emergency decree to suspend civil liberties and pursue a "ruthless confrontation" with the Communist Party of Germany. [2] After the decree was issued, the government instituted mass arrests of communists, including all of the Communist Party's parliamentary delegates. With their bitter rival communists gone and their seats empty, the Nazi Party went from having a plurality to a majority, thus enabling Hitler to consolidate his power. In February 1933, Bulgarians Georgi Dimitrov, Vasil Tanev, and Blagoy Popov were arrested, and they played pivotal roles during the Leipzig Trial, also known as the "Reichstag Fire Trial". They were known to the Prussian police as senior Comintern operatives, but the police had no idea how senior they were. Dimitrov was the head of all Comintern operations in Western Europe. The responsibility for the Reichstag fire remains a topic of debate and research. [3][4] The Nazis accused the Comintern of the act. However, some historians believe, based on archive evidence, that the arson had been planned and ordered by the Nazis as a false flag operation. [5][6] The building remained in its damaged state until it was partially repaired from 1961 to 1964 and completely restored from 1995 to 1999. In 2008, Germany posthumously pardoned Van der Lubbe under a law introduced in 1998 to lift unjust verdicts dating from the Nazi era. After the November 1932 German federal election, the Nazi Party had a plurality, not a majority; the Communists posted gains. [7] Adolf Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor and head of the coalition government on 30 January 1933. [8] As chancellor, Hitler asked President Paul von Hindenburg to dissolve the Reichstag and call for a new parliamentary election. The date set for the elections was 5 March 1933. [9] Hitler hoped to abolish democracy in a more or less legal fashion, by passing the Enabling Act. The Enabling Act was a special law that gave the Chancellor the power to pass laws by decree, without the involvement of the Reichstag. These special powers would remain in effect for four years, after which time they were eligible to be renewed. Under the Weimar Constitution, the President could rule by decree in times of emergency using Article 48. [10] During the election campaign, the Nazis alleged that Germany was on the verge of a Communist revolution and that the only way to stop the Communists was to put the Nazis securely in power. The message of the campaign was simple: increase the number of Nazi seats. [11] Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on 27 February 1933, the Reichstag building was reported as on fire and firefighters were dispatched. Despite the best efforts of the firefighters, most of the building was gutted by the blaze. [12] By 11:30,[clarification needed] the fire was put out. The firefighters and police inspected the ruins and found 20 bundles of flammable material (firelighters) unburned lying about. At the time the fire was reported, Hitler was having dinner with Joseph Goebbels at Goebbels' apartment in Berlin. When Goebbels received an urgent phone call informing him of the fire, he regarded it as a "tall tale" at first and hung up. Only after the second call did he report the news to Hitler. [13] Both left Goebbels' apartment and arrived by car at the Reichstag, just as the fire was being put out. They were met at the site by Hermann Göring, Interior Minister of Prussia, who told Hitler, "This is Communist outrage! One of the Communist culprits has been arrested." Hitler called the fire a "sign from God" and claimed it was a signal meant to mark the beginning of a Communist revolt. The next day, the Prussian Press Service reported that "this act of incendiarism is the most monstrous act of terrorism carried out by Bolshevism in Germany". The Vossische Zeitung newspaper warned its readers that "the government is of the opinion that the situation is such that a danger to the state and nation existed and still exists". [14] Walter Gempp was head of the Berlin fire department at the time of the Reichstag fire on 27 February 1933, personally directing the operations at the incident. [15] On 25 March he was dismissed for presenting evidence that suggested Nazi involvement in the fire. [16] Gempp asserted that there had been a delay in notifying the fire brigade and that he had been forbidden from making full use of the resources at his disposal. In 1937, he was arrested for abuse of office. Despite his appeal, he was imprisoned. He was strangled and killed in prison on 2 May 1939. [17] The day after the fire, at Hitler's request, President Hindenburg signed the Reichstag Fire Decree into law by using Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution.

Fire

Rennert railroad accident

The Rennert railroad accident occurred in Rennert, North Carolina on 16 December 1943, 74 people were killed on the Atlantic Coast Line when the northbound Tamiami Champion struck the derailed rear three cars of its southbound counterpart. It remains the deadliest train wreck ever in North Carolina. [1] The southbound train comprised 18 cars hauled by EMD E6 diesel-electric units 515-753-514, it departed Fayetteville 20.5 miles north of Rennert at 12:25 am and was running over an hour late at a speed of 85 mph when the rear three cars derailed and became separated from the rest of the train. Although they remained upright, the rear two cars - a dining car and a Pullman sleeping car - fouled the northbound track. The enginemen became aware of a problem when the emergency brakes were automatically applied and the front part of the train came to a halt some nearly half a mile beyond the derailed cars, at around 12:50 am. The brakeman (traveling in the derailed rearmost car) evacuated the passengers from these cars and then showed a light to inform the men working the front of the train that it had parted. A passenger asked whether he would protect the northbound track but the flagman said that the crew in the front of the train would do so; the brakeman then proceeded north to provide flag protection. Meanwhile, the enginemen, investigating the cause of the brake application found that the third car had separated from the second. They were still unaware of the derailment further back. The conductor (in the 13th car) saw the light but assumed it had been dropped from the rearmost car. The engineer said that soon after the train stopped he instructed the fireman to provide flag protection on the northbound track; whilst he attempted to repair the broken coupling. The fireman proceeded southwards; when he saw the approaching headlight of the oncoming northbound train he attempted to light a fusee but slipped and fell on the icy ballast, he waved stop signals but did not appear to be seen. The northbound train was composed of 16 cars hauled by EMD E6 diesel electric units 506-503, and EMD E3A unit 500 and was travelling at 80 mph when it approached the stationary southbound train. The engineer did not see a warning signal until he had passed the front of it; then he saw stop signals (being given by a passenger) 1000 feet ahead at the same time as he saw the derailed cars. Despite applying the emergency brakes a collision was inevitable. As many as 74 passengers were killed (some sources say 72); there was only one fatality on the halted southbound train. Most of the deaths were servicemen on the northbound train,[2] traveling home for the holidays. According to the official report 'the third car stopped on top of the second car', with most fatalities occurring in these two cars. [3] Although the initial derailment was caused by a rail breaking beneath the train, the subsequent collision could have been prevented if the crew had obeyed operating rules that state that a thorough inspection of the train be made in the 40 minutes after the initial derailment. Adequate train protection involving 'torpedoes' would then have prevented the disastrous collision.

Train collisions

Thousands of Indonesian seaweed farmers set to gain compensation over Australia's Montara oil spill

Thousands of Indonesian seaweed farmers have won a long-running case in the Federal Court and stand to gain substantial compensation over Australia’s worst offshore oil spill, which destroyed their crops in 2009.  On Friday, the Federal Court upheld a claim by Daniel Aristabulus Sanda, who led a class action on behalf of 15,000 seaweed farmers in coastal and island areas of West Timor.  Mr Sanda — a seaweed farmer at Oenggaut on the island of Rote – sued PTTEP Australasia, which operated the Montara oil rig in the Timor Sea. Federal Court Justice David Yates has ordered the company to pay Mr Sanda almost 253 million rupiah ($22,600) plus interest, for lost income after his seaweed crop was destroyed by the spill.  He also sought further submissions to help determine how many other seaweed farmers are also entitled to compensation, and how much.   Lawyers for Mr Sanda told the ABC they are delighted with the court's decision, and estimate the total damages bill could run into the millions of dollars.  In August 2009, the Montara oil platform's well-head blew out, causing a massive oil spill that continued unabated for 74 days.  The rig was in Australian waters but the oil slick drifted across the Timor Sea and into Indonesian coastal areas.  The 15,000 farmers – some of whom gave evidence to the Federal Court – have or had seaweed crops in coastal areas around West Timor, on the island of Rote and other smaller islands nearby.  Mr Sanda told the court last year the oil had destroyed his entire seaweed crop. He first noticed yellow-grey blocks, the size of golf balls, in the waters around the crop in September 2009. Within days, he said, the seaweed had turned white and then died. His business had never fully recovered and although the seaweed was now growing again, it had never provided as much income for him as it did before 2009. About 30 other farmers gave similar evidence. The oil company has admitted negligence in suspending and operating the oil well, but always denied the oil ever reached Indonesian waters, or could have caused such damage.  It argued that even if the oil had reached the Indonesian coastline, it would have effectively disintegrated and therefore not have been at a concentration that was toxic to seaweed.  It also contended that it did not owe any duty of care to Mr Sanda or other seaweed farmers.  But Justice Yates in his judgement said that PTTEP Australasia – an Australian based subsidiary of a Thai national oil company – did owe a duty of care to Mr Sanda and other farmers, and had breached that duty.  “I am satisfied that oil spilled from the H1 Well blowout reached certain areas of Indonesia … including the area where the applicant grows his seaweed crop,” he said.  “I am satisfied that this oil caused or materially contributed to the death and loss of his crop.   “I am satisfied that, although difficult to assess, and although attended with uncertainty, the applicant’s loss can be calculated, and that he is entitled to an award of damages.”  Justice Yates said that Mr Sanda had suffered a loss of income for several consecutive years after the spill, and by his calculations he was entitled to almost 253 million rupiah in compensation.  If all 15,000 class action members are ruled eligible for compensation, the total damages cost could run into the tens of millions of dollars, according to lawyers from Maurice Blackburn, which represented the seaweed farmers.  In a statement posted on their website, PTTEP said it acknowledged the decision but was disappointed with the outcome. "PTTEP emphasises the judgment relates to Mr Sanda's claim, and that the claims of all the Group Members are statute barred and must be determined separately," the statement said. "The court's decision does not negate the requirement for individuals to demonstrate their actual loss and damage." PTTEP said it was considering available avenues of appeal. )

Environment Pollution

Scooter rider demands compensation after SA police car sends him flying onto road

A scooter rider is demanding compensation and an apology from SA Police after an officer’s dodgy driving caused him to crash his vehicle and significantly injure himself. As seen in the video above, Daniel Daw, 25, was driving his scooter along Halifax Street in Adelaide’s inner city when a police patrol car crossed an unbroken white line without indicating, as it pulled out from the kerb. Although Daw desperately braked, he couldn’t stop in time and hit the side of the vehicle, which sent him flying. “As I got closer he decided to pull a U-turn. Pulled out in front of me which resulted in me slamming into his door,” Daw told 7NEWS. The accident, which occurred last Thursday, has left Daw with muscle damage to his shoulder. He claimed that the first thing the police officer said to him was “Didn’t you see an indicator?” In the video, the police vehicle is clearly not indicating right. “That (a police officer) is one of the least people you’d expect to do that to you,” Daw said. “Police officers should actually look out for oncoming traffic. Everyone should.” In a statement to 7NEWS, SA Police said the incident had sparked an internal review. Daw has been unable to work since the accident, and expects to be out of work for a few more weeks at least. “Constant pain in my shoulder. Can’t really lift anything heavy with my left arm,” he said. This is problematic for the young man, as his job is quite is quite physical - he is a powder coating labourer. Daw is also a casual worker, which means he hasn’t been entitled to sick pay. His scooter was not insured and it has received around $1000 in damage, according to Daw. Daw is hoping for some kind of compensation. “It was an illegal U-turn,” he added. “Because there was double solid white lines in the middle of the road, so you’re not meant to pass them anyway ... And 50m up the road he could have performed a legal U-turn.”

Road Crash

2004 Boscastle flood

The 2004 Boscastle flood (Cornish: An Lanwes Kastel Boterel 2004) occurred on Monday, 16 August 2004 in the two villages of Boscastle and Crackington Haven[1] in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The villages suffered extensive damage after flash floods caused by an exceptional amount of rain that fell over eight hours that afternoon. The flood in Boscastle was filmed and extensively reported but the floods in Crackington Haven and Rocky Valley were not mentioned beyond the local news. The floods were the worst in local memory. A study commissioned by the Environment Agency from hydraulics consulting firm HR Wallingford concluded that it was among the most extreme ever experienced in Britain. The peak flow was about 140 m3/s, between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm BST. The annual chance of this (or a greater) flood in any one year is about 1 in 400. [2] The probability each year of the heaviest three-hour rainfall is about 1 in 1300 (although rainfall probability is not the same as flood probability). At midday on 16 August 2004, heavy thundery showers had developed across the South West due to a weak disturbance to the northeast of the United Kingdom. [3] The last time Boscastle had suffered notable flooding was in 1996 as a result of Hurricane Lili, but floods are recorded in 1847, 1957, on 3 June 1958 (one man drowned) and on 6 February during the Winter of 1962–63 in the United Kingdom. On 16 August 1952 the small town of Lynmouth, 50 miles (80 km) north-east along the north coast in Devon near Exmoor, suffered extensive damage in a catastrophic flood, in which 34 people lost their lives. Coincidentally, this was 52 years to the day before Boscastle's 2004 flood. On the 16th, warm air picking up moisture – due to residual heat from the Atlantic Ocean – travelled towards the South West Cornish coast as prevailing winds. Upon contact with the topographically vertical coast, these winds experienced a strong up-drafting force thus causing internal moisture to reach the atmosphere, and consequently cool as a string of storm clouds. With convergence[4] and coalescence, enhanced moisture levels resulted in heavy rainfall on the afternoon of 16 August 2004. 185 mm (7 inches) of rain fell over the high ground just inland of Boscastle. At the peak of the downpour, at about 15:40 GMT, 24.1mm of rain (almost one inch) was recorded as falling in just 15 minutes at Lesnewth, 2.5 miles (4 km) up the valley from Boscastle. In Boscastle, 89 millimetres (3.5 in) of rain was recorded in 60 minutes. The rain was very localised: Otterham and Lesnewth, both a few miles inland from Boscastle, recorded 24 hour totals of 200 mm and 185 mm respectively on the day,[5] whereas four of the nearest 10 rain gauges showed less than 3 mm of rain in the same period. The cause of the very heavy localised rain is thought to be an extreme example of what has become known as the Brown Willy effect. The torrential rain led to a 2 m (7 ft) rise in river levels in one hour. A 3 m (10 ft) wave, believed to have been triggered by water pooling behind debris caught under a bridge and then being suddenly released as the bridge collapsed, surged down the main road. Water speed was over 4 m/s (10 mph), more than enough to cause structural damage. It is estimated that 20,000,000 cubic metres (5.3×109 US gal) of water flowed through Boscastle that day alone. The steep valley sides, and the saturated surface ensured a high amount of surface run-off. Changes in farming practice in the area also possibly contributed, sewage could have been a cause as well, with a reduction of trees and hedges higher up the valley causing water to flow through more quickly than would have been the case in the past. No one died in the flood. 75 cars, 5 caravans, 6 buildings and several boats were washed into the sea; approximately 100 homes and businesses were destroyed, and some had to be demolished; trees were uprooted and debris were scattered over a large area. In an operation lasting from mid-afternoon until 2:30 am, a fleet of 7 Westland Sea King helicopters rescued about 150 people clinging to trees and the roofs of buildings and cars. No major injuries or loss of life were reported. The estimated cost of damage was £15 million. [6] Most work took place in the winter season (October–May), during the off-season. The carpark was reduced to half capacity (120 spaces) in winter, for works to take place, and then back to 240 spaces in summer. The main structure of the former lower bridge survived the flood, however the stone walls did not, and were washed away. On 1 May 2005, the official reopening of the village, wooden fences were used on the bridge to temporarily replace the stone walls. The bridge used to have a concrete plaque on it saying "This bridge is the private property of the lord of the manor, August 1887". This was lost during the flood, but then recovered from the harbour in good condition. This bridge has now been replaced with a new one. During the flood of 2004, 14 cars became lodged beneath it, this had caused a huge backlog of flood water and debris, adding to the damage caused in the surrounding area. The original proposal was for a stone bridge, this was rejected. The second proposal is for a modern concrete bridge, with steel railings. Public consultations were held and villagers were asked to select their preference from four designs; most did not choose the one which has been proposed. This plan was rejected. The new bridge is a few metres further down the river than the old bridge. The bridge was installed on 18 December 2007, and was made by Cornish Concrete, a company based near Truro. The main arch is made from reinforced concrete, with metal railings. The old stone bridge, which was over 100 years old, was demolished in early April 2008. Boscastle flooded again, although not nearly as badly as the 2004 floods. After an afternoon of intense localised rainfall, and a week of steady rain everyday, a small flood happened on 21 June 2007. 30 mm fell on the area in one hour.

Floods

Aeroflot Flight 315 (1959) crash

Aeroflot Flight 315 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight operated by Aeroflot from Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow to Lviv Airport in Lviv, Ukraine. On 16 November 1959, the Antonov An-10 operating this flight crashed short of the airport runway while on final approach. All 32 passengers and eight crew members were killed. The Air Accident Investigation Commission concluded the cause of the accident was a combination of design flaw and icing. Flight 315 departed Vnukovo Airport at 16:48 Moscow time, and was cleared to climb to 7,000 meters. As the airliner approached Lviv the weather was reported as temperature -1 degree C, humidity 97% with visibility at three km and the possibility of icing conditions. The descent was normal and the pilot reported reaching the outer marker at an altitude of 200 meters. Before reaching the inner marker the aircraft descended out of the clouds and the crew switched to visual flight rules (VFR). At 19:06 while descending through 110 meters the flaps were set to 45 degrees and the Antonov began a rapid pitch down. 2,100 meters from the runway and in a 25 degree nose down attitude the aircraft crashed, flipped over and burst into flame. The impact and post-crash fire killed all on board. [1][2] Construction of the AN-10 involved, serial number 9401402-14-02, was completed at the Voronezh aircraft factory on 5 June 1959 and it was transferred to the civil air fleet. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had sustained a total of 277 flight hours. [2] After examination of available evidence, the Air Accident Investigation Commission concluded that an anomaly in the engine power control system combined with substandard placement of other cockpit controls may have been a factor in the crash. They went on to speculate that the pilot in command (PIC) may have reduced power because pitot tube icing caused the airspeed indicator to read higher than actual airspeed. [2] On 26 February 1960 approximately three months after this accident, another AN-10 crashed during similar conditions. Testing eventually revealed that icing of the horizontal stabilizer created a supercritical angle of attack, that caused a sudden pitch down of the aircraft when the flaps are lowered to the maximum setting of 45 degrees. To combat this concern ice protection systems for the stabilizer were improved and selection of flaps beyond 15 degrees in known icing conditions was disallowed. [2][1]

Air crash

Mitsotakis’ tour of Ground Zero church canceled

A tour by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero in New York, due to take place on Friday, has been canceled. The prime minister, who is in New York to attend the 76th UN General Assembly, was to be guided through the structure by Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Elpidophoros. However, it has emerged that the prime minister will meet with the management of the Wall Street Journal instead. The change in the prime minister’s itinerary comes after the government criticized Elpidophoros over his presence at an official event organized by Turkey and attended by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, in New York. “We were irritated by the actions of the archbishop. The Greek government expresses its displeasure,” said government spokesperson Υiannis Oikonomou responding to a relevant question during a press conference on Thursday. At the event, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened the Turkish House, or Turkevi Center, which will house the Turkish representation to the United Nations as well as delegates from the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The event was also attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Evangelos Venizelos, a former deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, said the government’s criticism of Elpidophoros was “deeply ahistorical” and “myopic.” Crushed by the collapsing south tower, the original Saint Nicholas has been replaced by a glass-domed shrine designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Elpidophoros is due to unveil the building on November 2 in a ceremony that will be attended by Patriarch Vartholomaios – conditions allowing – while the church is slated to resume services as usual next year.

Organization Closed

Sudan Leaders Say They Thwarted Coup Attempt by Loyalists of Former Dictator

Government officials blamed the bid on supporters of longtime ruler Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019 by a military takeover prompted by widespread popular protests. Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, on Tuesday. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said the attempted coup was an effort by military and civilian elements to halt the transition to democracy.Credit...Ashraf Shazly/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images By Declan Walsh Published Sept. 21, 2021Updated Oct. 29, 2021 NAIROBI, Kenya — Sudanese authorities said they thwarted an attempted coup by loyalists of the deposed dictator Omar Hassan al-Bashir on Tuesday, the latest sign of instability in an African nation battling persistent economic hardship under a fragile transitional government. Soldiers tried to seize control of a state media building in the city of Omdurman, across the Nile from the capital, Khartoum, but they were rebuffed and arrested, Sudanese officials said. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok described it as a near miss for Sudan ’s turbulent transition to democracy, which started in 2019 with the ouster of Mr. Bashir, the longtime ruler. The prime minister blamed the failed coup on Bashir loyalists, both military and civilian. “What happened is an orchestrated coup by factions inside and outside the armed forces,” Mr. Hamdok said. “This is an extension of the attempts by remnants since the fall of the former regime to abort the civilian democratic transition.” The possibility of another coup has haunted Sudan’s transitional government since 2019, when Mr. Bashir was overthrown in a military takeover prompted by widespread popular protests. Disgruntled officers have since hatched several plots, but all were foiled before they could come to fruition. Tuesday was the first time that an attempted takeover had spilled onto the streets, said Amjad Farid, a former deputy chief of staff to the prime minister. It underscored the urgent need to get Sudan’s military under full civilian control, he said. “There will be no stability without civilian oversight over all the state apparatus, including the military and intelligence agencies,” Mr. Farid said. “A genuine reform process needs to start now.” Understand the Sudan Coup On Oct. 25, a coup led by the military derailed Sudan’s transition to civilian rule and plunged the country back into fear and uncertainty. Prime Minister Returns: Four weeks after he was detained, ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok struck a deal with the military intended to end a bloody standoff that has led to dozens of protester deaths . Inside the Coup: What caused Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to call a halt to Sudan’s democratic transition? Simmering Tensions: In the weeks preceding the coup, the relations between the military and civilian leadership grew fraught. Here’s why. The thwarted coup was the latest drama in an increasingly turbulent part of the world. Ethiopia is embroiled in a vicious civil war in its northern Tigray region; Somalia is torn by power struggles between its president and prime minister, and the international isolation of Eritrea has deepened with American economic sanctions, imposed last month , against the country’s army chief. More broadly, it is part of an unusual surge in attempted putsches in Africa. On Sept. 6, the military seized power in Guinea, the third West African country to experience a violent transfer of power this year. Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, a body of civilian and military leaders overseeing the country’s transition to democracy, issued a statement insisting the situation was under control. But the dramatic events, which saw tanks rolling through downtown Khartoum early Tuesday, were a reminder of the deep political fissures that threaten the transition. Some military officers are unhappy with plans to send Mr. al-Bashir, currently in jail in Khartoum, to stand trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He faces charges including genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the conflict in the western Sudanese region of Darfur in the 2000s. The Sovereignty Council, which is headed by the army chief, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, did not specify how the coup attempt had been foiled or whether it had involved any violence. The military said that 21 officers and an unspecified number of soldiers had been detained, and a search for others was ongoing. Two officials with the Forces for Freedom and Change, a coalition of civil and political groups that led the uprising against Mr. al-Bashir in 2019, said the attempt had been orchestrated by the military commander in charge of the Omdurman region. It started at about 3 a.m. when officers tried, but apparently failed, to read a statement on the state radio station. It was not immediately clear what the statement would have said. The prime minister accused the coup plotters of laying the ground for their actions by stoking unrest in eastern Sudan in recent days. This week, members of the Beja tribe blocked Port Sudan, the biggest port, and cut off highways leading to the city. By midmorning, traffic was reported to be flowing normally in central Khartoum and the authorities said they had begun to question suspected mutineers. Street protests against the attempted coup erupted in several cities, including Port Sudan. The swift return to normalcy in Khartoum belied broader worries about Sudan, where the euphoric scenes of Mr. Bashir’s ouster in 2019 have given way to a sense of unease nourished by successive crises. Public confidence in Mr. Hamdok’s government has been undermined by persistent economic hardship — the spark for the protests that toppled Mr. al-Bashir. Some Sudanese also worry that the army is not truly willing to share power. In November, the army chief of staff is expected to hand over leadership of the Sovereignty Council to Mr. Hamdok — a largely ceremonial post, but nonetheless one that signifies full civilian control of Sudan for the first time in decades. Last year, Mr. Hamdok survived an assassination attempt when gunfire struck his convoy as he traveled to work in Khartoum. Although the United States lifted decades-old economic sanctions against Sudan last year in return for its government’s agreeing to recognize Israel, high inflation and soaring unemployment have driven popular discontent. Tough economic changes demanded by the International Monetary Fund to stem inflation, which is running at more than 300 percent a year, and to help the country qualify for new loans, have contributed to the sense of unease.

Regime Change

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: TPLF says 150 have died of starvation

About 150 people died of starvation in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region in August, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has said. These are the first hunger-related deaths that the TPLF has reported since its fighters recaptured most of the region from federal forces in June. There is no independent confirmation of its statement. The UN previously said that about 400,000 were already living in famine-like conditions in Tigray. The federal government has not responded to the TPLF statement. About 5.2 million people - or 90% of Tigray's population - urgently needed aid "to avert the world's worst famine situation in decades", the UN said last week. The TPLF and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed were once allies in the government, but fell out over his political reforms, triggering the war that has killed thousands and displaced millions since November. The rebels recaptured most of the region, including the capital, Mekelle, in June after losing control of most of it early in the war. The TPLF says it is the legitimate government of Tigray, having won regional elections in 2020. The Ethiopian government denounced the poll as illegal. It regards the TPLF as a terrorist organisation. In a statement on Monday, the TPLF said there was a "complete depletion of food stocks" in Tigray. People living in camps after being displaced by conflict were receiving "no aid" and host communities were running out of food, it said. The TPLF said the 150 deaths were recorded in the central, southern and eastern zones of Tigray, as well in camps in the city of Shire - the birthplace of the group's leader Debretsion Gebremichael. "One million people are at risk of fatal famine if they are prohibited from receiving life-saving aid within the next few days," it added. In a BBC Tigrinya interview, TPLF agriculture chief Atinkut Mezgebo said that people were dying "in front of our eyes". "In the villages and towns, there is a shortage of food and medicine, and the crisis might be bigger than what we know," he said. Dr Atinkut said that women and children were the main victims of hunger. "Previously, people shared what they had, but now they don't have anything to eat," he added. It is hard to confirm details of what is happening in Tigray as telephone and internet communications have been cut. The BBC has asked the federal government for a reaction to the TPLF statement but has so far not got a response. However, in a statement on Monday, the foreign ministry said the TPLF had exacerbated the humanitarian problems by invading neighbouring regions and looting aid supplies. Last week, the UN's acting humanitarian coordinator for Ethiopia, Grant Leaity, called on the Ethiopian government to allow the unimpeded entry of aid to Tigray. On Sunday, the World Food Programme said that more than 100 trucks of its aid had reached Mekelle for the first time in a fortnight. In the past, the government has denied that it is blocking aid but has said it is concerned about security. On Saturday, it announced that 500 trucks carrying supplies had entered the region, with 152 arriving in the last two days. Food prices soar as war ravages Ethiopia

Famine

1914 World Figure Skating Championships

The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. Men's competitions took place from February 21 to 22 in Helsingfors (Helsinki), Finland. This was the first time that more than ten men participated in the competition. Ladies' competitions took place from January 24 to 25 in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Pairs' competition took place on January 25 also in St. Moritz, Switzerland. These were the last World Championships in figure skating before World War I. Judges: Judges: Judges:

Sports Competition

Opinion: South Sudan’s government-made famine

Official, U.N.-declared famines are a rare phenomenon. The last one worldwide was six years ago, in Somalia. Famines are declared officially when people have already begun to starve to death. It is the diplomatic equivalent of a seven-alarm fire. That is where the youngest country in the world, South Sudan, finds itself today, as 100,000 face immediate starvation and another 1 million are on its brink. The maxim is true that famine does not result from purely natural causes but is usually “man-made.” Such a description, however, avoids any real accountability for those who have caused the crisis. South Sudan’s famine would be more accurately described as “government-made.” The most immediate cause lies in the tactics used by the South Sudan government and its principal rebel opponent in fighting the current civil war. Government and rebel forces attack civilian targets much more frequently than they attack each other. They target the means of survival of civilian populations deemed to be unsupportive. In particular, they raid cattle in areas where cows represent the inherited savings and means of commercial exchange. Massive cattle raids result in complete impoverishment of entire communities and unleash cycles of revenge attacks that poison relations between neighbors and entire ethnic groups. The government has also concentrated recent attacks on areas where agricultural production traditionally fed large parts of South Sudan, not only resulting in massive human displacement but also devastating local grain production, which leads to hyperinflation in food prices. But destroying the means of food production is only one part of the equation that causes famine. If the South Sudan government allowed humanitarian organizations unfettered access to the victims of the attacks, which include approximately 3 million people who have been rendered homeless, then the aid agencies would have been able to prevent a famine from occurring. But instead, the government has obstructed access by these organizations in a variety of ways, as have the rebels, thus resulting in huge pockets of populations — including tens of thousands of children — who have received little to no assistance at the height of their need. The South Sudanese people fought for decades for their independence from a rapacious, discriminatory Sudanese regime. The government of Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum, which seized power in a coup in 1989, regularly attacked the means of food production and used starvation as a weapon against the rebellious South Sudanese populations, just as it is still doing in Darfur and the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. This resulted in localized famines and about 2 million South Sudanese deaths during that North-South conflict. Now that the South Sudanese have won independence, the government of Salva Kiir in Juba is using the same destructive strategies that Bashir used against them. South Sudanese will starve to death by the thousands, maybe by the tens or hundreds of thousands. As the images of starving babies begin to emerge, hundreds of millions of dollars in relief assistance will be delivered, as long as the South Sudan government follows through on Kiir’s promises to allow unfettered humanitarian access. But if the only response to these images is a humanitarian one, and the structural causes of this famine are not addressed, then this cycle of death will begin again next year, and the year after. Yes, the world must do all it can to treat the symptoms of this emergency, but there is also an opportunity, with increased attention because of the famine, to finally begin to address the root cause of the crisis. In South Sudan today, war crimes pay. There is no accountability for the atrocities and looting of state resources, or for the famine that results. Billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars have supported peacekeeping forces and humanitarian assistance already, and one peace process after another has tried to break the cycle of violence. But nothing attempts to thwart the driving force of the mayhem: the kleptocrats who have hijacked the government in Juba for their personal enrichment. The Sentry, an initiative we recently co-founded, conducted an investigation into the wealth accumulated by Kiir and other officials who oversaw a military offensive that contributed to the current famine. We found that immediate family members of these officials enjoy luxurious lifestyles abroad, living in lavish estates while South Sudanese suffer. George Clooney and John Prendergast: War crimes shouldn’t pay in South Sudan There has been no effort to counter the networks that benefit financially and politically from the crisis. The international community needs to help make war costlier than peace for government and rebel leaders and their international facilitators. Choking the illicit financial flows of the kleptocrats is the key point of leverage for peace available to the international community, given the vulnerability of stolen assets that are offshored around the world in the form of houses, cars, businesses and bank accounts. The most promising policy approach would combine creative anti-money laundering measures with targeted sanctions aimed at freezing those willing to commit mass atrocities out of the international financial system. A steep price should be paid for creating famine and benefiting from war. Even while the world responds to the famine, it’s time also to address root causes and make those responsible pay for their crimes.

Famine

Watch: Keni Harrison breaks 100-meter hurdles world record

Your teams on the go or at home. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android. American record holder Keni Harrison can now add world record holder to her resume, as she broke the women's 100-meter hurdles world record with a 12.20 run at the London Diamond League meet on Friday evening. The previous world record of 12.21 stood since 1988 and was set by Bulgaria's Yordanka Donkova. In June, Harrison set a personal best of 12.24 at the Prefontaine Classic to set a new American record and become the second fastest woman of all-time. Watch Harrison's world record below: [youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1lvUn9ZyeQ] • Meet Team USA: Eaton looks to break own world records Harrison did not finish in the top three of the women's 100-meter hurdle final at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials earlier in the month and will not compete at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.  The United States will be represented by former American record holder Brianna Rollins, Kristi Castlin and Nia Ali. - Chris Chavez Highlanders' JP Moorman is a hero tonight in Tempe, Arizona. Holloway is ready for a dominant UFC comeback this Saturday. Plus, why Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev should headline UFC 269. With a 1–0 win over Colombia on Thursday, the South American giant continued its dominant qualifying run. Los Angeles's newest receiver has a new home and a new contract. The Olympian and her girlfriends, all of Asian descent, were waiting for a ride when a car came speeding by, yelling racist slurs at the group. Rich Paul says the three-time All-Star is not ready to play right now. The former Browns star seems to have sent a lot of texts on Thursday, ranging from Taylor Swift's Red album release to the iconic Wicked Witch of the East debate.

Break historical records

FlyMontserrat Flight 107 crash

FlyMontserrat Flight 107 was a short-haul flight from V. C. Bird International Airport, Antigua to John A. Osborne Airport, Montserrat. On 7 October 2012, the Britten-Norman Islander twin-engine aircraft serving the route crashed shortly after take off, near the end of the runway. Three of the four occupants were killed. [1] At 16:15 local time FlyMontserrat Flight 107 was cleared for take off from runway 07 at V. C. Bird International Airport. Shortly after the Islander took off it started to yaw to the right and stopped climbing. The aircraft continued rolling to the right and lost height; it hit the ground and cartwheeled before coming to rest. The pilot and one passenger were killed on impact, another passenger succumbed to her injuries before she could be extricated from the wreckage while the final passenger was seriously injured and taken to hospital. [2] The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is responsible for regulation and oversight of aviation in Antigua, where the accident occurred. [3] Montserrat does not have its own investigators. As a British Overseas Territory this function is normally performed by the British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which sent a team to investigate the cause of the crash. [3] Bad weather conditions were reported for the time prior to the accident, however conditions were reported as good at the time of takeoff. A preliminary report by the ECCAA was released in October 2012 saying that after examining the wreckage of the aircraft, it showed that the right engine was not producing power and the propeller was not feathered. The fuel was examined and found that the fuel system showed contamination with significant quantities of water. [4] In July 2013, the AAIB released preliminary results of the investigation, setting out changes to prevent water contamination of Islander fuel systems; and an Airworthiness Directive was issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to require a check of Islanders to determine if the correct fuel filler caps had been installed. The AAIB recommended that EASA should require Britten-Norman Islander aircraft be equipped with fuel filter assemblies that minimise the likelihood of water in the fuel being fed to the engines. [5][6]

Air crash

Rogue tyre recycler Tony Di Carlo hit with $200k fine over 'catastrophic fire risk'

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 'Rogue Queensland businessman Tony Di Carlo has been fined $200,000 for a series of environmental breaches over his tyre recycling business. Di Carlo has been convicted in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 65 offences, including contravening environmental protection orders and waste tracking breaches. The complaints related to Tyremil operations at Rocklea, in Brisbane's south, and Kingston, in Logan. The company is advertised as a "revolutionary, world-first, zero-emission tyre recycling plant", but in 2016 the ABC revealed Di Carlo was using the business to stockpile dangerous quantities of used tyres. He was fined $40,000 after a fire broke out at the Rocklea tyre yard in 2017, blanketing the suburb in black smoke. The court heard the business continues to pose a "catastrophic fire risk". Earlier this year, Tyremil was convicted of 58 breaches of environmental protection laws and fined $305,000. The Department of Environment and Science (DES) said officers had inspected the Rocklea site and would continue to monitor the business. DES barrister James Dillon said the tyre yards remained dangerous and aerial photographs showed little had been done to clean up the mess. "Tyres remain on both of the sites today … for so long as the sites persist in that state, there is a risk of a catastrophic tyre fire occurring," he told the court. Magistrate John McGrath said Di Carlo's sentence must reflect the seriousness of his environmental breaches. "The defendant's offending is not only willed in his failure to comply, but also there have been positive steps taken by him to mislead the department and its investigators," he said. "All of the offences are serious, and made more so by the defendant's wilful misleading and deceptive behaviour on occasions in an attempt to mask what in effect is his own offending." Di Carlo was not in court to hear his sentence, and had also missed other hearings. "His attitude towards these proceedings, therefore, in some ways mirrors his attitude towards complying with the orders and directives of the department," Mr McGrath said. Di Carlo was also ordered to pay almost $8,000 in costs and his conviction will be recorded. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.

Organization Fine

Biden’s Higher Ed Budget Moves Ahead in House

Higher education organizations were generally pleased with the House Appropriations Committee’s draft spending bill, but several believe more could still be done. The House Appropriations Committee is planning to mark up an initial draft of its funding bill for federal higher education programs on Thursday for fiscal year 2022. The bill largely aligns with President Biden’s budget and includes substantial increases to student financial aid and science research. Over all, the legislation provides $27.2 billion for federal student aid programs and another $3.43 billion for higher education programs, an increase of $889 million from fiscal year 2021 and $122 million above Biden’s budget request. The bill would increase the maximum annual Pell Grant award by $400, as well as boost funding for the National Institutes of Health to $49 billion -- up $6.5 billion from fiscal year 2021 -- and funding for career, technical and adult education to $2.2 billion. The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies subcommittee sent the bill to the full committee along a party line vote Monday. Representative Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma, said he was supportive of funding increases to the NIH and increases to the Federal TRIO program and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). But the bill's current form is unlikely to be its final form, given that Republicans weren’t happy with the overall spending levels in the legislation and the inclusion of Democratic priorities -- particularly the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, a provision that bars the use of federal funds for abortions, which Cole and others highlighted during the subcommittee markup. “With the bill proposing the highest spending levels since World War II, the price tag alone is utterly unrealistic,” Cole said to Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut and chair of the subcommittee. “Madam Chair, you know the Democrats in Congress do not have the majorities capable of passing this bill on their own. In the days and weeks ahead, it’s my hope that members on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers can negotiate spending that won’t lead to financial disaster. But the first step towards that negotiation will be a full reinstatement of the Hyde Amendment.” Parts of the bill go beyond what Biden requested, especially with respect to financial aid. It would provide $1.03 billion for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program and $1.43 billion for the Federal Work-Study program, which would be a combined $392 million above fiscal year 2021 funding levels. Higher education organizations praised the significant increase, with Deborah Santiago, president and CEO of Excelencia in Education, highlighting its importance for Latinx students, in particular. “When I looked at the student financial aid increases, they were in grants and work-study -- and those two are core areas for the Latino population that make a significant impact on our ability to afford college,” Santiago said. “To see the increases at that level was powerful.” The bill would also increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $400 to $6,895, the same as what Biden requested in his budget. An increase in the award is necessary for renewing the country’s commitment to low- and moderate-income students, said Mamie Voight, interim president of the Institute for Higher Education Policy. “Now more than ever, we need to restore the purchasing power of the Pell Grant by doubling the maximum award,” Voight said. “The proposed $400 increase in the draft funding bill is one step in the right direction.” Doubling the Pell Grant has broad support, and others were hoping for more immediate action from Congress, rather than taking the Biden administration’s approach of increasing its funding over time, said Jonathan Fansmith, director of government relations at the American Council on Education. “A $400 increase is still a substantial increase in Pell Grants, and in a normal year, we'd be strongly supportive of that,” Fansmith said. “But this has been a year in which there's so much momentum towards doubling, and it's a little bit short of what we hoped to see.” While the organization appreciates the included increase, Craig Lindwarm, assistant vice president for congressional and governmental affairs at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, noted that APLU is also in support of doubling the Pell Grant and would eventually like to see the administration’s plan for getting to that point. Minority-serving institutions would receive a total of $1.13 billion, an increase of $345 million from fiscal year 2021. Historically Black colleges and universities would receive $402.6 million, Hispanic-serving institutions would receive $236.7 million, and tribal colleges and universities would receive $53 million. All the funding levels align with Biden’s budget request. "We are pleased that the draft fiscal year 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill makes significant investments in HBCUs, predominantly Black institutions and low-income college students regardless of where they are enrolled," said Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which represents public Black colleges. The bill also provides funding for specific higher education programs, including $8 million for a basic needs grant pilot program, $95 million for institutions to establish campus-based childcare programs -- up $40 million from last year -- and an increase of $55 million to $100 million to expand the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program, the latter of which was praised by David Baime, senior vice president for government relations and policy analysis at the American Association of Community Colleges. “The substantial enhancement of Strengthening Community College Training Grants will enable colleges to respond to the rapidly changing economy and help generate family-sustaining wages,” Baime said. Outside of funding levels, the bill also includes language requiring for-profit institutions to derive more of their revenue from nonfederal sources -- 85 percent rather than the current 90 percent -- and would make students who are recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, eligible for Title IV financial aid funding. “Providing access for undocumented students is a really important measure that APLU supports,” Lindwarm said. Even if the legislation passes the narrowly Democratic-controlled House as is, its highly partisan nature means there’s unlikely to be consensus in the Senate. The likely outcome is a large omnibus spending package signed into law toward the end of the year, as has recently been the case, said Fansmith. “It looks very good -- maybe even better for higher education than the president's budget,” Fansmith said. “As a starting point, they have the right priorities funding-wise. But it's hard to envision this being the bill that gets finalized and signed into law.” But although the funding so far looks good for higher education, there's always more that could be done, said Santiago. "I feel like that's a greedy thing to ask for, but I do know that when times are challenging -- especially economically -- we want to provide access to opportunity," Santiago said. "And the federal role is providing access to opportunity and quality education." Don't have an account yet? Create Account. Remember your password? Log in now. Have questions? See FAQs.

Financial Aid

Drought puts 2.1 million Kenyans at risk of starvation

National disaster declared as crops fail after poor rains and locusts, while ethnic conflicts add to crisis Last modified on Wed 15 Sep 2021 07.02 BST An estimated 2.1 million Kenyans face starvation due to a drought in half the country, which is affecting harvests. The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) said people living in 23 counties across the arid north, northeastern and coastal parts of the country will be in “urgent need” of food aid over the next six months, after poor rains between March and May this year. The crisis has been compounded by Covid-19 and previous poor rains, it said, predicting the situation will get worse by the end of the year, as October to December rains are expected to be below normal levels. The affected regions are usually the most food-insecure in Kenya due to high levels of poverty. Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the drought a national disaster promising “comprehensive drought mitigation measures”. In July, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Kenya said the country needed 9.4bn Kenyan shillings (£62m) to mitigate the effects of the drought between July and November. Asha Mohammed, secretary general of the Kenya Red Cross, said most of the affected counties had already had to deal with desert locust invasions, flash floods and tribal conflicts driven by diminishing resources. “You have two seasons of depressed rains, desert locusts ravaging farmlands in the same counties and people fighting over the few resources available. That is the making of a disaster,” said Mohammed. She said it was not only farmers who had been affected by the drought, but also people in urban areas who had been forced to pay higher prices for the little available food. “There is some food reaching the urban areas within these counties but there is little purchasing power because many have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic,” she said. The coronavirus pandemic has added to food insecurity by reducing available workforce in a country whose subsistence farming relies heavily on communal labour. The NDMA said social distancing measures had “restricted the communal performance of agricultural activities and availability of casual labour opportunities, reducing the amount of land cultivated and projected crop production”. The disruption of supplies of staple food items and livestock has led to increased price volatility, it added. Production of maize, Kenya’s staple food, is projected to decline by 50% in the affected regions due to low acreage under cultivation, while some areas will see total crop failure. Poor harvests have also affected those farming crops with short maturity cycles, such as vegetables. Thomas Waita, from Kathatu village, in eastern Kenya, does not expect to harvest many tomatoes from his half-acre farm this year. Poor rains and dwindling water levels from a shallow well have seen the size of tomatoes shrink and a good portion of the crop damaged by blossom end rot, brought on by insufficient calcium intake. For the father of two, a poor harvest means little money in the pocket and poor nutrition for his young family. “The tomatoes are ripening but didn’t get enough water. With drip irrigation, I can only afford to water them twice a week rather than daily. They will not fetch good prices at the market,” said Waita. Waita counts himself among the fortunate ones because he at least had some water for his crops. Lack of water has seen maize planted in neighbouring farms wilt and die after hardly reaching knee height. Many farmers, he said, use irrigation methods that require a regular flow of water and, with rivers drying up, it is a matter of time before his fellow villagers become part of drought statistics. “We are told it’s because of climate change. In the past, we used to have many trees here but most have been cut down for firewood and charcoal. [Scientists] tell us such fuels are contributing to global warming and changing rainfall patterns,” said Waita. Mohammed said it is time the country thinks of medium and long-term interventions to mitigate the climate crisis and break the cycle of food insecurity. “It’s clear this is going to get worse,” she said. “We have all the data to help these communities become more resilient and bounce back.”

Droughts

Police look for bank robber

The man walked into the Westpac branch on St Georges Terrace on Wednesday, handed the teller a note demanding money and left with a quantity of cash. He told the teller he had a gun. Police have released video footage of the man in an attempt to find him. He is described as 190 centimetres tall, fair skinned and was wearing a grey cap, a white hooded jumper with a Transformers logo and blue track pants.

Bank Robbery

2017 Batumi hotel fire

A fire in the Leogrand Hotel & Casino in Georgia's Black Sea city of Batumi occurred on the night of 24 to 25 November 2017. It left 11 people dead. After the incident, the hotel rebranded itself as Welmond. [1] The fire in the 22-storey five-star hotel broke out around 20:00 local time, with many strongly suspecting the starting location at the spa center. [2] Thirteen rescue and firefighting vehicles and approximately 100 firefighters were deployed and more than 100 people were evacuated. [3] The hotel was due to host the Miss Georgia beauty pageant. None of the 20 contestants were injured. [4] The owner and executive producer of the pageant told reporters that the contestants were in the middle of rehearsal when they were told to evacuate to a terrace. [2] Eleven people, ten Georgian nationals and one Iranian national, died, all from inhaling fumes. Eight of the victims were found trapped in an elevator, one in a swimming pool, and two were discovered in the hotel gym. [5] Twenty-one people were hospitalized[6] of which were a firefighter, four Turkish nationals and one Israeli national. [7] Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili vowed to punish and identify all those that were responsible for the fire, with Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia backing his calls for an investigation into the breach of fire-safety norms. [5] Police said an investigation into possible breaches of fire safety regulations was launched. [8][9] In 2018 the Georgian Prosecutor's Office requested the detention of a Turkish citizen who was the technical manager of the hotel, and a Georgian citizen who was a staff manager of the technical storage team. [10] Investigators determined that easily inflammable materials which had been placed in the technical storage room helped intensify the fire and caused strong smoke. The hotel was also not equipped with automatic fire and smoke alarm systems. [10] The two detained men, the Turkish manager and the Georgian storage staff member, were sentenced by the Batumi City Court to five years and six months and two years in prison, respectively. [1] The Government of Georgia declared a national day of mourning for November 27 for all of the victims of the fire. [7] The Catholicos Patriach of All Georgia Ilia II expressed his sympathy for the tragedy and offered his condolences to the victims and their families from the Georgian Church at a service he delivered at the hotel. [11] Shortly after the fire, a new law was prepared by the Emergency Management Service for parliament that increased fines imposed on fire safety rules by ten times. Also noted for the creation of the bill was multiple previous shopping center fires in Tbilisi. [12]

Fire

Woman died of carbon monoxide toxicity at Norfolk public housing community

by: Adrienne Mayfield NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Carbon monoxide poisoning caused the death of a woman in the Oakleaf Forest public housing community in December, according to the Tidewater Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. 31-year-old Ariel Cherry died inside a home in the 1700 block of Greenleaf Drive on Dec. 20. Police said they responded to the residence around 8:20 p.m. and found Cherry dead inside. Donna Price, a spokesperson for the regional medical examiner’s office, confirmed to 10 On Your Side investigators that Cherry’s death was accidental and caused by carbon monoxide toxicity. Carbon monoxide toxicity — or poisoning — happens when a person is exposed to the gas and it builds up in their bloodstream, replacing the oxygen in their red blood cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. Oakleaf Forest is a public housing community that is operated by the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority. The day after Cherry’s death, the NRHA said confirmed there was “an incident” in a public housing community that resulted in a fatality.

Mass Poisoning

1991 Uttarkashi earthquake

The 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake (also known as the Garhwal earthquake) occurred at 02:53:16 20 October local time with a moment magnitude of 6.8 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). This thrust event was instrumentally recorded and occurred along the Main Central Thrust in the Uttarkashi and Gharwal regions of the Indian state of Uttarakhand (then still part of Uttar Pradesh). High intensity shaking resulted in the deaths of at least 768 people and the destruction of thousands of homes. The Garhwal division in northern India, flanked by the Tons River to the west and the Alaknanda River to the east, is located at the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. In the region, the Indian Plate is moving northeastward at a rate of 5 centimeters (2.0 in) per year. The Main Central Thrust is the primary northwest-striking structure and dips to the north at 30–40°. The fault plane solutions from the parametric catalogs for the 1991 and 1999 events showed low-angle thrust faulting with varying amounts of strike-slip movement. [6] Six three-axis accelerometers that were within 60 km (37 mi) captured the event, including two units that were close to the projection of the fault at the surface. Analysis of the data recorded by these devices revealed the distribution of slip, moment release over time, and the location of the maximum slip. The mechanism of the event was typical of the thrust system of the Himalayas, with maximum slip (1.5 m (4 ft 11 in)) occurring to the west and southwest of the hypocenter. Energy release began slowly and built to a crescendo four seconds after the initiation of the rupture. [7] Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) conducted a survey of the affected areas between 27 October and 4 November. Their work revealed that more than 300,000 people in 1,294 villages were affected by the shock. Stone masonry homes (that usually supported heavy roofs) fared badly in areas where high intensity shaking occurred. The United States' National Geophysical Data Center indicates that 7,500 homes were damaged and another 7,500 were destroyed while the IITK report shows that up to 42,400 houses were damaged. Jain et al. 1992 stated that the shock was generally moderate while further clarifying the intensities that were observed at specific locations. Ghansyali, Gongotri, and Tehri were listed as experiencing intensity VII (Very strong) shaking and Bhatwari, Budhakedar, Krishanpur, Mahinanda, Maneri, and Uttarkashi were listed as experiencing intensity VIII (Severe) shaking. In a report that documented the study of strong motion recordings of the event, Jain & Das 1993 clarified that while Bhatwari and Uttarkashi experienced intensity VIII shaking at distances of 25 km (16 mi) and 40 km (25 mi) respectively, there was a small 20 km square mile area that experienced a maximum intensity of IX (Violent). Sources

Earthquakes

Watford rail crash

In the early evening of 8 August 1996, a Class 321 passenger train operated by Network SouthEast travelling from London Euston on the West Coast Main Line Down Slow line at around 110 km/h (68 mph) passed a signal at danger. Having applied the brakes it eventually stopped 203 m (222 yards) past the signal and was traversing the junction between the Down Slow line and the Up Fast line. An empty Class 321 coaching stock train approaching at roughly 80 km/h (50 mph) collided with the stationary passenger train approximately 700 m south of Watford Junction whilst progressing across the connections from the Up Slow line to the Up Fast line. [1] One person was killed and sixty-nine were injured, including four members of the train's crew. The person who was killed was Ruth Holland, book review editor of the British Medical Journal. [2] As a result of this accident, the train driver was charged with manslaughter by the Crown Prosecution Service on 10 January 1997, following an investigation by the British Transport Police. On 11 March 1998, the driver was acquitted at Luton Crown Court. In its report, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advised that there was insufficient evidence to justify legal proceedings against the other involved parties, namely Railtrack and Network SouthEast. Following delays caused by the criminal proceedings against the driver, the HSE and the Office of Rail Regulation jointly published its Report into the railway accident at Watford South Junction on 8 August 1996[3] on 29 April 1998, a summary version was published on the internet on 21 May 1998. The HSE and ORR concluded in its incident report that there were a number of mitigating factors that contributed to the incident. Coordinates: 51°39′29″N 0°23′18″W / 51.6580°N 0.3884°W / 51.6580; -0.3884

Train collisions

UK rocket launches from Western Isles ahead of planned spaceport opening

Spaceport 1's site at Scolpaig, North Uist is one of several proposed locations for licenced spaceports in the UK. In Scotland, these include Unst in Shetland, the A' Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland, Prestwick in South Ayrshire and Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute. A commercial rocket has launched from the UK ahead of the planned opening of a spaceport. Named ADA, the rocket blasted off from Benbecula Airport in the Western Isles on Thursday. Spaceport 1 joined forces with East Anglian firm Gravitilab Aerospace Services to launch the flight test vehicle, named after Ada Lovelace, the 19th century English mathematician who is considered the world's first computer programmer. Image: ADA being prepared for launch from Benbecula Airport in the Western Isles Spaceport 1 is a consortium that plans to open a spaceport in the Western Isles at Scolpaig, North Uist in 2022, for commercial, sub-orbital space launches. Mark Roberts, Spaceport 1 programme director, said: "This is a historic moment for Spaceport 1, the Outer Hebrides, Scotland and the UK." Gravitilab aims to make space more accessible by providing reliable and affordable microgravity research and testing services. ADA is the company's first rocket designed for this purpose. The UK's Space Command, a joint effort comprised of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, will respond to growing threats. Gravitilab Aerospace technical director, Rob Adlard, said: "Our work is offering microgravity as a research tool and testing service, which has not been offered commercially in the UK before. "Everything from climate change science and driverless cars need assets in space. "Our aim is to be part of this supply chain for small satellites that will transform the UK's position in the world in the space sector." Last month, the Department of Transport (DfT) announced a framework of rules to regulate the space industry and said it has "a potential £4bn of market opportunities over the next decade". The new regulations mean space flights and satellite launches can now take place in the UK, with the first expected next year. Image: ADA launched from Benbecula Airport ahead of the planned opening of a spaceport Spaceport sites have been planned across the UK, including in Scotland and Cornwall , with the hope of cementing the country as Europe's most attractive destination for commercial spaceflight activities. It is hoped the industry will launch satellites to improve satnav systems and boost the monitoring of weather patterns and climate change. Spaceport 1's site at Scolpaig, North Uist is one of several proposed locations for licenced spaceports.

New achievements in aerospace

Pakistan, China Began Joint Air Exercise Shaheen (Eagle)-IX On Wednesday

The air forces of Pakistan and China on Wednesday commenced a joint exercise designed to deepen practical cooperation and improve the actual-combat training level of the two sides. The joint air force exercise "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX" started on Wednesday at an operational air base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in Sindh province. A contingent of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), comprising combat pilots, air defence controllers and technical ground crew, participated in the exercise, the PAF said in a statement. The opening ceremony of the exercise was jointly witnessed by Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri and Assistant Chief of Staff, PLAAF, Major General Sun Hong, it said. "The joint exercise will improve the actual level of combat training and strengthen practical cooperation between the two air forces," Major General Sun Hong said. Welcoming the Chinese contingent, Air Vice Marshal Sulehri said, "The joint exercise will provide an opportunity to further enhance interoperability of both the air forces, thereby fortifying brotherly relations between the two countries." Shaheen-IX is the ninth in the series of Joint Air Exercises which is conducted each year in both countries on alternate basis. The first such drill was held in Pakistan in March 2011. China and Pakistan share close military ties. China helps Pakistan to jointly produce JF-17 fighter jets and other armaments.

Military Exercise

South32 Dendrobium coal mine fined $15,000 for pumping sludge into Mount Kembla creek

The environmental watchdog has fined an Illawarra mine for breaching the conditions of its licence after a faulty sediment basin released millions of litres of coal sludge into local waterways. Concerned residents near the Dendrobium mine at Mount Kembla observed thick black sludge in Brandy and Water creeks last August after heavy rainfall caused a water dam to fail. The subsequent collapse released 10 million litres of water containing fine coal particles into nearby waterways. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued the mine a $15,000 penalty for non-compliance with its environmental protection licence. "Dendrobium Coal caused or permitted water with high levels of turbidity and total suspended solids to flow into Brandy and Water Creek from the premises at a point not authorised for discharge on the licence," the EPA said in a statement. South32, the company that owns the mine, was required to employ an independent expert to monitor the environmental impacts of the spill.  "This monitoring showed a small reduction in aquatic animals near the mine immediately after the spill," said Jacinta Hanemann, the EPA's acting director, regulatory operations metro. "Subsequent testing has shown no long-term impacts from the incident. "Dendrobium Coal carried out the remediation work and environmental monitoring that was required by the EPA. "It is also performing structural reviews of all similar infrastructure at the mine to avoid incidents like this in the future." Citizen scientist Jessica Whittaker is one of a group of residents who raised concerns about the spill and documented the impact on the local flora and fauna. She said the penalty falls well short of the $1 million maximum for polluting waterways and is unlikely to work as a deterrent. "Is this the value that we put on our aquatic ecosystems? I am really gutted," Ms Whittaker said. "You can get fined $8,000 for pouring paint into a drain — and we're fining a coal company that release 10 megalitres of coal sludge into a suburban creek $15,000. "I have no confidence that this won't happen again." South32 has accepted the fine and said it has completed remediation work at the creeks and removed deposits of coal fines. The company said in a statement a review by external consultants found the incident has caused no ongoing problems for the waterways. "The report found there was limited measurable impact to stream ecology and there was no evidence of fish or fauna mortality. The coal fines were considered to be non-toxic.  "Additional monitoring of the local environment has since been undertaken by external consultants commissioned by South32. 

Environment Pollution

1987 Meerut communal riots

The 1987 Meerut masscacre were a series of violent communal disturbances between Hindus and Muslims in the northern Uttar Pradesh town Meerut which occurred from March to June 1987,[1][2] which resulted in the death of more than 100 people. [3] The tension started in 1986 when the black seal of the disputed structure commonly known as Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was opened by the Government which led the Muslim extremists to make some hateful speeches. [4] The disputed structure was commonly known as Babri Masjid. The Ram Janmabhoomi controversy created the communal tension in Uttar Pradesh. It was alleged by Hindus side that the disputed structure commonly known as Babri Masjid was constructed by Babur after the demolition of a Ram Mandir back in 1528 A.D.[5] Inflammatory speeches were made by Muslim Extremist leaders, which created communal tensions in the area. This resulted in Muslims organising a rally held in March 1987 by the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee, a non-government organization representing Muslims which increased communal tensions in Meerut and ultimately led to communal clashes in April. 10 people died in these riots and there were many misinformation spread on murder of a Hindu man due to a land dispute aggravated issues, due to which additional police and subsequently the army and CRPF being called in to restore order. [6] The first acts of violence were between the police and Muslims in which the police fired on protesting Muslims but later on became a communal riot between Hindus and Muslims. A Hindu shop owner was stabbed to death by Muslim which led Muslims being targeted during the violence by the police and the Hindu rioters which killed Hundreds in the next few days as the riots spread to Modinagar. [7] Estimated property loss was around 50 crores. Hindu and Muslim doctors faced the wrath of their own community for treating patients of other community. [5] According to People's Union for Civil Liberties, after a Muslim girl was crushed under police jeep. This resulted in the police firing at the mob which killed several people. A car was also attacked by the Muslim mob, killing inside a famous local Hindu doctor named Dr Prabhat. [4][8] 50 gazetted police officers and more than 60 companies of the PAC, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Army had to control the riots. [9] Many Muslims were burnt alive by a Hindu mob in villages on the outskirts of Meerut city. [4] PAC officials have been charged by court of filling buses with Muslims taken from their homes and killing them. Later throwing those dead bodies in the canal. [10] On 6 September 2018, the Delhi High Court reserved its verdict in the case. On 31 October 2018, the Delhi High Court convicted 16 former PAC personnel for life after finding them guilty of the murder of 42 people. [11]

Riot

1964 Niigata earthquake

The 1964 Niigata earthquake (Japanese: 新潟地震) struck at 13:01 local time (04:01 UTC) on 16 June with a magnitude of either 7.5 or 7.6. The epicenter was on the continental shelf off the northwest coast of Honshu, Japan in Niigata Prefecture, about 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of the city of Niigata. The earthquake caused liquefaction over large parts of the city. The northwestern side of Honshu lies on the southeastern margin of the Sea of Japan, an area of oceanic crust created by back-arc spreading from the late Oligocene to middle Miocene. The extensional tectonics associated with the spreading formed a series of N–S trending extensional faults and associated basins. Currently the area is being deformed by contractional tectonics, causing inversion of these earlier basins, forming anticlinal structures. [2] The earthquake is thought to have occurred due to reverse movement on one of these reactivated faults. [3] There were 3,534 houses destroyed and a further 11,000 were damaged. [1] This level of damage is explained by the influence of poor sub-soil conditions. Most of the lower part of the city of Niigata is built on recent deltaic deposits from the Shinano and Agano rivers, mainly consisting of unconsolidated sand. Shaking during the earthquake caused liquefaction with instantaneous compaction and formation of many sand volcanoes. [1][3] Maps of areas of subsidence and sand volcanoes were found to match closely with old maps of the position of former river channels. Subsidence of up to 140 cm was measured over wide areas associated with the liquefaction. In one area of apartment buildings built on reclaimed land by the Shinano River, most of the apartment blocks became inclined and one of them was completely overturned. This was despite relatively low levels of ground acceleration recorded by strong motion accelerographs placed in one of these buildings. [3] Niigata City, which had just recovered from the Great Niigata Fire of 1955, sustained considerable damage from fire and liquefaction that resulted from the earthquake. Aside from the buildings destroyed by liquefaction on the left bank of the Shinano River there was also extensive damage on the right bank. The runway of the Niigata Airport was near the hypocenter and was flooded due to liquefaction and the tsunami and a fire broke out inside the airport. Most devastatingly, the pipes of a gasoline tank owned by Showa Shell Sekiyu, located between the airport and the harbor, were also damaged by the shaking. Gasoline from the tank was brought to the sea surface by the tsunami and underground water released by the liquefaction and ignited 5 hours after the earthquake. The fire spread to nearby tanks and induced explosions that fed the fire, allowing it to continue for 12 days. The fire spread to nearby residential areas leaving 1407 people displaced. [4] This fire is said to be the worst industrial complex fire in the country's history. At the time the cause of the fire was said to be caused by the liquefaction, but later research into large earthquakes revealed that long period ground motion also played a role. At the time of the fire, the new specially-designed fire truck for fighting chemical fires had not yet been deployed to Niigata City. A request was sent to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and troops were dispatched from the Tokyo division. There was a danger of the fire spreading to an attached oxygen tank, but the troops from Tokyo managed to stop it from spreading to the tank, after a 20-hour battle. The collapse of the Showa bridge in Niigata has been analysed in detail. [5][6] From eyewitness reports it appears that failure began 70 seconds after the start of the earthquake, suggesting that ground motion was not responsible. Movement of piles beneath the bridge piers due to lateral spreading caused by liquefaction, is regarded as the main cause of the failure. [5][6] The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale, but the relatively deep focal depth of 34 km meant that the perceived intensities on the coast of Honshu were generally VIII (Severe) or less on the Mercalli intensity scale, on consolidated ground. [3] The calculated focal mechanism indicates reverse faulting on a west-dipping fault trending N20°E. [7] The first wave of the tsunami hit Niigata City approximately 15 minutes after the earthquake. It caused flooding damage on Sado Island, Awa Island, and as far away as the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture. The wave reached heights of 3 m at Ryōtsu Harbor, 4 m at Shiotani and near Iwafune Harbor, and between 1 and 2 m at Naoetsu. It was also reported that due to the run-up that occurs on sandy beaches the wave reached 6 m in some places. [8] The first wave was the highest in many places, but the third was reportedly higher in others. The ensuing waves came at intervals of 20 and 50 minutes. [9] Flooding caused by the tsunami persisted in some areas for up to a month. Due to urbanization and modernization in Niigata City and the surrounding area, in order to extract water-soluble natural gas in the ground water, water pumping quickly increased in 1950. As a result, land subsidence became a serious problem. Since 1959, thanks to restrictions on the extractions of natural gas and ground water in the Niigata city area, large scale land subsidence has lessened. However, in that period the ground was observed to settle an average of 20 cm a year. This land subsidence, the liquefaction in the inner city, and the tsunami all contributed to the massive inundation damage during the earthquake. The Bandai Bridge, one of the commuter bridges spanning the Shinano River in the city, survived the earthquake intact, but not unscathed. The streets that cross under the bridge on each side and run parallel to the river are approximately 1 meter different in elevation. The bridge itself only sank about 10 cm during the earthquake but coupled with the aforementioned land subsidence it has sunk a total of 1.2 meters. New laws concerning earthquake insurance were enacted in June 1966 in response to this earthquake.

Earthquakes

Horizontal Integration

Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School for Social Research and Doctor of Philosophy in English literature from NYU. Horizontal integration is the acquisition of a business operating at the same level of the value chain in the same industry—that is, they make or offer similar goods or services. This is in contrast to vertical integration, where firms expand into upstream or downstream activities, which are at different stages of production. Horizontal integration is a competitive strategy that can create economies of scale, increase market power over distributors and suppliers, improve product differentiation and help businesses expand their market or enter new markets. By merging, two businesses may be able to produce more revenue than they would have been able to do independently. However, when horizontal mergers succeed, it is often at the expense of consumers, especially if the merger reduces competition. For this reason, horizontal mergers are heavily scrutinized by regulators, to see if they violate antitrust laws. Indeed, the real motive behind a lot of horizontal mergers is that companies want to reduce competition—either from potential new entrants, established rivals, or firms offering substitute or alternative goods. These are three of the five competitive forces that shape every industry, as identified in Porter’s Five Forces model. The other two forces, the power of suppliers and of customers, drive vertical integration. Companies engage in horizontal integration to benefit from synergies. There may be economies of scale or cost synergies in marketing; research and development (R&D); production; and distribution. Or there may be economies of scale, which make the simultaneous manufacturing of different products more cost-effective than manufacturing them on their own. Procter & Gamble’s 2005 acquisition of Gillette is a good example of a horizontal merger that realized economies of scope.1 Because both companies produced hundreds of hygiene-related products from razors to toothpaste, the merger reduced the marketing and product development costs per product. Synergies can also be realized by combining products or markets. Horizontal integration is often driven by marketing imperatives. Diversifying product offerings may provide cross-selling opportunities and increase each business’ market. A retail business that sells clothes may decide to also offer accessories. Or it might merge with a similar business in another country to gain a foothold there and avoid having to build a distribution network from scratch. Like any merger, horizontal integration does not always yield the synergies and added value that was expected. It can even result in negative synergies which reduce the overall value of the business, if the larger firm becomes too unwieldy and inflexible to manage, or if the merged firms experience problems caused by vastly different leadership styles and company cultures. Then there are regulatory issues. If horizontal mergers within the same industry concentrate market share among a small number of companies, it creates an oligopoly. If one company ends up with a dominant market share, it has a monopoly. And if a merger threatens competitors, or seems to drastically restrict the market and reduce consumer choices, it could attract the attention of the Federal Trade Commission. Examples of horizontal integration in recent years include the 2017 merger of The Walt Disney Company and 21st Century Fox in 2017 (motion pictures/entertainment); Marriott's 2016 acquisition of Sheraton (hotels), Anheuser-Busch InBev's 2016 acquisition of SABMiller (brewers), and AstraZeneca's 2015 acquisition of ZS Pharma (biotech). Older examples include Volkswagen’s 2012 acquisition of Porsche (automobiles), Facebook Inc.'s (now Meta Inc.'s) 2012 acquisition of Instagram (social media), Disney's 2006 acquisition of Pixar (entertainment media), and Mittal Steel’s 2006 acquisition of Arcelor (steel).2345678 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ”P&G REAFFIRMS GILLETTE ACQUISITION FINANCIAL IMPACTS.” Accessed Sept. 8, 2020. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ”To the Shareholders of ArcelorMittal.” Accessed Sept. 8, 2020. The Walt Disney Company. ”Disney To Acquire Pixar.” Accessed Sept. 8, 2020. Facebook. ”Facebook to Acquire Instagram.” Accessed Sept. 8, 2020. Volkswagen. ”2012 Annual Report," Page 14. Accessed Sept. 8, 2020. AstraZeneca. ”AstraZeneca strengthens Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease portfolio with acquisition of ZS Pharma.” Accessed Sept. 8, 2020.

Organization Merge

The US withdrawal from the Iran deal: One year on

On 8 May last year, US President Donald J. Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which sets limits on Iran’s nuclear programme to ensure that it cannot produce nuclear weapons. Despite the US withdrawal, the JCPOA remains in force; it is a multilateral agreement to which seven of the original eight parties still adhere. When they arrived at the agreement in July 2015, the parties to it were Iran, the USA, China, Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Union. A few days after the JCPOA was agreed, it was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. The JCPOA limits Iran’s uranium enrichment programme until 2030 and contains monitoring and transparency measures that will remain in place long after that date. Along with other international experts, SIPRI’s assessment from the outset has been that the agreement is technically sound with robust verification procedures. The International Atomic Energy Agency is responsible for monitoring Iran’s JCPOA implementation. It has consistently found that Iran is fully living up to its undertakings. In short, well-crafted and properly implemented, the JCPOA closes off Iran’s pathway to nuclear weapons, should it decide to go in that direction. However, Saudi Arabia, Israel and most US Republican politicians opposed the agreement. Donald Trump made abandoning the deal a keynote of his 2016 election campaign. Like most other critics, he has described as major flaws the JCPOA’s temporary nature and its lack of controls on Iran’s ballistic missile programme. He is also highly critical of Iran’s actions in Syria and elsewhere in the region, which he characterizes as its ‘malign behaviour’. This makes it clear that, rather than an evidence-based technical objection to the agreement or its implementation, the US decision to withdraw from the JCPOA was a political measure aimed against Iran. The time-limited nature of the JCPOA is by no means unique—the major US-Russian strategic arms control agreement, for example, expires in 2021. It is normal in such cases to find an appropriate opportunity to discuss extending the agreement. Regardless of its views about Iran’s regional policies and actions—or, indeed, about the policies and actions of its regional rivals such as Israel and Saudi Arabia—the US withdrawal from the JCPOA is ill-conceived and regrettable for many reasons. It undermines the value of multilateral diplomacy and raises questions about the sanctity and sustainability of interstate agreements. Furthermore, it challenges the authority of the UN Security Council, which has unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the JCPOA and calling on all UN member states as well as regional and international organizations to take action to support the agreement’s implementation. US withdrawal from the JCPOA risks seriously weakening trust and confidence in international institutions and arrangements that are essential parts of the global security architecture. In particular, the US action undermines the global effort for nuclear non-proliferation by sabotaging an important and effective anti-proliferation agreement. It is to be hoped that the remaining parties to the JCPOA will find ways to support its continued implementation. Subscribe to receive SIPRI updates STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources.

Tear Up Agreement

American Sydney McLaughlin Breaks World Record in 400m Hurdles at Olympics

McLaughlin and Muhammad, a New York City native who went to Southern Cal, have been trading the record, and the wins, for two years. Muhammad first broke the mark at U.S. Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2019, then lowered it again. to 52.16, at the world championships in Doha. McLaughlin broke that record earlier this summer at Olympic trials, running her 51.90 to become the first woman to crack 52 seconds. It felt inevitable that the mark would go down again on a fast track in perfect, hot-and-humid running conditions in Tokyo. Only a day earlier, Norway's Karsten Warholm crushed his old world record, finishing the men's race in 45.94, and runner-up Rai Benjamin's 46.17 also beat the old mark. Six runners in that race set national, continental or world records. It was a lot to live up to for the women, whose race was even more eagerly anticipated. They exceeded expectations. Starting from Lane 7, Muhammad came out of the blocks and made up the lag quickly — too quickly? — as they cruised down the backstretch. Slowly, steadily, McLaughlin drew even, and they were at nearly a draw when they reached the final 100 meters. As McLaughlin and Muhammad scaled the last hurdle, it was McLaughlin who started inching away. The .12-second margin was close — but not as close as in Doha, when McLaughlin lost by .07 in a race that changed her thinking. She had burst onto the scene in 2016, a 16-year-old who loved to tell the story about how she could juggle, and ride a unicycle, and do both at the same time. She could hurdle, too, and had youth titles and trips to major world competitions under her belt on her way to the big-time. She earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in one of the most stacked events on the program, Muhammad, already in her prime, won a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro. McLaughlin was out in the semifinal round. A great learning experience. "Early on, you could tell right away she was super special and just continued to get better and better every single year," said Mike McCabe, McLaughlin's high school coach. McCabe watched the race with a crowd of fans and friends at McLaughlin's old high school. By 2019, though, McLaughlin had graduated from high school and had bigger dreams. The races in Des Moines, then Doha, showed how good McLaughlin really was, but left her with an undisputable reality. Muhammad was better. McLaughlin changed coaches, moving over to work with the famed Bobby Kersee, whose expertise has helped produce what could be its own wing of a track and field Hall of Fame: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Florence Griffith Joyner, Allyson Felix. Now, McLaughlin. Part of Kersee's magic involved having McLaughlin work at shorter distances, jump off the opposite foot, run indoors more and just get used to different situations. He worked on the mental part, too, and it really is hard to knock her off her stride. She didn't get rattled at trials, even when a faulty starting system forced the field back into the blocks three times during a scorching-hot day of qualifying. Nothing seemed to bother her in Tokyo, where she dealt with quarantine rules, early wake-up times (4 a.m. for the first round) and a drenching rainstorm that hit during the semifinals "Bobby always talks about Muhammad Ali, and always having to be ready for that left hook," McLaughlin said earlier this summer when asked how she deals with the unexpected. In this case, it was another Muhammad — Dalilah Muhammad — who stood in the way of McLaughlin's goal. She handled that, too, though it's hard to think this is the end of this rivalry. She had burst onto the scene in 2016, a 16-year-old who loved to tell the story about how she could juggle and ride a unicycle and do both at the same time. She could hurdle, too, and had youth titles and trips to major world competitions under her belt on her way to the big-time. She earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in one of the most stacked events on the program, Muhammad, already in her prime, won a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro. McLaughlin was out in the semifinal round. A great learning experience. "Early on, you could tell right away she was super special and just continued to get better and better every single year," said Mike McCabe, McLaughlin's high school coach. McCabe watched the race with a crowd of fans and friends at McLaughlin's old high school. By 2019, though, McLaughlin had graduated from high school and had bigger dreams. The races in Des Moines, then Doha, showed how good McLaughlin really was, but left her with an indisputable reality: Muhammad was better. McLaughlin changed coaches, moving over to work with the famed Bobby Kersee, whose expertise has helped produce what could be its own wing of a track and field Hall of Fame: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Florence Griffith Joyner, Allyson Felix. Now, McLaughlin. Part of Kersee's magic involved having McLaughlin work at shorter distances, jump off the opposite foot, run indoors more and just get used to different situations. He worked on the mental part, too, and it really is hard to knock her off her stride. She didn't get rattled at trials, even when a faulty starting system forced the field back into the blocks three times during a scorching-hot day of qualifying. Nothing seemed to bother her in Tokyo, where she dealt with quarantine rules, early wake-up times (4 a.m. for the first round) and a drenching rainstorm that hit during the semifinals. "Bobby always talks about Muhammad Ali, and always having to be ready for that left hook," McLaughlin said earlier this summer when asked how she deals with the unexpected. In this case, it was another Muhammad -- Dalilah Muhammad -- who stood in the way of McLaughlin's goal. She handled that, too, though it's hard to think this is the end of this rivalry.

Break historical records

Macron Says Australian PM Lied to Him Over Subs Spat

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said Australia’s prime minister outright lied to him over a canceled submarine deal, deepening an already fraught diplomatic crisis. “I don’t think. I know,” Macron said when asked by Australian media if Scott Morrison was untruthful in their private dealings. Both leaders are attending the G20 in Rome and a major UN-backed climate summit in Glasgow, but the weeks-long spat continues to trail them. In September, Australia’s leader without warning tore up a decade-old multi-billion-dollar contract with France to build a new fleet of submarines. At the same time, Morrison revealed he had been in secret talks to acquire US or British nuclear subs. Furious, Paris denounced the decision as a “stab in the back” and recalled its ambassador, who is only now getting back to work Down Under. Australian media asked Macron on the sidelines of the G20 summit whether he thought the Australian leader had been untruthful to him in private meetings. The French president left little doubt about his view, stressing the need for mutual “respect.” “You have to behave in line and consistently with this value,” he said. Macron crossed paths with Morrison at the G20, and spoke on the phone earlier this week, telling him that a “relationship of trust” had been broken between France and Australia. The pair are yet to sit down for formal talks, although the French ambassador is set to meet Australia’s foreign minister in Sydney on Monday. In Rome, the French leader seemed to have made more progress in clearing the air with US President Joe Biden. On Friday, Biden admitted to his French counterpart that Washington had been “clumsy” in the way it handled the deal, and said, “We have no better ally than France.” Morrison on Sunday defended his behavior, refuting Macron’s view and denying that he lied to the French leader at a private meeting in June. “I don’t agree with that,” he said. “It’s not true.” “We had dinner together. As I’ve said on numerous occasions, I explained very clearly that the conventional submarine option was not going to meet Australia’s interests,” Morrison said. “I’m quite conscious of the disappointment that’s there. And I’m not surprised — it was a significant contract. And so I’m not surprised about the level of disappointment.” The Defense Post aims to publish a wide range of high-quality opinion and analysis from a diverse array of people – do you want to send us yours?

Tear Up Agreement

Overworked Mom, 39, Seeking Treatment For Persistent Sore Throat Diagnosed With Advanced Kidney Cancer Before Having Symptoms

A stressed mother who visited her doctor desperate to know the reason for her persistent sore throat left with a kidney cancer diagnosis. Arlene Gilchrist, 39, hoped to get an antibiotic but soon found herself undergoing multiple tests that eventually detected cancer. “I’d had no symptoms at all, no urinary tract infection symptoms. I had normal, everyday tiredness and a sore back I put down to my work as a bartender,” Gilchrist told The Daily Record. “I didn’t think anything of it.” She knew things were bad even after doctors asked if her partner would like to join her while they discussed her results. What at first glance appeared to be a hopeless situation proved to be anything but in the end. The sore throat Gilchrist sought treatment for had nothing to do with her kidney cancer, but by finding it before it metastasized, doctors were able to remove the kidney. Doctors believed they could successfully rid her body of cancer by removing Gilchrist’s kidney. The only thing left was for Gilchrist to tell her daughter. “My daughter, Ellis, was just six. She was told I was in to get my kidney taken out,” recalled the concerned mom. “I said I had a bad kidney, and I would be alright after it. I had to tell her something.” Even after the surgery, she opted not to explain the whole situation to her daughter and politely asked her friends to do the same. “I didn’t want to upset Ellis at the time. It was all hush-hush. I asked people not to speak about it in front of her,” explained Gilchrist. “When I felt, as her mum, that I was in a better position mentally, I explained to her what was going on. Even though she didn’t quite understand, she took it well. She has been a wee godsend. She doesn’t know how amazing she has been.” And Gilchrist is one of the few people who could not be more grateful for the pandemic, as it allowed for her partner to be home and help both with their daughter and her recovery. Because her kidney ruptured during the operation, she has to undergo scans for the next five years, but so far, things look great, and Gilchrist is back at work. Related: ‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller, 56, May Soon Walk Again After Osteoporosis, Broken Leg, And Surgery Strengthening Her Cancer-Ravaged Spine Kidney cancer is often difficult to detect, with very few symptoms.  Most women, like Gilchrist, assume too much work or too little sleep is to blame for their fatigue and soreness. There is one common symptom, though; in Gilchrist’s case, she did not experience it or catch it at the time. Women who have kidney cancer and other cancers of the genitourinary system often display the same symptoms, according to Dr. Jay Shah, Cancer Care Program Leader for Urologic Oncology at the Stanford Cancer Center – painless blood in the urine. Dr. Shah said that even after noticing this, many women will still wait weeks or even months before telling their doctor. “Men are not used to seeing blood anywhere down in that area, in the genitourinary system. Whereas women, if they’ve been menstruating, they are used to that idea, and the delay can be longer,” explains Dr. Shah. “The urinary tract starts up at the kidneys, and then there are tubes that bring urine down from the kidneys into the bladder, and then includes the bladder and the urethra, and we divide the kidney and the ureters into the upper urinary tract and the bladder and urethra into the lower urinary tract,” explains Dr. Shah. “So the tests that we do for someone with blood in the urine include looking at the upper urinary tract with something like a CT scan or an ultrasound or something called an intravenous ‘pyelogram.'” To determine what is causing the bleeding, doctors have “several different tests” that “look at the entire urinary tract,” says Dr. Shah. Those are all different versions of x-rays that can provide doctors with a closer look at what is happening inside the kidney and, hopefully, locate the cause and source of the bleeding. In Gilchrist’s case, doctors discovered the tumor in her kidney following an ultrasound and CT scan because it is part of the upper urinary tract. If the tumor had been in the lower tract, doctors would have likely performed a cystoscopy procedure where doctors use a camera to look at the bladder, says Dr. Shah. Young Ballerina Beats Kidney Cancer With Husband By Her Side Gilchrist opted to tell her daughter about her surgery but not why she needed the surgery, waiting until she had fully recovered before giving her a complete explanation about her battle with kidney cancer. Discussing a cancer diagnosis with children can be complicated, and some families are more open to sharing all details at once. In contrast, others prefer to keep it a secret – sometimes forever. John Duberstein lost his wife Nina to cancer and told Survivor Net that before her death they tried to be upfront with their sons, who were six and eight, when their mother learned she had cancer. “We tried to give them the information. We didn’t want to hide things from them,” said Duberstein. “We didn’t talk mortality tables with our kids, and we didn’t talk about the nitty-gritty of the treatment unless they asked about it, and then we did.” He said that the approach felt progressive and a far better way to handle the situation than just ignoring what was happening to the boys’ mother. Things got tricky, he said, when Nina was no longer in active treatment. “The trick with cancer is when you look like a cancer patient, that’s probably a good thing for your overall prognosis. That means you’re still being treated. That means they still think that they can either beat it back or cure it,” noted Duberstein. “When you’re a cancer patient who doesn’t look like a cancer patient, that can mean that there is no treatment available to you, and they’ve just stopped doing the things that show up like hair loss and emaciation and that kind of stuff.” So when the couple spoke to the boys one night, they learned that the two had been telling people their mom was sick but now was much better, using her appearance as the basis of that belief. “Even if we didn’t say it, you actually have to affirmatively counter that narrative with the kids, and you do it gently as much as you can, but at the end of the night, what Nina had to tell them was, “I’m not ever gonna get better. My cancer’s not ever gonna go away,”‘ recalled Duberstein. “And it was hard for them to hear even though they’d already been prepared, and they’d already known that stuff.” Telling Kids About Cancer Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process. Chris Spargo is a senior reporter at SurvivorNet. Read More Arlene Gilchrist, 39, hoped to get an antibiotic but soon found herself undergoing multiple tests that eventually detected cancer. “I’d had no symptoms at all, no urinary tract infection symptoms. I had normal, everyday tiredness and a sore back I put down to my work as a bartender,” Gilchrist told The Daily Record. “I didn’t think anything of it.” She knew things were bad even after doctors asked if her partner would like to join her while they discussed her results. What at first glance appeared to be a hopeless situation proved to be anything but in the end. The sore throat Gilchrist sought treatment for had nothing to do with her kidney cancer, but by finding it before it metastasized, doctors were able to remove the kidney. Doctors believed they could successfully rid her body of cancer by removing Gilchrist’s kidney. The only thing left was for Gilchrist to tell her daughter. “My daughter, Ellis, was just six. She was told I was in to get my kidney taken out,” recalled the concerned mom. “I said I had a bad kidney, and I would be alright after it. I had to tell her something.” Even after the surgery, she opted not to explain the whole situation to her daughter and politely asked her friends to do the same. “I didn’t want to upset Ellis at the time. It was all hush-hush. I asked people not to speak about it in front of her,” explained Gilchrist. “When I felt, as her mum, that I was in a better position mentally, I explained to her what was going on. Even though she didn’t quite understand, she took it well. She has been a wee godsend. She doesn’t know how amazing she has been.” And Gilchrist is one of the few people who could not be more grateful for the pandemic, as it allowed for her partner to be home and help both with their daughter and her recovery. Because her kidney ruptured during the operation, she has to undergo scans for the next five years, but so far, things look great, and Gilchrist is back at work. Related: ‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller, 56, May Soon Walk Again After Osteoporosis, Broken Leg, And Surgery Strengthening Her Cancer-Ravaged Spine Kidney cancer is often difficult to detect, with very few symptoms.  Most women, like Gilchrist, assume too much work or too little sleep is to blame for their fatigue and soreness. There is one common symptom, though; in Gilchrist’s case, she did not experience it or catch it at the time. Women who have kidney cancer and other cancers of the genitourinary system often display the same symptoms, according to Dr. Jay Shah, Cancer Care Program Leader for Urologic Oncology at the Stanford Cancer Center – painless blood in the urine. Dr. Shah said that even after noticing this, many women will still wait weeks or even months before telling their doctor. “Men are not used to seeing blood anywhere down in that area, in the genitourinary system. Whereas women, if they’ve been menstruating, they are used to that idea, and the delay can be longer,” explains Dr. Shah. “The urinary tract starts up at the kidneys, and then there are tubes that bring urine down from the kidneys into the bladder, and then includes the bladder and the urethra, and we divide the kidney and the ureters into the upper urinary tract and the bladder and urethra into the lower urinary tract,” explains Dr. Shah. “So the tests that we do for someone with blood in the urine include looking at the upper urinary tract with something like a CT scan or an ultrasound or something called an intravenous ‘pyelogram.'” To determine what is causing the bleeding, doctors have “several different tests” that “look at the entire urinary tract,” says Dr. Shah. Those are all different versions of x-rays that can provide doctors with a closer look at what is happening inside the kidney and, hopefully, locate the cause and source of the bleeding. In Gilchrist’s case, doctors discovered the tumor in her kidney following an ultrasound and CT scan because it is part of the upper urinary tract. If the tumor had been in the lower tract, doctors would have likely performed a cystoscopy procedure where doctors use a camera to look at the bladder, says Dr. Shah. Young Ballerina Beats Kidney Cancer With Husband By Her Side Gilchrist opted to tell her daughter about her surgery but not why she needed the surgery, waiting until she had fully recovered before giving her a complete explanation about her battle with kidney cancer. Discussing a cancer diagnosis with children can be complicated, and some families are more open to sharing all details at once. In contrast, others prefer to keep it a secret – sometimes forever. John Duberstein lost his wife Nina to cancer and told Survivor Net that before her death they tried to be upfront with their sons, who were six and eight, when their mother learned she had cancer. “We tried to give them the information. We didn’t want to hide things from them,” said Duberstein. “We didn’t talk mortality tables with our kids, and we didn’t talk about the nitty-gritty of the treatment unless they asked about it, and then we did.” He said that the approach felt progressive and a far better way to handle the situation than just ignoring what was happening to the boys’ mother. Things got tricky, he said, when Nina was no longer in active treatment. “The trick with cancer is when you look like a cancer patient, that’s probably a good thing for your overall prognosis. That means you’re still being treated. That means they still think that they can either beat it back or cure it,” noted Duberstein. “When you’re a cancer patient who doesn’t look like a cancer patient, that can mean that there is no treatment available to you, and they’ve just stopped doing the things that show up like hair loss and emaciation and that kind of stuff.” So when the couple spoke to the boys one night, they learned that the two had been telling people their mom was sick but now was much better, using her appearance as the basis of that belief. “Even if we didn’t say it, you actually have to affirmatively counter that narrative with the kids, and you do it gently as much as you can, but at the end of the night, what Nina had to tell them was, “I’m not ever gonna get better. My cancer’s not ever gonna go away,”‘ recalled Duberstein. “And it was hard for them to hear even though they’d already been prepared, and they’d already known that stuff.” Telling Kids About Cancer Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process. Chris Spargo is a senior reporter at SurvivorNet. Read More Let us help you prevent cancer with tips and breakthrough science from the world’s top experts. Nebraska Mother, 61, Thanks COVID-19 for Forcing Her to Go to the Appointment that Led to Her Cancer Diagnosis; The Importance of Breast Cancer Screenings Gutsy Girl, 5, Insists Her Aches, Fatigue, And Struggle To Walk Are Not ‘Growing Pains,’ Gets Stage IV Neuroblastoma Diagnosis Days Before Christmas Philadelphia Mother Names Her Child After the Oncologist Who Saved Both of Their Lives; What To Know About Cancer & Pregnancy Nebraska Mother, 61, Thanks COVID-19 for Forcing Her to Go to the Appointment that Led to Her Cancer Diagnosis; The Importance of Breast Cancer Screenings Gutsy Girl, 5, Insists Her Aches, Fatigue, And Struggle To Walk Are Not ‘Growing Pains,’ Gets Stage IV Neuroblastoma Diagnosis Days Before Christmas Philadelphia Mother Names Her Child After the Oncologist Who Saved Both of Their Lives; What To Know About Cancer & Pregnancy Heartbroken Father-of-Four Battling Advanced Kidney Cancer Has Lung Removed After Being Misdiagnosed With Gallstones Nebraska Mother, 61, Thanks COVID-19 for Forcing Her to Go to the Appointment that Led to Her Cancer Diagnosis; The Importance of Breast Cancer Screenings

Famous Person - Sick

Aurora borealis could be visible over Oregon for Halloween weekend

The Northern Lights seen over Mt. Hood from trillium Lake on June 23, 2015. A geomagnetic storm this Halloween weekend may be a trick or treat for Oregonians. The Space Watch Prediction Center on Friday issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Oct. 30, predicting a strong G3 storm that could disrupt communications and power systems over Halloween weekend, and also may result in a visible aurora in Oregon. A geomagnetic storm of that magnitude could affect radio waves and other communications devices, and might also result in voltage irregularities and false alarms in some power systems, the agency said. The storm might also result in a visible aurora borealis for parts of the U.S., including Oregon, where skies may clear for a good show this Halloween weekend. Jim Todd, director of space science education at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, said while the weather forecast calls for clear skies , the odds of actually seeing any northern lights may be slim. He put chances of seeing the aurora in Oregon on Oct. 30 at about 45%, and at about 40% on Oct. 31, with an even slimmer chance of 5% on Oct. 29. While the phenomenon is visible at night, the strongest levels could actually be during the day, spoiling the peak of the light display. Either way, seeing the aurora with the naked eye at such a low latitude is rare. The Pacific Northwest was treated to a show of the northern lights as recently as Oct. 11, when locals shared beautiful images of the northern lights over Oregon and Washington. “Sometimes the auroras (are) low and faint above the northern horizon, not visible to the naked eye” and could last anywhere from few hours or a few minutes, Todd said in an email. “Move away from city lights and find clear northern horizon to improve your chances to see the northern lights.” Your best bet to actually see the aurora is to take a long-exposure photo of about 3-5 seconds looking at the northern horizon, Todd said. If the picture shows shades of green to red curtain-like images in the sky, the aurora is active. The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun strike atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, releasing photons that appear as bright, colorful lights in the sky. While typically only visible at higher latitudes, auroras can be visible in lower latitudes during geomagnetic storms, when the natural phenomenon can be visible as far south as Illinois or Oregon.

New wonders in nature

2004 Al Hoceima earthquake

The 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake occurred on 24 February at 02:27:47 local time near the coast of northern Morocco. The strike-slip earthquake measured 6.3 on the moment magnitude scale and had a maximum perceived intensity of IX (Violent) on the Mercalli intensity scale. Between 628 and 631 people were killed, 926 were injured, and up to 15,000 people were made homeless in the Al Hoceima-Imzourene-Beni Abdallah area. The moment tensor and pattern of surface cracks indicate left-lateral strike-slip faulting on a buried NE-SW trending fault. This earthquake occurred near the epicenter of the magnitude 6.0 Al Hoceima earthquake of May 26, 1994, that injured one person and caused significant damage to adobe buildings. [4] Ground cracks and landslides were observed between Ajdir and Beni Abdallah and maximum peak ground acceleration of 0.24g was recorded near Imzourene. Several aftershocks killed at least three people and destroyed previously weakened buildings. This earthquake occurred near the eastern end of the Rif mountain belt, which is part of the diffuse boundary between the African and Eurasian plates.

Earthquakes

Delta Air Lines Flight 1141 crash

Delta Air Lines Flight 1141 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight between Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah. On August 31, 1988, the flight, using a Boeing 727-200 series aircraft, crashed during takeoff, resulting in 14 deaths and 76 injuries of the 108 people on board . [1] The aircraft was a Boeing 727-200 Advanced, registration N473DA[2], a three-engine narrow-body jet aircraft. It was delivered to Delta Air Lines in November 1973, and was the 992nd Boeing 727 to be manufactured. The aircraft was powered by three Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15 turbofan engines. [1]:6–7 The plane had recorded more than 43,000 flight hours before the crash. [3][additional citation(s) needed] The flight crew consisted of 23-year-veteran Captain Larry Lon Davis (age 46); 9-years-veteran First Officer Carey Wilson Kirkland (37); and one-year-veteran Flight Engineer Steven Mark Judd (30). [1]:102–103 The cabin crew consisted of four flight attendants: Dixie Dunn (56); Diana George (40); Rosilyn Marr (43); and Mary O'Neill (57). [4] Flight 1141 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Jackson Municipal Airport in Jackson, Mississippi to Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah, with an intermediate stop at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in North Texas. [1]:6–7 The flight from Jackson to DFW was uneventful, and Flight 1141 arrived at DFW at 07:38 Central Daylight Time. [1]:1 For the flight from DFW to Salt Lake City, Flight 1141 had 101 passengers and 7 crew members on board. [1]:v At 08:30, Flight 1141 departed from the gate at DFW and was cleared by the ground controller to taxi to runway 18L. [1]:2 The aircraft was instructed to line up on the runway and hold for one minute due to the possibility of wake turbulence from an American Airlines DC-10 that was departing. The crew requested to extend the hold to two minutes, which was granted. The crew talked to the flight attendants for a while about what they would say on the cockpit recorder in case they crashed. Eventually this chat ceased as the crew was cleared for takeoff. The takeoff was normal until the main wheels left the ground, at which point the aircraft commenced a violent rolling motion and the right wing dropped. [1]:2 The aircraft's tail made contact with the runway briefly, and 650 feet (200 m) later, the right wingtip struck the runway. [1]:14 The aircraft developed compressor surges (due to breakdown of the airflow through the engine), and was unable to gain altitude or maintain stabilized flight. [1]:70 Approximately 900 feet (270 m) beyond the end of runway 18L, the plane's right wing hit the ILS localizer antenna, which set the wing on fire and caused it to start disintegrating while the plane was still in flight. [1]:14–16,84 The aircraft remained airborne for another 400 feet (120 m) before it struck the ground, sliding sideways and leaving a trail of wreckage 800 feet (240 m) long before finally coming to a rest 3,200 feet (980 m) from the end of the runway. [1]:14 Fire erupted in the right wing area and quickly spread and engulfed the rear of the aircraft. [1]:30 The total flight time was 22 seconds, from liftoff to the first ground impact. [1]:55[5][6] Two of the four flight attendants (Dixie Dunn and Rosilyn Marr) and 12 of the 101 passengers on board died in the crash. [1]:5 Medical examinations determined that all but one of the fatalities were due to smoke inhalation. [1]:30 One passenger, who had successfully exited the aircraft, attempted to re-enter the aircraft in order to assist his wife and other passengers still trapped inside;[1]:5 he suffered severe burns and died 11 days after the accident from his injuries. [1]:30 Captain Davis, First Officer Kirkland, two cabin crew members, and 22 passengers were seriously injured. Flight Engineer Judd and 49 passengers received minor injuries. 18 passengers received no injuries. [1] Many of the passengers reported that impact forces were not severe and mostly concentrated towards the back of the aircraft. Captain Davis was pinned between his seat and the instrument panel and had to be extricated by rescue crews (due to this, he was the last person to exit the aircraft, approximately 45 minutes after the crash). [citation needed] He suffered severe fractures to the rib cage and spine that required surgery. [citation needed] First Officer Kirkland was badly bruised and sustained a concussion. [1]:30 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the accident attempted to reconstruct the aircraft's performance based on reports from witnesses and survivors. Witnesses reported that the plane attempted to climb at a higher than normal angle, and that the plane rolled from side to side and appeared to be out of control. [1]:5 Based on examination of the wreckage, the NTSB determined that collision with the instrument landing system (ILS) localizer antenna array approximately 900 feet (270 m) beyond the departure end of the runway 18L led to the breakup of the aircraft. [1]:14–16 Leaking jet fuel started a fire that quickly engulfed the fuselage. Engine #3 had separated from the empennage. [1]:14–16 Passengers reported that the plane appeared to shake violently on takeoff. Witnesses on the ground claimed that one of the engines was on fire, but although the engine was badly crushed from ground impact, there was no sign of fire or heat damage. Delta officials quickly reacted to questions about the 727's operating and maintenance condition by pointing out that the original factory engines from 1973 (when the plane was initially purchased by the airline) had been replaced in the last few years by a newer model that ran more quietly and used less fuel. They also stated that there were no known mechanical or maintenance problems with the plane prior to the flight (the vibration reported by passengers was the compressor surging mentioned above). [citation needed] The NTSB examined why the plane was unable to climb once it departed the runway. After conducting airplane performance studies, the NTSB determined that the events of Flight 1141 could only be explained by the aircraft attempting to take off without its flaps and slats extended to the proper take-off configuration. [1]:70 The aircraft's instability and sudden roll to the right was consistent with known performance of the Boeing 727 with the flaps and slats retracted. [1]:70 The captain continued to pull back on the control column in an attempt to keep the plane's nose raised, which created turbulence over the rear-mounted engines and caused the compressor surges. [1]:70 However, the NTSB concluded that the compressor surges would not have significantly reduced the engines' thrust, and that the plane's failure to gain speed was due to aerodynamic drag on the aircraft due to the high angle of attack, rather than a loss of engine thrust. [1]:70 The NTSB examined the CVR and noted that neither pilot is heard announcing the deployment of the flaps or slats, nor is the sound of the flap lever movement heard. [1]:71 The NTSB considered it extremely unlikely that a pilot would have moved either the flaps or the slats without announcing their actions to the rest of the flight crew. [1]:71 Based on the aircraft's failure to climb at takeoff speed, its roll instability, the position of the flap's jackscrews in the fully retracted position,[1]:58 and the absence of sounds indicating the flaps or slats were deployed, the NTSB determined that the plane's failure to climb resulted from the flight crew's failure to deploy the flaps and slats as required by the pre-flight checklist.

Air crash

Pentagon forms new task force to investigate UFOs

WASHINGTON —The Pentagon is forming a new task force to investigate UFO sightings that have been observed on several occasions by U.S. military aircraft. The creation of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, or UAPTF, continues an effort begun in recent years to investigate unexplained aerial incidents encountered by the U.S. military. “The Department of Defense established the UAPTF to improve its understanding of, and gain insight into, the nature and origins of UAPs. The mission of the task force is to detect, analyze and catalog UAPs that could potentially pose a threat to U.S. national security,” the Pentagon wrote in a statement late Friday. “The Department of Defense and the military departments take any incursions by unauthorized aircraft into our training ranges or designated airspace very seriously and examine each report. This includes examinations of incursions that are initially reported as UAP when the observer cannot immediately identify what he or she is observing,” the statement added. The new task force will be overseen by the Department of the Navy and will report to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. The U.S. Navy has previously led efforts to look into unidentified aerial phenomena since the service branch has reported several encounters involving their aircraft. In April, the Pentagon declassified three videos captured by U.S. Navy pilots that appear to show unidentified flying objects. Two of the videos contain U.S. service members commenting on how quickly the object moves while another speculates that the unidentifiable object could be a drone. “Dude, this is a f--king drone, bro,” one pilot is heard saying. Another says “there’s a whole fleet of them.” “They’re all going against the wind. The wind’s 120 knots to the west. Look at that thing, dude!” the first person says. “It’s rotating!” President Donald Trump has previously described the U.S. Navy footage as “a hell of a video” and told Reuters that he wonders “if it’s real.” In June, the Senate Intelligence Committee voted that the Pentagon as well as intelligence community leaders should provide a public analysis of the encounters.

Organization Established

2006 Surat flood

The 2006 Surat flood occurred over 7–10 August 2006, which affected Surat, India, and nearby villages. About 80–95% of Surat was flooded. [6][7] The sudden release of a large amount of water into the Tapti River from the Ukai Dam caused the flood. The Government of Gujarat described the flood as a natural disaster, while reports from the People's Committee on Gujarat Floods of August 2006 and the Surat Citizens' Council Trust's Committee, described the flood as being the result of mismanagement. [8][7][3][1] In the 20th century the city of Surat has suffered from some 20 floods. The 1968 flood was one of the major floods with peak water flow of about 15 lakh cubic foot per second (cfs or cusec), while the 1970 flood had a peak flow about 13.14 lakh cfs. [9] The Ukai Dam was constructed in 1972, flood control was one of the objectives of the dam's construction. [10] After the dam was constructed 90 km upstream from Surat, there were no major floods until 1994. The floods of 1978 and 1979 were effectively managed by the dam. [9] In the 1998 flood more than 30% area of Surat was flooded due to the release of water from Ukai Dam. [1][6] Due to heavy rainfall during 2006 in upstream basin areas, the inflow at Ukai Dam increased. The water level of the dam reservoir was increasing rapidly. On the morning of 3 August, the reservoir had already crossed the prescribed rule level of 333.60 feet (101.68 m). [7] The inflow at dam was 85,958 cfs on 5 August 8 am, then rises to 330,216 cfs on 6 August 8 pm. On the morning of 7 August it became 853,679 cfs. [5] By that time the reservoir was already 90% full, leaving very little empty space left to accommodate the floodwater coming from upstream. The inflow was still increasing. The peak inflow during the flood was about 1,200,000 cfs, but it lasted only for two hours. [2] Operating the gates of the dams increased the outflow rapidly. The outflow increased from 124,920 on 6 August, 8 am cfs, to 409,004 cfs on 7 August 8.00 am. Maintaining the same pace of increase the outflow was increased to a peak of 907,316 cfs at 8 pm on 8 August. The heavy outflow of about 900,000 cfs for a prolonged period of time caused the flood in Surat and other downstream villages. The high tide of the sea during the flood further reduced the drainage capacity of the river and worsened the damage due to flooding. [5] The Government of Gujarat described the flood as a natural disaster, while reports from the People's Committee on Gujarat Floods of August 2006 and the Surat Citizens' Council Trust's Committee, described the flood as being the result of mismanagement. [8][7][3][1]

Floods

Africa was already threatened by another plague, the biggest locust outbreak in the last 70 years

Weeks before most of the world began to take the spread of COVID-19 seriously, Africa was already threatened by another plague, the biggest locust outbreak in the last 70 years. Locusts swarmed into Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and South Sudan in January and February this year. Those hordes of voracious locusts laid eggs, and now the second wave, 20 times the size of the first group, is arriving. According to Locust Watch, “The current situation in East Africa remains extremely alarming as more swarms form and mature in northern and central Kenya, southern Ethiopia, and probably in Somalia.” The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimated that the desert locust impacts the livelihood of 1 in 10 people on the planet, making it the most dangerous migratory pest in the world. Widespread rains in late March allowed the new swarms to stay in place, mature, and lay eggs, reported Locust Watch. The eggs will hatch into hopper bands that form new swarms in late June and July, coinciding with the start of the harvest season. Swarms of locusts can be huge, containing up to 10 billion individuals and stretch over hundreds of kilometers. Such swarms can fly up to 200 km (120 miles) in a day, devastating rural livelihoods with their relentless drive to chomp their way through any vegetation and crops in their path and reproduce. Locusts are ravenous. An adult locust can devour its weight in food each day. Since a locust swarm of one square kilometer can eat the same amount of food in a day as 35,000 people, the potential for destruction is enormous as the second wave arrives. Locust outbreaks in East Africa put millions of vulnerable people at risk. The locust crisis will likely lead to a drop in agricultural production, further threatening food supplies in a region where 11.9 million people already suffer from food insecurity. Communities in Kenya are concerned that a final generation of locusts, after the end of the rainy season, will destroy the rangeland, leaving cattle, donkeys, goats, and camels to starve to death. The impact of desert locusts on food security could be the most devastating in countries that rely heavily on agriculture. For instance, 75 percent of the population in Kenya earns income from agriculture, which generates one-third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Similarly, agriculture accounts for 40 percent of the GDP, 80 percent of exports, and 75 percent of the workforce in Ethiopia. In such countries, the second wave of locusts is likely to harm both the economy and food security. The second wave of locusts, FAO warns, could endanger the food security of approximately 25 million people in East Africa. Locust outbreaks happen intermittently, usually once every couple of decades, but this is the worst outbreak East Africa has witnessed since the late 1980s. Scientists have attributed the size of this outbreak to the climate changes in the region linked to the Indian Ocean Dipole, a phenomenon that caused extreme drought in Australia and torrential rain in East Africa. Under normal circumstances, desert locusts are usually restricted to the semi-arid and arid deserts of Africa. Locust numbers decrease via natural deaths or through migration. The additional moisture this year has created exceptional breeding conditions for desert locusts. The seasonal rainfall in March and May, while essential to timely land preparation and harvest, also created conditions conducive to desert locust breeding and development. Heat waves, tropical cyclones, and intense rains can lead to more unpredicted locust swarms, making it more difficult to prevent future outbreaks. Africa has also been experiencing higher temperatures than usual due to climate change. Studies show that a hotter climate leads to more damaging locust swarms. This puts Africa at a greater risk of locusts as 20 of the fastest warming countries are located in that region. As the coronavirus halts many activities, East Africa is facing a dual challenge. With more than 42,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa as of May 6, the continent struggles with health and economic challenges associated with the virus. And related travel restrictions and lockdowns are making it harder to fight the plague of locusts. Aerial spraying is the only effective way to control the locust outbreak. However, countries in East Africa face difficulties in fighting the infestation as coronavirus travel restrictions slow cross-border movement and delay the delivery of pesticides and helicopters. While the second wave of the locust outbreak is likely to destroy many farms, East African countries have focused their attention and resources on confronting the deadly COVID-19. FAO is working with governments and partners to support operations to fight the outbreak and initiating efforts to safeguard livelihoods and guide people through the long-term impacts of this crisis. For example, FAO and donors have funded and countries have stockpiled some 720,000 tons of cereal—enough to feed 5 million people—across nine countries in the Greater Horn of Africa plus Yemen. However, FAO needs $70 million to support control operations and measures to protect livelihoods and avoid a food security disaster. Researchers in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s climate prediction and applications center, based in Nairobi, are using a supercomputer model to predict breeding areas that could become sources of new swarms if not sprayed. So far, the model has achieved 90 percent accuracy in forecasting the future locations of the swarms using data such as wind speed, humidity, and temperature. This will help African governments to direct their spraying efforts and control hoppers before they swarm. In addition, NASA scientists are using satellites to monitor soil moisture and vegetation from space to learn how environmental changes affect locusts and use the information to prevent future outbreaks. Due to the current pandemic and economic standstill, the World Health Organization has projected a 5 percent drop in Africa’s GDP. As many as 20 million jobs will be lost, according to United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The locust outbreak in East Africa is likely to exacerbate this economic crisis as farmers lose their harvest and the food crisis grows in the region. If governments and the international community do not take the necessary steps to fight this plague of locusts, future waves will make survival all the more difficult and lead to countless deaths.

Insect Disaster

University and Cairngorms National Park sign agreement

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) have signed an agreement to work together. The organisations said the new memorandum of understanding formalised a long-standing relationship. UHI and CNPA said areas they worked together on include forestry, land use and conservation and outdoor pursuits. UHI principal Prof Clive Mulholland and CNPA chief executive Grant Moir signed the agreement. The national park covers parts of the Highlands, north east Scotland and Perthshire. Prof Mulholland said: "We are excited to be formalising and extending our relationship with the Cairngorms National Park Authority. "The national park has an international reputation as a tourist destination and for its nature conservation and there are many links between our aims, specialism and challenges. "We look forward to working together to maximise the opportunities for those living, working and visiting the national park and the Highlands and Islands region." Mr Moir added: "There are already numerous connections between the Cairngorms National Park and the University of the Highlands and Islands and we are delighted to be strengthening our relationship in this way. "Many areas of the university's research are directly relevant to management challenges here in the Cairngorms and, in turn, the national park provides a fantastic learning resource for students at the university."

Sign Agreement

US shot putter Ryan Crouser wins gold, breaks own Olympic record

Gold medalist Ryan Crouser, of the United States, poses during the medal ceremony for the men's shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) By: The Associated Press & Scripps National Posted at 8:49 AM, Aug 05, 2021 and last updated 2021-08-05 10:50:42-04 Ryan Crouser broke his own Olympic record on his way to defending his shot put title Thursday. On his last attempt, Crouser went 23.30 meters to earn the first track and field gold for the American men at the Tokyo Games. U.S. teammate Joe Kovacs finished second and Tomas Walsh of New Zealand was third. The 28-year-old Crouser went 22.52 meters when he won at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Crouser is already the world record-holder after breaking a 31-year-old mark on June 18 at the U.S. Olympic trials. His throw that evening went 23.37 meters. In the heat at Olympic Stadium, Crouser took the lead on his first attempt and saved his best for his final one. When he locked up the gold, Crouser brought out a handwritten sign and held it up for the cameras. It read, “Grandpa, we did it. 2020 Olympic champion!” Matthias Hangst/AP Ryan Crouser, of United States, holds a sign while celebrating winning the gold medal in the final of the men's shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (Matthias Hangst/Pool Photo via AP) ESPN reports that Crouser’s grandfather, Larry, was the person who introduced him to shot put. Sadly, he died last month, the day before Crouser left for Tokyo. Before his grandfather died, ESPN says the Olympian would communicate with him via notes. On Thursday, the athlete told reporters that the celebratory sign was the last note he wanted to write to his grandpa. Report a typo Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Break historical records

Southwest Inn fire

The Southwest Inn fire in Houston, Texas on May 31, 2013 was a fire in an Indian restaurant that spread to an adjoining hotel. The fire claimed the biggest casualty loss for the Houston Fire Department since its inception. Four firefighters were killed and 13 others were injured that day while fighting the five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn located in Southwest Houston. [1] On March 7, 2017, Captain Bill Dowling, who lost both his legs battling the fire in 2013, died of complications (pneumonia or cellulitis) from his line-of-duty injuries. [2] The Southwest Inn was located in the Greater Sharpstown district of Southwest Houston,[3][4] along a portion of U.S. Route 59 named the "Southwest Freeway". [5] The hotel was previously called the Roadrunner Inn. It was owned by Criterium Systems, Incorporated, a company in California. [6] An Indian resurant called "Bhojan" was attached to the hotel. [7] The restaurant described itself as a Gujarati-style thali vegetarian restaurant. [8] The hotel could hold up to 100 guests. [7] Some people used the hotel as a rooming house and stayed there for months at a time. [9] Since 2009, according to fire inspection records, the hotel had received citations for issues in the overall fire alarm system: broken smoke detectors in several rooms, issues with fire suppression systems, expired permits, and obstructed exits. In 2011 HFD's database stated that the hotel was "in compliance" with regulations. In 2012 additional citations appeared on the HFD database. [6] City of Houston inspectors had also cited the restaurant for violations. The restaurant's most recent citation was in March 2013 for failure to clean grease traps. [7] On May 8, 2013, the final inspection of the hotel property stated there was "no action required. "[6] The fire was first reported at 12:09 PM CST on May 31, 2013 in the Bhojan Indian restaurant, during its lunch service. [5] At the time of the fire, 45 guests were registered at the hotel. The front desk clerk and another hotel employee began knocking on doors and windows in the hotel, alerting customers that there was a fire and they needed to evacuate. [7] Twenty HFD vehicles arrived at the scene with lights flashing, including fire trucks and ambulances. [7] The four fatalities occurred twelve minutes after the arrival of the first engine, when the roof collapsed. [6] The hotel's roof had collapsed in the course of the fire. [10] Firefighters, believing that people were trapped inside, entered the building. [1] Two of the deceased were from Station 51 and two were from Station 68. [11] The fire also caused injuries to 14 additional firefighters; one fell into a coma and another required leg amputation. [10] The four firefighters who died in 2013 were Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, Matthew Renaud, and Anne Sullivan. [12] The four bodies were taken via ambulances to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science. [7] Once autopsies were completed, they were taken to local funeral homes. The fire was investigated by the HFD, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). [13] A total of 50 investigators from city, state, and federal agencies helped. [6] The long-term patrons at the Southwest Inn were displaced by the fire. The area Plainfield Inn donated rentals of twenty rooms for their short-term recovery stays. [9] The memorial services for the deceased were scheduled to be held at Reliant Stadium on Wednesday June 5, 2013. [14] Captain William 'Iron Bill' Dowling, who had lost both legs in the roof collapse, died on March 7, 2017, from complications related to his injuries from the fire. [2] A memorial service was held on March 15, 2017. [15] In June 2015 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released their final report and found eight contributing factors to the death of the firefighters, including:[16] Anne McCormick Sullivan Elementary School, in the Riverstone community and in unincorporated Fort Bend County,[17] was named after one of the firefighters. [18] It is a part of the Fort Bend Independent School District. [17] In 2018 a lawyer accused Motorola of being responsible for mistakes in the radio network and that they contributed to the deaths. Families of the four firefighters immediately killed filed a lawsuit against Motorola. [19] In 2019 the wife of Dowling filed a lawsuit against Motorola. [20] Final reports:

Fire

Basketball Hall of Famer Abdul-Jabbar will deliver Commencement address to Class of 2021

NBA great and social justice advocate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will deliver the 2021 Commencement address for Washington University in St. Louis, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced in a video message to members of the class. With guidance and approval from St. Louis regional health authorities, the university plans to hold in-person Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021 on May 20 and 21 on the Danforth Campus. Due to limitations on gatherings and crowd sizes due to COVID-19, however, the university will host multiple, smaller ceremonies on Francis Olympic Field in place of the traditional universitywide Commencement ceremony in Brookings Quadrangle. There will be a maximum of 500 graduates at each in-person ceremony, with two guests allowed per graduate. The university also will welcome alumni from the Class of 2020 back to campus so they can participate in in-person Commencement ceremonies, planned for May 30. The Commencement speaker for the Class of 2020 ceremonies will be announced April 15. The university’s May 15, 2020, universitywide Commencement ceremony in Brookings Quadrangle was canceled due to public health concerns in the midst of the pandemic. The university recognized the Class of 2020’s graduation through online ceremonies and celebrations last May. For the graduates who are coming back to campus, the university plans to hold three ceremonies May 30 on Francis Olympic Field. A maximum of 500 graduates will be at each ceremony, with two guests allowed per graduate. The ceremonies will be livestreamed for alumni who are unable to return. Commencement will look and feel very different for both the classes of 2020 and 2021. In addition to the smaller, multiple ceremonies for each class, seating will be arranged to accommodate physical distancing. Graduates will not cross the stage, shake hands or receive diplomas during the ceremonies, and graduate students will not be hooded. With the exception of the faculty marshals and Commencement volunteers, faculty and staff will only be invited to attend virtually. All graduates, guests and staff will wear face masks throughout the ceremonies, and everyone in attendance will be required to register in advance. Abdul-Jabbar’s address to the Class of 2021, which will be video recorded in advance to accommodate the multiple ceremonies, will be shown on large screens on Francis Field for those who are attending in person and livestreamed to graduates who are studying remotely during the spring. The university is expecting to host eight ceremonies. “I am thrilled that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an inspiration both on and off the basketball court — since before and long after his phenomenal athletic career — will be addressing our graduates,” Martin said. “A Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and a prolific author, in addition to being the highest-scoring NBA player of all time, Mr. Abdul-Jabbar has used his platform to address racial justice and social equity issues everywhere,” Martin said. “He has demonstrated his commitment to improving others’ lives not just through his influential words, but through such actions as establishing a foundation that works with underserved communities, helping kids reach their full potential. “He achieved greatness in his chosen career, but he didn’t stop there,” Martin said. “He is a force for good and a wonderful example for our graduating students, who I’m sure will find his message uplifting.” The university will award Abdul-Jabbar an honorary doctor of humanities degree during its 160th Commencement. Considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time, Abdul-Jabbar is also a humanitarian, an author and an advocate for racial justice. The 7-foot-2 Hall of Famer is famous for his trademark skyhook shot and dominating the NBA for 20 years with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player, a record 19-time NBA All-Star and a member of six NBA championship teams. He remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, as well as its all-time leader in career victories as a player. But as Abdul-Jabbar has said about himself, “I can do more than stuff a ball through a hoop; my greatest asset is my mind.” He has used it often for the greater good. He has been an activist since just after graduating high school in New York, when he had an opportunity to ask Martin Luther King Jr. a question during a news conference. From that brief interaction with the civil rights leader, Abdul-Jabbar was inspired and has spent his life fighting against injustices like systemic racism and health, educational and employment disparities. Abdul-Jabbar founded and has served since 2009 as chairman of The Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to “give kids a shot that can’t be blocked” by bringing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) opportunities to underserved Los Angeles communities. Camp Skyhook, the foundation’s flagship program, is an immersive experience in which middle schoolers from racially, culturally and socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods receive hands-on STEM learning outside their urban environment. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Abdul-Jabbar the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. His other awards include the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s prestigious Double Helix Medal for his work in raising awareness for cancer research and the Lincoln Medal for his commitment to education and equality. A native of Harlem, Abdul-Jabbar earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1969 from the University of California, Los Angeles. He played on UCLA’s basketball team under Coach John Wooden from 1967-69, winning three consecutive NCAA championships. In April 1969, the Bucks selected him No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft and he played center for Milwaukee from 1969-1975. He led the Bucks to the NBA championship in 1971. He was traded to the Lakers in 1975 and played on five more championship teams until his retirement at age 42 in 1989. A decade after retiring as a player, Abdul-Jabbar returned to the sport as a volunteer assistant coach for one season of the Alchesay High School basketball team on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona. In an interview with the Arizona Daily Star about why he would take on such a position, the father of five said he was answering a nationwide call from retired Gen. Colin Powell for people to help their neighbors. He further explained, “The neighborhood I was from was not a lot different from the reservation. Barrios. Ghettos. There were not good opportunities,” he said. “I want to get these kids thinking about college. If they have the talent to go on to play in college … I am walking proof that it can be done.” In 2000, he wrote a book about the experience, “A Season on the Reservation: My Sojourn With the White Mountain Apaches.” A New York Times bestselling author, he has written 15 other books, including two memoirs: “Becoming Kareem” for young readers and “Coach Wooden and Me” about his 50-year friendship with the famed UCLA coach. He received the 2012 NAACP award for his children’s book “What Color is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors.” Also in 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton named him a U.S. cultural ambassador to promote the importance of education, social and racial tolerance, and cultural understanding around the world. After 50 years as an athlete and activist, he offers his perspectives as a nationally recognized speaker who regularly appears on the lecture circuit. A contributing columnist for newspapers and magazines around the world, he has been named Columnist of the Year at the Southern California Journalism Awards for the past five years. Among his work in television, he was the focus of an HBO Sports documentary, “Kareem: Minority of One” in 2015, and a writer on Season 5 of Hulu’s “Veronica Mars.” He is producing a documentary for History, titled “Fight the Power: The Protests That Changed America.” Campus & Community Students Comments and respectful dialogue are encouraged, but content will be moderated. Please, no personal attacks, obscenity or profanity, selling of commercial products, or endorsements of political candidates or positions. We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate comments. We also cannot address individual medical concerns or provide medical advice in this forum.

Famous Person - Give a speech

Blackwater Fire of 1937

On August 18, 1937, a lightning strike started the Blackwater Fire in Shoshone National Forest, approximately 35 miles (56 km) west of Cody, Wyoming, United States. Fifteen firefighters were killed by the forest fire when a dry weather front caused the winds to suddenly increase and change direction. The fire quickly spread into dense forest, creating spot fires that trapped some of the firefighters in a firestorm. Nine firefighters died during the fire and six more died shortly thereafter from severe burns and respiratory complications. Another 38 firefighters were injured. The fire killed more professional wildland firefighters in the U.S. than any other in the 103 years between the Great Fire of 1910 and the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013. The Blackwater Fire consumed 1,700 acres (690 ha) of old-growth forest dominated by Douglas fir trees on the west slopes of Clayton Mountain. At the time the firestorm occurred, the temperatures were about 90 °F (32 °C) and the relative humidity was only 6 percent. Though most of the firefighters consisted of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employees, they were led by more experienced United States Forest Service (USFS) fire managers. Firefighters in the first half of the 20th century used mostly hand tools to suppress wildfires, and all gear was carried by the firefighters or by pack animals. Weather forecasting and radio communication were generally poor or nonexistent. Investigations and analysis of the event led the USFS to develop better ways to provide a more immediate response to combat fires; one of them was the development of the smokejumper program in 1939. Additionally, the Ten Standard Firefighting Orders, a standardized set of wildland firefighting principles, were developed in 1957. A year after the tragedy, survivors and their fellow employees constructed several memorials at the scene of the incident. Blackwater Creek originates on the north slope of Sheep Mesa at an altitude of 11,400 feet (3,500 m) in Shoshone National Forest and flows north through Blackwater Canyon. The creek is 12 mi (19 km) long and descends a steep gradient before it empties into the North Fork Shoshone River, across from U.S. Routes 14/16/20 immediately west of Mummy Cave and 15 mi (24 km) east of the border of Yellowstone National Park. [2] The firestorm deaths occurred on the west slopes of Clayton Mountain, approximately 5 mi (8.0 km) south by trail into the canyon. [3][4] The canyon consists of numerous ravines and small ridges, which form a washboard landscape shaped by extensive erosion of the volcanic igneous rock that constitutes the Absaroka Range. [5] The canyon has moderate to steep slopes with a gradient of 20 to 60 percent. [6] The regional flora is an upper montane mixed-conifer forest dominated by Douglas fir trees. [6][7] When the fire swept through the area the forest was dense and mature with heavy fuel loads from dead trees, which also had dead limbs extending to the ground, providing a fuel ladder for fire to easily spread into the tree tops. [6] In 1937, firefighters did not have portable radios for rapid on-scene communication or helicopters to bring supplies and provide water drops. [8][9][a] Firefighters had some access to gas-powered portable water pumps (two were set up on the Blackwater Fire), but most used backpack pumps that were manually operated and held limited water. [10][b] Firelines were dug by handcrews using shovels, axes and pulaskis (a tool that could be used as either an axe or a hoe). [12][13] Most firefighters wore cotton and wool clothing, which provided poor protection from flames. [12] Additionally, they did not have fire shelters, which first became available in the 1960s but were not mandatory until 1977. [14] Later researchers believe the use of shelters might have saved lives depending on where the firefighters were when the firestorm occurred. [12][15] The steepness and ruggedness of the terrain in Blackwater Canyon meant firefighters had to access the fire on foot, carrying all their supplies. On the Blackwater Fire, pack horses were used to ferry supplies from the access roads to an upper base camp. [16] Many of the firefighters were employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and had limited training in wildfire suppression and behavior, as the CCC was mainly engaged in construction projects. After a series of severe and deadly forest fire events in the early 20th century, officials established the 10 am rule in 1935, which recommended aggressive attack on all fires and to have them controlled by 10 am, the day after they are first detected. [17][18] This was intended to prevent fires from remaining active into the afternoon when the rising temperatures and more turbulent air caused fires to expand and become more erratic. [19] A scientific publication about fire behavior that could be used for widespread training of firefighters first became available in 1951. [12] The Blackwater Fire was started by a lightning strike on August 18, 1937, but it remained undetected until early August 20, at which time it was estimated to be about 2 acres (0.8 ha) in size. [15][20] By the evening, it had expanded to 200 acres (80 ha), and 65 firefighters from the United States Forest Service (USFS), which included CCC company 1852 from the Wapiti Ranger District of Shoshone National Forest and employees of the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR), were constructing fire lines along two flanks of the fire. [20][21] A gas-powered portable pump was delivered and set up using water from Blackwater Creek by midnight. Another pump arrived after that and firefighters installed 2,000 ft (600 m) of hose line on the north flank of the fire and another 5,000 ft (1,500 m) on the west flank. CCC workers from the National Park Service arrived at 2:30 am on August 21 and started construction of fire line along the north flank of the fire. Meanwhile, increasing winds had begun expanding the fire to the east. [10] Fire officials believed they needed more manpower, so CCC crews from Bighorn National Forest, 165 mi (266 km) to the east, and other districts of Shoshone National Forest started responding by the morning of August 21. [15][22] By 12:30 pm, more than 200 firefighters were on duty and involved in digging fire line or in support of the firefighting effort. [23] Along one of the small creeks flowing into Blackwater Creek, a small dam was constructed to pocket water supplies for use in backpack water pumps. [24] Due to a long overnight journey, the CCC members from the Tensleep District of Bighorn National Forest did not commence response to the fire until after noon on August 21. [10][25] As they arrived, the Tensleep CCC unit were told to relieve the Wapiti CCC unit that had been fighting the fire since the previous evening. [26] More than 50 firefighters commenced construction of a new fire line along Clayton Creek and Clayton Gulch, a ravine extending east from Blackwater Creek. The construction was led by USFS Rangers Alfred Clayton and Urban Post, and their crews consisted mainly of the Tensleep CCC camp and some from other entities. [6][25] Radio transmissions from Idaho to a weather service office in Riverton, Wyoming, indicated a dry weather front had pushed through and was heading east. It is believed that forest managers at the Wapiti ranger station received this information, but it did not reach the men on the fire lines because of a lack of radio lines. [15] The USFS did have spotters in an aircraft providing aerial observation of the fire behavior that was radioed to the Wapiti ranger station.

Fire

Air France Flight 1611 crash

Air France Flight 1611 (AF1611) was a Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle III en route from Ajaccio, in the island of Corsica, to Nice, France, on 11 September 1968 when it crashed into the Mediterranean Sea off Nice, killing all 95 on board. According to the official report, the crash was non-survivable. [2] The Ajaccio-Nice Caravelle crash is the deadliest aviation incident in the Mediterranean Sea to date. [1] The probable cause was attributed to a fire of uncertain origin which originated in the rear of the cabin. There was early speculation that the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile, since there is a firing area not far from the crash site. Although the hypothesis was officially discarded by the inquiry board, many victims' relatives still have doubts and have asked to have access to classified documents about the event. In December 1972, the inquiry board of the French ministry of transportation published its official report. [2] The report surmised that the loss of the aircraft had been caused by a fire in the passenger toilet caused either by a defective water heater or a cigarette discarded in a waste bin. This rejected the suggestion of any missile strike, basing its findings on the aircraft's survival time after the pilot's initial report to air traffic control of a fire on board, the examination of the wreckage recovered from the seabed, knowledge of a similar accidental fire in another Sud Aviation Caravelle, and the declaration by the French defence ministry that there were no surface ships in the area capable of launching missiles. Among the dead was French general René Cogny. On 10 May 2011, Michel Laty, a former army typist, alleged on French television channel TF1 that he saw a report indicating a missile, misfired by the French army during a weapon test, in fact caused the crash. [3][4] A 2019 article in The Guardian newspaper reported that, after the crash, documents and photographs about it disappeared. The 11 September page in the log book for Le Suffren, a French Navy missile frigate in the area, was torn out. The aircraft's black box flight recorder was said to have been damaged, with the recording of flight AF1611 unreadable, although earlier flights were recorded. Wreckage recovered was seized by France's military. An investigation was started in 2011 by gendarmes, and in September 2019 the theory that a fire had started in a toilet was disproved. A family member of one of those killed said "The investigating judge has said he is practically certain to almost 100% that the plane was hit by a missile. Now we are waiting". French president Emmanuel Macron wrote to a victim's family, saying that he hoped the affair would be declassified, and that he had asked the armed forces minister to begin the process of releasing documents related to the crash. [5]

Air crash

1962 Royal Nepal Airlines DC-3 crash

On 1 August 1962, a Douglas DC-3 operated by Royal Nepal Airlines crashed in Nepal en route from Tribhuvan International Airport to Palam Airport on an international scheduled passenger flight. The wreckage of the aircraft, registration 9N-AAP, was found near Tulachan Dhuri[where?]. All 10 passengers and four crew aboard were killed in the crash. An investigation into the crash was launched by Nepalese authorities after the accident site was located. It was the first aviation accident of an international flight by a Nepali carrier. [1][2][3] The aircraft involved in the crash was a Douglas C-47 Skytrain version of the Douglas DC-3 operated by Royal Nepal Airlines. Its maiden flight was in 1943 with the United States Air Force Before it was sold to Royal Nepal Airlines in 1962, it was furthermore operated by Orient Airways and Pakistan International Airlines[4] All occupants on board died in the crash; they included the four crew members and 10 passengers including the Indian ambassador to Nepal. [5][3] The official report by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal stated that the three man crew was very experienced. [6] The flight was a scheduled international flight, that took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 12:21 NPT for its flight to Palam Airport. There was no weather forecast available in Kathmandu, but the pilots were to get updated in flight. At 13:15 NPT, the last contact was made from Calcutta Air traffic control. After that no more contact could be established to the flight. [6] At the time, it was the worst aviation accident in Nepali history. [1] It was the second accident of this aircraft operated by Royal Nepal Airlines, who were the sole airline operator in Nepal at that time. [7][8] On 2 August 1962, search and rescue operations were initiated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal but only on 9 August 1962, the wreckage of the aircraft could be found near Tulachan Dhuri on a mountain at 11,200 feet (3,400 m). [6] The official report listed the cause of the accident as a result "from the fact that the aircraft had drifted off course while flying under instrument meteorological conitions and attempting to reach an altitude at which it would be able to resume operation under visual flight rules" before it collided with a mountain at 11,200 feet (3,400 m).The Department lastly suggested to change the flight route between Kathmandu and New Delhi. [6] Investigating the accident, another Royal Nepal Airlines flight Pilatus PC-6 Porter crashed in Barse Dhuri. [9][10]

Air crash

Tiger King's Joe Exotic asks for release from jail after cancer diagnosis

Tiger King's Joe Exotic has asked to be released from prison after being diagnosed with "aggressive" prostate cancer. He's currently serving a 22-year sentence for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and animal abuse. Netflix show Tiger King tells the story of Exotic's rivalry with Florida animal sanctuary owner, Carole Baskin. He was convicted of trying to have her killed. His lawyer says he's due a resentencing hearing but wants the process sped up. Asking the world to be his "voice", Exotic - whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage - wrote in a letter that he was innocent and wants to "enjoy what life I have left with my loved ones". "I don't want anyone's pity," he added. Confirming Exotic's cancer diagnosis, his lawyer John M Phillips tweeted: "He and I spoke Monday with both of us in tears at a point. "He needs freedom by so many definitions and we are diligent working towards that." John told the BBC that "justice in America is very slow". He wants to speed the process up and to convince a judge to grant him compassionate release so he can receive "good medical treatment outside of the prison system".AdChoicesADVERTISEMENT "We can't spend four months on him waiting to get treatment," he said. Netflix has secured the rights to a second Tiger King season, with a number of spin-offs also in the pipeline. Amazon had a series planned with Nicolas Cage playing the role of Joe Exotic, but that was scrapped with producers saying the story "was no longer relevant". Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. Tiger King zoo permanently closes Carole Baskin sues Netflix over unagreed footage Amazon scraps Nicolas Cage's Tiger King TV drama Doubt cast on email from Chinese tennis star No reason for Alec Baldwin to fire gun - lawsuit The students taking the 'world's hardest' exams. VideoThe students taking the 'world's hardest' exams The mums using Instagram to offer advice to new parents The students taking the 'world's hardest' exams. VideoThe students taking the 'world's hardest' exams Awkward conversations for US with its neighbours The man who could be India's first gay judge How Ethiopia's once mighty army has been outflanked 'I've seen irreversible change but hope too for planet' Why Mexico is not prepared for the migrant caravan. VideoWhy Mexico is not prepared for the migrant caravan

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Alert level raised as volcano erupts in southwestern Japan

A volcano on a southwestern Japan island erupted late Tuesday, sending large rocks nearly 1 kilometer from the crater, prompting the weather agency to raise its alert level. The eruption occurred at the crater of Mt. Otake on Suwanose Island of Kagoshima Prefecture at 10:05 p.m. There were no immediate reports of injuries, according to local authorities. The Japan Meteorological Agency said early Wednesday that it has raised the volcanic activity alert level by one notch to 3 on a scale of 5, meaning that people should not approach the crater. Following the eruption on Tuesday night, the volcano erupted again at 2:57 a.m. Wednesday, with large rocks projected nearly 1 km from the crater as before. The agency warned of the potential for big rocks to be hurled into the air within about a 2-km radius of the crater. Late last year amid intensifying volcanic activity, the agency raised its alert level to 3 on Dec. 28. It was lowered to level 2 on Jan. 14 in the absence of any major changes in volcanic activity data. Suwanose Island, a volcanic island with a small population, is located about 230 km south-southwest of Kagoshima.

Volcano Eruption

2016 gas explosion still killing our people — Akwa Ibom community laments

Obotim Nsit community in Nsit Ibom Local government area of Akwa Ibom state has lamented that the effects of the gas pipeline explosion that occurred in 2016 in the community is still killing people and destroying economic trees and livelihoods. It was gathered that the gas pipeline which run through the community from Ukanafun to Calabar, Cross River state, exploded at Asang Community High School in the area, killing more than 28 people and rendered the land unproductive.  Addressing a media briefing in the community, the village head, Eteidung Iniobong Akpan noted that his people  have been suffering heart attacks while houses are still collapsing as a result of the incident. His words, “Since the gas pipeline explosion we have been having damage after damages. Many houses have collapsed. Water from rains is always black and unfit for  use as a result of the gas emissions which is still in air. “Most of our people are suffering from heart attacks. The roof of the Asang Community High School where the incident occurred have been ripped open and since then no conscious effort has been taken to renovate the school. “Recently, students writing WAEC exams in the school had to stop writing exams to allow the rain to stop because of the leaking roofs. There is no electricity in our community since then because the Seven Energy company ordered that the transformer be disabled to enable the fire which erupted from the explosion to be put out. “We can’t even breath good air because the atmosphere of our community is still polluted. This has led to serious health challenges to the people”  The community leader disclosed that it has requested for N7.6billion compensation from the company to enable it clean up the mess and  therefore called on both the state and federal governments to come to the aid of the community.“We are also urging the Akwa Ibom and federal government to intercede so that we have our lives back” the village head appealed.

Gas explosion

Garuda Indonesia Flight 421 crash

Garuda Indonesia Flight 421 was a scheduled domestic flight operated by Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Indonesia travelling about 625 km (388 mi; 337 nmi) from Ampenan to Yogyakarta. On January 16, 2002, the flight encountered severe thunderstorm activity during approach to its destination, suffered flameout in both engines, and ditched in a shallow river, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-3Q8, registration PK-GWA, was manufactured in 1988 and delivered in 1989. [1] It was the first 737 flown by Garuda Indonesia. On this flight, it was flown by Captain Abdul Rozaq (44) and first officer Harry Gunawan (46). Captain Rozaq had logged 14,020 flight hours including 5,086 hours on the Boeing 737. First Officer Gunawan had 7,137 flight hours. [2]:4–5 As the Boeing 737-300 aircraft was on approach to its destination, the pilots were confronted with substantial thunderstorm activity visible ahead and on their onboard weather radar. [2] They attempted to fly between two intense weather cells visible on their radar. They later entered a thunderstorm containing heavy rain and hail. About 90 seconds later, as the aircraft was descending through 19,000 ft (5,800 m), both CFM International CFM56 engines experienced a flameout, which resulted in the loss of all generated electrical power. Both engines were set at their flight-idle power setting before flameout occurred. The crew tried unsuccessfully to restart the engines two or three times. They then tried but failed to start the auxiliary power unit (APU), at which time total electrical power loss occurred. (During the later investigation, the NiCd battery was found to have been in poor condition due to inadequate maintenance procedures.) First Officer Gunawan attempted to transmit a Mayday call, but was unable to. As the aircraft descended through the lower layer of clouds at approximately 8,000 ft (2,400 m), the pilots saw the Bengawan Solo River and decided to attempt to ditch in the river with the flaps and gear retracted. The ditch procedure was successful, leaving the aircraft settled down on its belly in the shallow water, with the fuselage, wings and control surfaces largely intact. There was no fire. Only two doors were available for evacuation. Residents of nearby villages assisted. Uninjured passengers and their personal belongings were temporarily sheltered in a nearby empty house, while injured passengers were transported by an available vehicle to the nearest clinic. After evacuation, the pilot contacted the Jogja Tower via cellphone and reported the emergency landing and location. The rescue team arrived about two hours later and all remaining passengers and crew were taken safely to a hospital. There was severe damage to the submerged aircraft belly, especially near the tail, leading to the inference that it landed nose high with tail impacting the shallow river bed, which ripped away the cabin floor together with the two flight attendants seated there. Both were found with severe injuries in the river behind the aircraft, and one did not survive. Twelve passengers suffered injuries, while the flight crew and other two flight attendants were injured. The aircraft was written off as a total loss, making the accident the 11th hull loss and eighth fatal accident involving the Boeing 737-300. [3] The final report of the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) notes that pilot training in the interpretation of weather radar images was not formal, being given only during flight training. It is considered possible that the precipitation was so dense that it attenuated the radar signals, reducing the reflections that usually indicate precipitation and making such high density appear to be a clearer path. Had the crew manipulated the radar tilt to sweep the ground during descent, they would have been aware of the risks associated with the chosen flight path. Intense noise audible in data from the cockpit voice recorder as well as damage to the nose radome and engines indicate the presence of hail with the rain. The report concludes that the hail/water density exceeded the engine tolerance at flight idle, resulting in flameout. [2] A later Safety Recommendation letter[4] from the U.S. NTSB to the FAA notes that analyses of flight recorder data and weather satellite images indicate that the aircraft had already entered a thunderstorm cell at the start of the diversion to avoid the storm. It also notes that the procedure recommended in the Boeing 737 Operations Manual to respond to a dual flameout is to first start the APU (which could then provide much more power to start the main engines). Furthermore, repeating a comment in the NTSC report, the letter notes Boeing's advice that, in moderate to severe rain, starting main engines can take up to three minutes to spool up to idle, whereas the pilots allowed only one minute before initiating another retry. However, the battery on the stricken aircraft was found to have been faulty, holding only 22 volts before the flameout occurred when a fully charged battery should have 24 volts. The fact that the battery was faulty before the flameout meant the pilots’ futile attempts to restart the engines all but drained the remaining power from an already damaged battery, resulting in there being no power to start the auxiliary power unit, which explains the total loss of electrical power, even after the plane left the storm. There was simply no power to restart the engines or start the APU. The letter from the NTSB also recommends to the FAA that pilots be advised to maintain a higher engine power level in moderate to severe precipitation to avoid flameout. Garuda Indonesia no longer operates this route in 2005. It still uses the flight number GA-421, but on the Denpasar – Jakarta route instead, operated by an Airbus A330 or a 777-300ER. [5] Garuda Indonesia also funded local road construction nearby the accident area and also built a multipurpose hall and reservoir facility in thanks for local villagers' assistance when evacuating. [6] The crash was dramatized in the 16th season of the TV series Mayday – also re-packaged as Air Disasters – in an episode entitled "River Runway". [7]

Air crash

Fat Trel released from prison

D.C. rapper Fat Trel has been released from prison. On Friday (Oct. 15), footage circulated of the emcee as he made his way out of the prison facility. “You know what the fuck it is,” he’s heard saying in the clip. “The king of Northeast is back nigga, and you know what the fuck is up with me nigga.” Trel, born Martrel Rayshard Reeves, was arrested on July 8, 2018 for possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time, cops pulled the rapper over for traffic violations and discovered that he was without identification or a driver’s license as it had previously been suspended. JAY-Z reportedly fighting for release of fan sentenced to 20 years in prison over weed Trel — who allegedly reeked of alcohol and marijuana — was asked to step aside as officers conducted a search on his vehicle and found a .40-caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. The pistol was later identified as a “ghost gun,” meaning it was created to function as a firearm. Per Justice.gov, these types of pistols typically lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. The D.C. rapper pleaded guilty for the illegal possession of a ghost gun last year and faced a maximum of 10 years in prison. Last month, however, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis revealed he would only be sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. FBG Duck’s alleged killers arrested Fat Trel, who is signed to DTLA Records, is a former signee of MMG and Atlantic Records. Throughout the course of his rap career, he’s released a slew of mixtapes featuring collaborations with Rick Ross, Big K.R.I.T., Chief Keef, Wale, Gucci Mane, E-40, YG and more. His most recent effort Big Homie dropped last year with 18 tracks and guest appearances from artists, including No Savage, Big Flock, Goonew, Trippa and Z-Wayne.

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Teenage swimmer Kaylee McKeown breaks three Australian records at Sydney Open

Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown has remarkably broken three national records in three days, dominating the Sydney Open over the weekend. McKeown has proven why she’s considered one of Australia’s gold medal hopefuls for this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo with three blistering swims at Sydney Olympic Park. On Friday, the 19-year-old bettered her own Australian record for the 200m backstroke, registering a time of 2:04.31 to shave 0.19 seconds off her previous best. Her new time ranks as the fourth-fastest in the event’s history. Less than 24 hours later, McKeown broke the Australian record for the 100m backstroke with a time of 57.63 — just 0.06 seconds shy of the world record set by America’s Regan Smith in 2019. She lowered her personal best by three-tenths of a second and narrowly missed becoming the only Australian to currently hold an individual long-course world record. Kaylee McKeown in action. Image: Delly Carr The Queenslander then set another Australian record on Sunday to complete the dream trifecta, recording a blistering time of 27.16 in the 50m backstroke. Incredibly, that performance came 30 minutes after she won gold in the 200m individual medley final, one of swimming’s most exhausting events. McKeown’s time was 0.18 seconds short of the 50m backstroke world record, set by China’s Liu Xiang at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. “I wasn’t expecting to come out and do that swim this morning and I’ve got no complaints about it. I’m pretty happy,” McKeown said after her 100m event on Saturday. “I looked (up) and I was like, ‘Oh surely not. Oh s**t’. Those were literally the words that came to my mind. “It’s a good surprise … pretty stoked with it, not going to lie. I wasn’t expecting to come out and do that swim this morning. “I don’t necessarily think about (records). I rock up to the meet and do the best I can. “It’s a pretty outstanding world record to be chasing, and there are a lot of girls out there who are still chasing those times.” 3 AUS & 3 Commonwealth Records in 3 days for @youtholympics Champion Kaylee McKeown at the #2021SydneyOpen ! ⚡ 50m Backstroke in 27.16 (0.18 off World Record) ⚡ 100m Backstroke in 57.63 (2nd fastest time ever) ⚡ 200m Backstroke in 2:04.31 (4th fastest time ever) #TokyoTogether https://t.co/Z0OmoE8KTh Last November, McKeown set a new world record for the 200m backstroke at the Australian national short-course championships in Brisbane. The most recent Australian to set an individual long-course swimming world record was Matt Wilson, who equalled the fastest time for the 200m breaststroke at the 2019 World Championships. McKeown’s coach Chris Mooney said on Saturday: “We’re not going to read our press. We’re going to keep a lid on it … we have had those conversations. “She executed it really well. It’s new territory for us too. We’re definitely learning on the run. We really feel as though we haven’t got the job done yet. “I’ve been fortunate enough to coach some good athletes in the past but she’s just not scared of pain. She punches through pain barriers like no one I’ve ever seen in my life.” Kaylee McKeown at the 2021 Sydney Open. Image: Delly Carr READ MORE: Brisbane schoolboy smashes 30-year record Australia’s Olympic trials are in Adelaide next month, where McKeown is expected to qualify for the national team in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 200m individual medley — she is currently ranked No. 1 in the world in all three events.

Break historical records

Explosion In Residential Building Near Moscow Kills At Least Three

An explosion in a residential building in the town of Khimki near the Russian capital, Moscow, has killed at least three people, including a child. The directorate for the Emergency Ministry in the Moscow region said on March 19 that four people were also hospitalized after a natural-gas leak caused the explosion in an apartment on the eighth floor in a nine-story building earlier in the morning. One of the injured is in serious condition, Emergency Ministry officials said. The officials gave no further details on those killed in the incident. The explosion sparked a fire that raced through five apartments, demolished several balconies and destroyed barriers between the eighth and ninth floors of the building. Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov, who arrived at the site, said that all of the families affected by the explosion will be provided with compensation and all types of needed assistance. Olga Vrady, a spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee, said a probe was launched into whether safety regulations were met at the building. Gas explosions occur with some frequency in Russia due to aging pipelines and infrastructure, as well as lax safety standards. Last month, authorities in the city of Vladikavkaz in the North Caucasus region said an explosion caused by a gas leak almost completely destroyed a supermarket. No casualties were reported as the explosion occurred outside business hours.

Gas explosion

1992 European Community Monitor Mission helicopter downing crash

The 1992 European Community Monitor Mission helicopter downing was an incident that occurred on 7 January 1992, during the Croatian War of Independence, in which a European Community Monitor Mission (ECMM) helicopter carrying five European Community (EC) observers was downed by a Yugoslav Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, in the air space above the village of Podrute, near Novi Marof, Croatia. An Italian and a French officer and three Italian non-commissioned officers were killed. Another ECMM helicopter flying in formation with the attacked helicopter made an emergency landing. The second helicopter carried a crew and a visiting diplomat, all of whom survived. The incident was condemned by the United Nations Security Council and the EC. As a result of the incident, the Yugoslav authorities suspended the head of the air force, and the Yugoslav defense minister, General Veljko Kadijević, resigned his post. The events followed the end of the first stage of the war in Croatia and closely preceded the country's international recognition. The MiG-21 pilot, Lieutenant Emir Šišić, disappeared after the incident. He was tried in absentia together with his superiors by Croatian authorities, convicted, and sentenced to extended imprisonment. Šišić was subsequently arrested in Hungary in 2001 and extradited to Italy, where he was tried, convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In 2006, he was turned over to Serbia for the remainder of the sentence, but released in 2008. Two other Yugoslav officers were tried in absentia in Italy and convicted in 2013, while Serbia was ordered to pay monetary damages to the victims' families. The victims were posthumously decorated by Italy and France, respectively. In 1990, following the electoral defeat of the government of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, ethnic tensions worsened. The Yugoslav People's Army (Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija – JNA) confiscated Croatia's Territorial Defence (Teritorijalna obrana - TO) weapons to minimize resistance. [1] On 17 August, the tensions escalated into an open revolt by Croatian Serbs,[2] centered on the predominantly Serb-populated areas of the Dalmatian hinterland around Knin,[3] parts of the Lika, Kordun, Banovina and eastern Croatia. [4] Following the Pakrac clash between Serb insurgents and Croatian special police in March 1991,[5] the conflict had escalated into the Croatian War of Independence. [6] The JNA stepped in, increasingly supporting the Croatian Serb insurgents. [7] In early April, the leaders of the Croatian Serb revolt declared their intention to integrate the area under their control, known as SAO Krajina, with Serbia. [8] In May, the Croatian government responded by forming the Croatian National Guard (Zbor narodne garde - ZNG),[9] but its development was hampered by a United Nations (UN) arms embargo introduced in September. [10] The Brioni Agreement established an observer mission which was eventually called the European Community Monitor Mission (ECMM). The mission was tasked with monitoring the disengagement of belligerents in the Ten-Day War in neighbouring Slovenia,[11] and the withdrawal of the JNA from Slovenia. [12] However, on 16 August, an ECMM helicopter was hit by Croatian Serb gunfire in western Slavonia, injuring one of the pilots. [13] This caused the ECMM's scope of work to be formally expanded to include Croatia on 1 September. [14] On 8 October, Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia,[15] and a month later the ZNG was renamed the Croatian Army (Hrvatska vojska - HV). [9] The fiercest fighting of the war occurred around this time, when the 1991 Yugoslav campaign in Croatia culminated in the Siege of Dubrovnik,[16] and the Battle of Vukovar. [17] In November, Croatia, Serbia and the JNA agreed upon the Vance plan entailing a ceasefire, protection of civilians in specific areas designated as United Nations Protected Areas, and the presence of UN peacekeepers in Croatia. [18] The ceasefire came into effect on 3 January 1992. [19] In December 1991, the European Community (EC) announced its decision to grant formal diplomatic recognition to Croatia as of 15 January 1992. [20] On 7 January 1992, a pair of Italian Army Agusta-Bell AB-206L LongRanger helicopters operated by ECMM observers entered Croatian air space from Hungary. [21] The helicopters were white-painted and unarmed. [22] They were flying from the Yugoslav capital of Belgrade to Zagreb via Kaposvár, Hungary. [23] Authorities in Belgrade claim the helicopters were authorised to fly to Hungary, but that the pilots were warned they were not allowed to fly to Zagreb because no flights in Croatian airspace were permitted. [24] The EC dismissed those claims, saying that the flight was approved in advance by Yugoslav air controllers. [23] The approval was forwarded to the Yugoslav Air Force operations centre, but the order was never forwarded to the 5th Aviation Corps in Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina. [21] After the two helicopters were spotted by a Yugoslav Air Force tracking radar near Bihać, a pair of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21s, which were on standby at the Željava Air Base near Bihać, were ordered to take off and intercept the aircraft. [24] The MiG-21s, assigned to the 125th Squadron of the 117th Fighter Aviation Regiment,[25] were piloted by Lieutenant Emir Šišić and Captain Danijel Borović. [26] However, Borović declared that his aircraft had a problem with its engine, and Šišić took off alone. Šišić was guided to the incoming helicopters at an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,800 feet), and then ordered to make a full circle with his jet. As he turned around, he spotted the helicopters flying below his plane, at an altitude of 600 metres (2,000 feet). Šišić requested further orders and was told to shoot the helicopters down. [24] The order was issued by the duty officer at the Željava Air Base, Lieutenant Colonel Dobrivoje Opačić. [27] Šišić pursued the helicopters, firing aircraft gun in front of the helicopters, but his aircraft was not armed with tracer ammunition and the helicopter pilots were not able to observe that they were fired upon. Flying at a speed of 1,000 kilometres per hour (540 knots), he switched to missiles and registered that the missile seekers had acquired the targets. [24] Šišić fired two infrared homing R-60 missiles. [21] One of the missiles flew between the two helicopters, while the other struck the engine of the lead helicopter. [24] The helicopter was shot down near the village of Podrute, located in an area administered by the city of Novi Marof, north of Zagreb. [27] The second helicopter had to crash-land to evade the attack. [23] Five ECMM observers were killed in the attack, including four Italians and one Frenchman. [23] The victims were Lieutenant Colonel Enzo Venturini, helicopter pilot, Staff Sergeant Marco Matta, co-pilot, Sergeant Major Fiorenzo Ramacci, Sergeant Major Silvano Natale, and Ship-of-the-line Lieutenant Jean-Loup Eychenne.

Air crash

Wien Consolidated Airlines Flight 55 crash

Wien Consolidated Airlines Flight 55 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight in Alaska that crashed into Pedro Bay on 2 December 1968, killing all 39 on board. [1][2] The Fairchild F-27B aircraft was operated by Wien Consolidated Airlines and was en route to Dillingham from Anchorage, with three intermediate stops. The NTSB investigation revealed that the aircraft suffered a structural failure after encountering "severe-to-extreme" air turbulence. [3] The accident was the second-worst accident involving a Fairchild F-27 at the time, and currently the third-worst accident involving the aircraft. [1] Flight 55 was served by a Fairchild F-27B, a twin-engine propjet aircraft[4] that had been in service since 1959. [1] The aircraft was piloted by Captain David Stanley, who had been a pilot for Northern Consolidated Airlines for seven years before that airline was merged into Wien Consolidated Airlines. Prior to that, he had been a flight instructor in Anchorage, and was described as an excellent pilot. [4] Flight 55 departed Anchorage International Airport on Monday, 2 December, at 8:46 am AKST, and proceeded 150 miles (240 km) southwest to Iliamna without reported difficulties. At 9:25 am, first officer Jerry Svengard contacted Iliamna air traffic control to request an approach clearance, which was granted at 9:26 am. [3] This was the last outside contact made with the crew of Flight 55. While preparing to approach Iliamna, the aircraft encountered extreme turbulence at 11,500 feet (3,500 m). Local witnesses reported hearing an explosion and seeing a fireball in the vicinity of the aircraft's tail before it descended in a steep, uncontrolled spiral towards the ground. [4] Other witnesses reported large quantities of black smoke from behind the wing of the aircraft, and that the plane continued on course for a short period of time, before pieces separated from the aircraft and it entered a dive. [3] The aircraft crashed into Foxys Lake, Pedro Bay,[5] an area described as being a frozen marshland surrounded by mountains. [4] Heavy winds gusting up to 55 miles per hour (90 km/h), as well as low temperatures of −11 °F (−24 °C), hampered search, rescue, recovery, and investigation efforts. [4] An Air Force helicopter was able to reach the crash site that afternoon, but was forced by the wind to take off shortly thereafter. The pilot, Major Norman Kahmoot, reported that there were no survivors, and that the aircraft had been so disfigured by the crash that it was no longer recognizable. [4] Bodies had been scattered across a large area, and local Athabascan villagers volunteered to guard the remains from wolves until they could be collected and taken to the temporary morgue. [4] The NTSB investigation lasted 19 months,[1] and it was discovered that a number of fatigue cracks had formed on the aircraft's wings due to improper and shoddy maintenance. The area over Pedro Bay had been the site of extreme, unreported turbulence, with winds in excess of 50 knots (93 km/h; 58 mph). [3] The stresses due to turbulence and air pressure caused a structural failure in the aircraft's right wing, forcing it into a spiraling, uncontrollable dive. [1]

Air crash

Sheffield mum and disabled son suffer carbon monoxide poisoning after council workers 'wrecked' house

A furious mother has accused workers of ‘wrecking’ her council house in Sheffield, leaving her and her disabled son with carbon monoxide poisoning. By Lloyd Bent Friday, 15th October 2021, 4:50 pm Lauren Jade Bradwell’s council house on Kenworthy Road, Stocksbridge, needed repairs doing for a rising damp issue, and she was told she would have to move out on September 27 with her disabled son and three dogs while the work was done. She stayed with a friend for 10 days until the council told her she could return. But she was moved to tears by what she found when she returned on October 7. Lauren, a carer who offers respite care for terminally ill children, found her house ‘wrecked’, with plug sockets hanging off the wall, no electricity, no gas and no hot water.

Mass Poisoning

McKee says time has come to start spending $1.1B COVID aid

Gov. Dan McKee says Rhode Island has sat on its $1.1 billion in federal COVID aid for too long, and he wants to start spending some of it on small-business assistance, housing and child care. Rhode Island is the only state in the Northeast not to have spent any of its share of money from the American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed in March, and McKee has been trying to nudge top lawmakers to spend some of the money for months. On Tuesday he penned a Journal op-ed calling for the General Assembly to release the purse strings for at least an initial burst of spending to address immediate needs. He followed up in a general briefing with reporters, saying "we don't want to be chasing the economic recovery." More:Opinion/McKee: Invest federal funds in small business, child care, affordable housing More:With $1.1B in the bank, RI the only New England state not to touch its Rescue Plan money McKee said he hopes lawmakers will allow him to spend 10% of the state's general Rescue Plan money — about $110 million — by the end of the year. The remaining 90% could be allocated with the longer term in mind, he said. McKee called his plan for using part of the Rescue Plan money at the "concept" stage, with his team still fleshing out the details of how it would be distributed and to whom. But he said small businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, can't wait for help. His plan would give them new "financial and technical assistance" for adapting to COVID similar to the Take It Outside program from earlier in the pandemic. He also wants "wrap-around business supports, e-commerce and other tech upgrades, Main Street storefront façade and streetscape improvements, and workforce recruitment and training." After the briefing, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor said the short-term small business assistance part of the program would probably take up half of the initial $110 million. Of the remaining $55 million or so, he did not have a breakdown of how much would go to housing and child care. To increase access to child care, McKee is proposing "premium pay retention bonuses" for more than 8,500 workers and covering the startup costs for new family child care providers. McKee's wants to use federal money to build "hundreds of units of affordable housing" and "acquire properties to support housing development," according to his op-ed. He also wants to "provide down payment assistance for disadvantaged households," revitalize "blighted properties" and come up with a plan for universal broadband. Talking to reporters, McKee said his priority was housing the homeless. "We should have been working a few months earlier on the issues of the homeless and other housing issues we can create long-term strategy, but right now the priority that I see is the 336 people living on the streets and the 200 people in our hotels and another 700 people in shelters." McKee's call for new spending came the same day the House and Senate began hearings on what to do with the $1.1 billion, and he reached out to House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio earlier in the morning to share his thinking. “We look forward to vetting the governor’s proposals," Shekarchi and Ruggerio said in a joint statement responding to McKee's editorial. "As we start to explore the best ways to invest this federal funding with House and Senate hearings today, we are committed to a vigorous, open and transparent public process." Later in the day, Rep. Carlos Tobon, chairman of the House Rescue Plan task force, said he expected to be meeting to discuss what to do with the money for three to five months. In a presentation, House Fiscal Advisor Sharon Reynolds Ferland laid out the federal rules and categories the money can be spent on, which includes at least $400 million to directly replace state tax revenue and prevent cuts to services. States are not supposed to use that money to cut taxes, give pension bonuses or fill the rainy-day fund. On top of the $1.1 billion, Rhode Island will also get $112 million for capital projects. States have until the end of 2024 to allocate Rescue Act Funds and the end of 2026 to spend them. The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the National Conference of State Legislatures on what other states are doing with their Rescue Plan money.

Financial Aid

the Kelly Clarkson Show host, 39, is "facing forward" and focusing on her the former couple's kids River Rose, seven, and Remington Alexander, five

According to People , the Kelly Clarkson Show host, 39, is "facing forward" and focusing on her the former couple's kids River Rose, seven, and Remington Alexander, five. It comes days after Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock, 44, $US200,000 (approx. $272,000) a month in spousal and child support. Kelly Clarkson is feeling 'great' and 'facing forward' amid divorce from Brandon Blackstock. (Instagram) "Kelly is more than fine. She is doing great and facing forward," a source told the publication. "She's enjoying the fact that she has the kids for the vast majority of the time and is enjoying time spent with them." "The court order is what it is," the insider added. "It is strictly temporary support until a final settlement is worked out." Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock tied the knot in 2013. (FilmMagic) The temporary agreement has Clarkson paying Blackstock US$150,000 (approx. $203,965) in spousal support, and $US45,601 (approx. $62,006) in child support. READ MORE: Kelly Clarkson's estranged husband Brandon Blackstock hits back at claims he defrauded singer out of millions Clarkson reportedly earns $US1.9 million (approx. $2.5 million) a month in income and must pay the amount as the pair iron out details of their divorce. According to People , the 'Since U Been Gone' singer is also expected to pay her estranged husband $US1.25 million (approx. $1.69 million) towards his legal fees.

Famous Person - Divorce

NASA TV to Air Landsat 9 Launch, Prelaunch Activities

This advisory was updated Sept. 20 to update the list of participants in the Friday, Sept. 24, science briefing. NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the Landsat 9 satellite, a joint NASA and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) mission that will continue the legacy of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions that began with the first Landsat satellite in 1972. Landsat 9 is scheduled to launch at 2:11 p.m. EDT (11:11 a.m. PDT) Monday, Sept. 27, on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 401 rocket from Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Live launch coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m. EDT (10:30 a.m. PDT), on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website, with prelaunch and science briefings beginning Friday, Sept. 24. Landsat 9 will join its sister satellite, Landsat 8, in orbit in collecting images from across the planet every eight days. This calibrated data will continue the Landsat program’s critical role in monitoring the health of Earth and helping people manage essential resources, including crops, irrigation water, and forests. Images from Landsat 9 will be added to nearly 50 years of free and publicly available data from the mission – the longest data record of Earth’s landscapes taken from space. Landsat’s medium-resolution imaging capabilities allows researchers to harmonize the images to detect the footprint of human activities and their impact on our home planet over the decades. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, all media participation in news conferences will be remote. A phone bridge will be provided for each briefing. Full mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern): Friday, Sept. 24 1 p.m. – Landsat 9 Science Briefing, with the following participants: This event is open to all with valid media credentials. Media who would like to ask questions during the science briefing must provide their name and affiliation by 4 p.m. EDT (1 p.m. PDT) Thursday, Sept. 23, to the Kennedy newsroom at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Media may also ask questions via social media using #Landsat. Saturday, Sept. 25 4 p.m. – Landsat 9 Prelaunch News Conference, with the following participants: This event is open to all with valid media credentials. Media who would like to ask questions during the prelaunch briefing must provide their name and affiliation by 2:30 p.m. EDT (11:30 a.m. PDT) Friday, Sept. 24, to the Kennedy newsroom at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov. Media may also ask questions via social media using #Landsat. Monday, Sept. 27 1:30 p.m. – NASA TV live launch coverage begins Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," the launch conductor’s countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135. Interview requests Members of the media looking for interviews on the Landsat 9 launch should submit a media request to Jake Richmond at: Jacob.a.richmond@nasa.gov. Goddard is coordinating all interview requests. Public participation Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for Landsat 9 includes curated launch resources, a behind-the-scenes look at the mission, and the opportunity for a virtual launch passport stamp following a successful launch. Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual guest launch passport. Engage kids and students in virtual and hands-on activities that are both family-friendly and educational through Camp Landsat. Virtual NASA Social As we finalize launch preparations, we are excited to invite the public to join our virtual NASA Social @NASA_Landsat. Stay up to date on the latest mission activities, interact with NASA and USGS team members in real-time, and watch the launch of the ULA Atlas V rocket that will boost Landsat 9 for its journey into orbit #Landsat. Watch and engage on social media Stay connected with the mission on social media, and let people know you're following it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #Landsat and tag these accounts: Twitter: @NASA, @NASAEarth, @NASA_Landsat, @NASASocial, @NASA_LSP, @NASA360, @SLDelta30 Facebook: NASA, NASA Earth, NASA LSP, SLDelta30 Instagram: NASA, NASAEarth, Vandenberg_AFB NASA Goddard manages the Landsat 9 mission. Goddard teams also built and tested one of the two instruments on Landsat 9, the Thermal Infrared Sensor 2 (TIRS-2) instrument. TIRS-2 will use thermal imaging to make measurements that can be used to estimate soil moisture and detect the health of plants. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will operate the mission and manage the ground system, including maintaining the Landsat archive. Ball Aerospace in Boulder, Colorado, built and tested the Operational Land Imager 2 (OLI-2) instrument, another imaging sensor. United Launch Alliance is the rocket provider for Landsat 9’s launch. Northrop Grumman in Gilbert, Arizona, built the Landsat 9 spacecraft, integrated the instruments, and tested the observatory.

New achievements in aerospace

Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 crash

Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 was a flight from Taiwan Taipei Songshan Airport to Kaohsiung International Airport that crashed on 22 August 1981, killing all 110 people on board. The Boeing 737-222 aircraft disintegrated in midair and crashed in the township of Sanyi, Miaoli. It is also called the Sanyi Air Disaster. The crash is the second-deadliest aviation accident on Taiwanese soil, behind China Airlines Flight 676. [1] The aircraft had previously lost cabin pressure on 5 August; and earlier on the day of the crash, it had departed Songshan Airport, but the crew aborted the flight 10 minutes later for the same reason. After repairs were made, the aircraft departed Songshan Airport again bound for Kaohsiung International Airport. At 14 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft suffered an explosive decompression and disintegrated. The wreckage was scattered across an area 4 miles (6 km) long, located some 94 miles (151 km) south of Taipei. The nose section landed in Sanyi Township, Miaoli County. Other debris landed in the townships of Yuanli, Tongluo, and Tongxiao. All 110 passengers and crew died. [3] After the accident, due to it occurring in a mountainous region, road traffic was backed up. The remains of the victims were driven to the Shengxing railway station, where they were transported by train. [4] Although early speculation indicated that the crash was caused by an explosive device, an investigation by the Republic of China Civil Aeronautics Board concluded that severe corrosion led to a pressure-hull rupture. The severe corrosion was due to the many pressurization flight cycles the aircraft had experienced, and that cracks produced were probably undetected. [1]

Air crash

2011 Missinippi Airways Cessna 208 crash

On July 4, 2011, a Missinippi Airways Cessna 208 Caravan passenger aircraft with nine people on board crashed while attempting to take off from Pukatawagan Airport in Manitoba, Canada. One passenger was killed and the other eight occupants were injured. [1][2] At around 4PM local time on July 4, the Cessna Caravan was preparing to depart for the return leg of the hour-long daily scheduled flight from The Pas/Grace Lake Airport, Manitoba, to Pukatawagan Airport. On board were a single pilot and eight passengers. After lining up at the start of the 3,000-foot-long (910 m) gravel runway, the pilot applied full power and commenced take-off. [3] During the take-off run, the aircraft encountered several soft patches on the runway. The pilot realised that the airspeed had stopped increasing, and rejected the take-off with an estimated 600 ft (180 m) of runway remaining. With reverse pitch selected but the engine at idle, the aircraft failed to stop before the end of the runway and rolled down a steep slope, coming to rest in a ravine. The airframe, including the fuel system, was severely damaged by the impact with the up-slope past the ravine, and a post-impact fire ensued almost immediately. [3] One passenger who was knocked unconscious in the impact could not be extricated from the wreckage and died of smoke inhalation. The pilot and the other seven passengers received minor injuries and were able to return to the terminal building. [3] The aircraft was a single-engine turboprop Cessna 208B Grand Caravan with registration C-FMCB and manufacturer's serial number 208B-1114. Built in 2005, it was owned by Beaver Air Services and operated by Missinippi Airways. [4] The investigation led Transport Canada to revoke Missinippi Airways' air operator's certificate,[5] for safety concerns. [6] Without this, it is unable to fly commercial air services in Canada. [7] The air operator's certificate was subsequently reinstated effective September 3, 2011. [8] On October 21, 2011 at 11:59 pm Transport Canada suspended the Air Operator Certificate again due to deficiencies with the company's Operational Control System after an inspection during the week. [9] On November 19, 2011 the Air Operator Certificate was again reinstated. [10] An investigation was carried out by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The final report was released in June 2012 and found that several factors combined to prevent the aircraft from attaining take-off airspeed, including the soft conditions of the gravel runway following recent rain, the take-off technique adopted by the pilot, which may have caused an increase in the aerodynamic drag, and likely gusty wind conditions. [3] It was also determined that although the pilot's decision to reject the takeoff was reasonable, it was made at a point from which insufficient runway remained to bring the aircraft to a stop without resulting in a runway excursion. Contributing to the only fatality was the fact that the deceased passenger was not wearing the available shoulder harness, which could have limited the extent of his injuries and the risk of loss of consciousness while the fire was engulfing the wreckage. [3] As a result of the investigation, Missinippi Airways implemented a new short-field take-off procedure and committed to put greater emphasis on short/soft field take-off and landing training. [3]

Air crash

Philippine volcanic eruption caused widespread damage

The eruption of the Taal Volcano in the Philippines on January 12 caused widespread damage and forced the evacuation of several towns in the Batangas and Cavite Provinces. However, due to the low take-up of insurance in the country, the event will be of minimal effect to insurers, according to an expert. “The main issue the surrounding area has encountered was the huge amount of ash that has covered everything, and obstructed the visibility in the air,” Stephen Hope (pictured), executive director and head of major complex losses (MCL) global – Asia at Sedgwick , told Insurance Business. The National Economic Development Authority estimated economic damage to be around PHP7 billion (around US$139 million). “[This] isn’t the largest sum of money in the grand scheme of things, however, it’s worth noting that there was little tangible damage from fire or lava,” Hope said. “The main economic damage is estimated to be around PHP4 billion (US$79.2 million), caused mainly from the agriculture and fisheries sectors that have been affected by the ash. From an insurance point of view, there hasn’t been much physical damage that has been insured, but there’s been food and crop damage from the affected businesses.” Hope contrasted the Philippines situation to another tragedy that occurred at around the same time – the bushfires in Australia. The former is an emerging market characterised by low take-up of insurance, especially with small businesses and homeowners. “It is not like Australia and the recent bushfires where insurers and all levels of government were heavily involved in significant dialogue with the public in general, providing a much more sophisticated response,” he said. “The Taal volcano event was a limited event with minimal effect on insurers. The market itself is less developed and most businesses were uninsured,” Hope added. “Had the volcano sustained a full eruption then it is likely the impact would be greater as a wider area would sustain damage.” According to Hope, the low take-up of insurance means the risk cannot be spread as efficiently, therefore minimising the effect of insurance cover. “However, the economic impact regardless of penetration is still the same,” he said. “Compared to other markets such as Australia, for example, where there is a very high pick-up of insurance then the situation would be a lot different.” As for recovery efforts, there is not much that the insurance industry can do, due to the lack of cover in the market. “Obviously we have damage to the agriculture and fisheries, but over time that will recover and at the moment there’s a fairly limited response that we can actually do,” he said. “People are quite resourceful and will clear up the ash and get back to business fairly quickly, I presume.”

Volcano Eruption

Senior recalls similar blast in downtown Wheatley caused by gas leak in 1936

As Wheatley residents still reel from an explosion that destroyed two buildings in its downtown, there are still some who recall a blast that destroyed a building nearby more than 80 years ago.  "I remember the ... bricks being out on the street and right across the street the roads were blocked off, so that's as far as we could go," 95-year-old Ivan Drummond said is his recollection of seeing the aftermath of an explosion in the village of Wheatley in the 1930s while out for a drive with his father. He was 10 years old at the time.  In 1936, an explosion caused by a gas leak destroyed a building belonging to Wheatley's Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) on the corner of Elm Street and Erie Street, which just one street away from the explosion that destroyed two buildings and damaged several more last month at the corner of Erie Street and Talbot Road.  "Only a single wall remains of the building, considered Wheatley's finest," a story in the London Free Press read. "The post office, village council chambers, Gillies funeral parlors were all obliterated, while mail and town records went up in smoke as fire ensued following the explosion."  According to an article published in the Kingsville Reporter at the time, other buildings were also damaged in the area. "Debris crushed in the roof of the Masonic rooms over the drug store next door to the shattered building," it read.  The explosion, which took place at 1:30 in the morning according to the reports, knocked over two women who were returning from a party when they were struck by flying debris. "They were hurled to the ground, but scrambled to their feet and ran clear before the two-storey structure collapsed," the article read.  "Mrs. Tait suffered a slight injury when hit by a brick."  The blast caused $50,000 in damage and was blamed on gas leaking from a heater. Officials have been searching for the source of the current blast, believed to be an abandoned gas well.  "I do remember that much," Drummond said, "that it was from a gas well or something like that, that exploded."  According to a 1951 publication of the Kent Historical Society, gas was abundant in the area and there was a lot of excitement when gas wells were drilled.  "Farmers, on whose farms the wells were bored, received $200.00 a year and were each given free gas for heating and lighting," it read.  "Wheatley streets were lighted with gas and everyone used it for all domestic purposes when it was piped through the village about 1907." It said that there were seven wells bored in the village of Wheatley. "These gas wells eventually played out, but even yet at times they are active. It was gas seeping from one of them that caused the explosion of the I.O.O.F. Block." "It's the exact same area, it's the exact same block, it's the exact same gas," said Douglas Walker, a business owner in the area who has knowledge of the 1936 explosion.    .

Gas explosion

1982 garment workers' strike

The 1982 garment workers' strike, organized by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU), was the largest strike in the history of New York City's Chinatown. [1] In 1982, New York City's Chinatown was home to approximately 500 garment factories employing 20,000 members of the ILGWU Local 23-25. [2] Most of the Chinatown workers were immigrant women from Hong Kong and southern China. [3] Hazardous working conditions, long hours, and payment based on piecework rather than the 1981 minimum wage of $3.35 an hour, were some of the problems that workers sought to address. [4] Every three years, the ILGWU negotiated a new contract on behalf of its 150,000 members throughout the northeastern United States: first with the manufacturers, then with the contractors. Manufacturers were represented by the American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Contractors were represented by the Greater Blouse, Skirt and Undergarment Association (GBSUA). Under the agreement, the union would call a strike on any manufacturer or contractor that used a non-union firm. [5] That year, the Chinatown contractors rejected the contract negotiated by the GBSUA and presented their own list of demands. Among other things, they maintained that the union, not the contractors, should provide holiday pay; overtime should be calculated on a weekly, rather than a daily, basis; and contractors should be free to do business with non-union manufacturers if union work was not immediately available. They threatened to secede from the GBSUA if their demands were not met. [6] The union and the Chinese contractors launched competing propaganda campaigns to win over the workers. Chinese employers tried to play on workers' ethnic loyalties to get them to side against the white-dominated union. ILGWU president Sol Chaikin, meanwhile, called the contractors' demands "an attempt to create a Taiwan in the United States and turn the union clock back fifty years. "[7] Ultimately the workers chose the union. Thousands of union members formed a Committee to Defend the Union Contract. Volunteering after work and on weekends, they spread the word in the factories and on the street, handed out leaflets, organized phone banks, and made appearances on local television and radio. Among the organizers were Shui Mak Ka, Lily Moy, Alice Tse,[2] Alice Ip,[8] and Katie Quan. [9] On June 24, 1982, nearly 20,000 garment workers rallied in Columbus Park, carrying banners and picket signs. Speakers included Jay Mazur, then the manager of Local 23-25, who told the workers, "We are one!" Afterwards, the crowd marched through Chinatown. As Katie Quan recalled later, "It was an exhilarating moment. Thousands upon thousands of Chinese immigrant women had come together to stand up for themselves. "[10] Within a few days, all but a few dozen of the Chinatown contractors had pledged to sign the union contract. To persuade the rest, the union organized a second rally on June 29, and warned them that after the rally, they would strike any contractor who had not signed the pledge. The second rally attracted as large a crowd as the first. Within hours, all the contractors had signed the pledge, and the strike ended in victory for the union. [10]

Strike

KLM Flight 633 crash

KLM Flight 633 was a passenger flight from Amsterdam to New York City. On 5 September 1954, immediately after takeoff from Shannon Airport, the Super Constellation Triton ditched on a mudbank in the River Shannon. 28 people were killed in the accident. It was caused by an unexpected re-extension of the landing gear, possibly compounded by pilot error. The Lockheed Super Constellation Triton (registration PH-LKY[1]) was piloted by Adriaan Viruly, one of the airline's most senior pilots. After a refuelling stop at Shannon, the plane took off for the transatlantic leg of the flight at about 02:40. [2] There were 46 passengers and ten crew on board. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reduced power from maximum to METO (Maximum Except Take Off). The pilot was unaware that the landing gear was not retracted, and as result the aircraft descended to touch down in the Shannon estuary. It turned around on impact and broke into two sections. The aircraft was partially submerged, and at least one of the fuel tanks had ruptured during the crash. The fuel fumes rendered many passengers and crew unconscious, who then drowned in the rising tide. [2] In the end, three crew-members (all the cabin crew) and 25 passengers perished. Even though the crash occurred less than one minute after the plane took off from Shannon Airport, airport authorities remained unaware of the disaster until the mud-caked third pilot (navigator) of the craft, Johan Tieman, stumbled into the airport and reported, "We've crashed!" That was 2½ hours after the plane fell. [3] Mr. Tieman had swum ashore and floundered painfully across the marshes to the airport, whose lights were clearly visible from the scene of the crash. It was not until 7 o'clock in the morning - 4½ hours after the crash - that the first launch reached the survivors, who were huddled on a muddy flat in the river. The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by an unexpected re-extension of the landing gear and the captain's incorrect behaviour in this situation. Viruly, who had been only one year from retirement, rejected the responsibility for the crash and was bitter about his subsequent treatment by KLM. In an interview he later stated that there simply had not been enough time to react.

Air crash

4 notable outbreaks in the last decade

This decade contained many large disease outbreaks that put the nation's infection control efforts to the test. Below are four notable outbreaks that occurred since 2010: 1. Ebola — 2014 West Africa's Ebola outbreak sparked international concern in 2014, killing more than 11,310 people and infecting more than 28,000. The outbreak is now the most fatal and widespread ever recorded. Atlanta-based Emory University Hospital treated the nation's first-ever Ebola patient in 2014. In total, 11 people were treated for Ebola in U.S. hospitals during the outbreak, most of whom were medical workers. The situation exposed many vulnerabilities in the U.S. healthcare system's emergency preparedness for infectious diseases. At the time, only a handful of hospitals were equipped with functional biocontainment units to treat patients. 2. Zika virus — 2015-16 North and South America experienced several large Zika virus outbreaks starting in 2015, which led to an uptick in travel-associated cases in the U.S. In 2016, the nation reported 5,168 Zika cases, most of which involved U.S. travelers returning from foreign outbreak zones. However, 224 Americans did contract Zika through local mosquito transmission, and 45 cases occurred through sexual transmission. 3. Acute flaccid myelitis — 2018 The mysterious polio-like illness sickened 237 children in 41 states in 2018 — the highest case count since the CDC began tracking the illness in 2014. The sudden spike sparked fear in parents and lawmakers alike, who called on the CDC to investigate the illness. The agency established an AFM task force in November 2018 to support the ongoing investigation into the cause of the illness and treatment options. The exact cause of AFM is still unknown, although new research suggests an enterovirus is to blame. 4. Measles — 2019 Nationwide, measles sickened 1,276 people in 2019, marking the highest number of measles cases reported since 1992. The drastic uptick in cases this year drew concern that the U.S. would lose its measles elimination status, which it earned in 2000. The resurgence in cases is largely driven by the anti-vaccine movement, which spurred states including New York to eliminate nonmedical vaccine exemptions for school children this year.

Disease Outbreaks

ER Doctor Who Diagnosed First Confirmed NYC COVID-19 Case Reflects 1 Year Later

Dr. Angela Chen, an emergency physician at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, diagnosed the city's first confirmed COVID-19 case last March. Dr. Angela Chen hide caption Dr. Angela Chen, an emergency physician at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, diagnosed the city's first confirmed COVID-19 case last March. Dr. Angela Chen, an emergency medicine doctor at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says she is pretty good at dealing with the unexpected. It's part of what drew her to emergency medicine, and her work on emergency cases trained her to navigate uncertain times. Then, there was COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the coronavirus outbreak had reached the level of a pandemic with "alarming levels of spread and severity." The NBA postponed a game after a player tested positive and the league immediately suspended its season. President Trump announced a travel ban on Europe and actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson announced they both fell ill with the virus. Americans started panic shopping at grocery stores, and many people entered self isolation. Healthcare workers were thrust onto the frontlines of a crisis that so far has left more than half a million dead in the U.S. For Dr. Chen, who was five months into her first post-residency job, the chaos of the pandemic was already mounting in New York by the time the WHO made its declaration. Chen had diagnosed the city's first confirmed COVID-19 case 10 days before March 11. By then, frontline health workers like Chen were scrambling to secure PPE and create dedicated COVID wards to try to constrain the spread. Chen says New York's deadly coronavirus wave last spring feels like a haze of fear and mental exhaustion when she tried to keep staff and patients safe. On March 11th, so much was still unknown. "There was this real fear that if I don't do this correctly, if I don't put on this PPE correctly, if there's a break in the gown and the glove, if a small particle of virus lands on me, who knows what could happen," she says. Dr. Chen visits with her son, who stayed with her parents in New Jersey while she worked in the ER in New York. Dr. Angela Chen hide caption Chen was concerned about bringing the virus home to her one-year-old son, so she decided to send him to her parents' house in New Jersey. He stayed with his grandparents for four months. "Four months in a one-year-old's life is almost half of the time he's been alive," she says. "We weren't able to be around for his first steps, we missed the first time he talked, and it's something that, sadly, we'll never be able to get back." Chen says some of her strongest memories from March are tied to the sounds of ventilator alarms beeping, as intubated patients fought to survive. "The amount of tragedy and death that we saw — nothing in my training prepared me for it." This year, though, she's trying to hold on to the quiet moments of humanity she witnessed in the hospital. She still thinks back to one patient who was near death in the ICU. "We recognized that she probably wouldn't survive," Chen says. She decided to contact the patient's relatives, but learned that the woman had been estranged from her family living abroad. With time running out, Chen tracked them down. "We set up a FaceTime [call], and they brought their phone to her favorite childhood beach," Chen says. "They were able to say goodbye to her. They were able to kind of recount the memories from when they were together as children. And she took her last breaths to the waves crashing onto the sand." "Those moments of humanity are the ones I have the most clarity on, in this phase of my life that I've almost tried to repress," she says.

Famous Person - Sick

Experts report increase in young kids ingesting hand sanitizer

Georgia Poison Center reports a 45% increase in hand sanitizer-related calls this year, compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Author: Liza Lucas Published: 7:28 AM EDT September 16, 2021 Updated: 8:28 AM EDT September 16, 2021 ATLANTA — Many people keep hand sanitizer around our homes, in a purse or car, within a child's reach.  But since the start of the pandemic, the National Poison Data System has been getting more reports of unintentional exposures in children. More than a year and half into the pandemic, Gaylord Lopez, executive director of Georgia Poison Center says that trend has continued.  Lopez told 11Alive's Liza Lucas the center has seen a 45% increase in hand sanitizer-related calls this year, compared to pre-pandemic numbers. RELATED: Can kids be harmed wearing masks to protect against COVID? According to data from Georgia Poison Center , the center received 484 hand sanitizer-related calls from Jan. 2019 - Sept.  2019. In 2021, the center has received 704 calls in that same period. Lopez cited the increase as "significant," adding more than 82 percent of cases are in children under age five. Nationally, poison control centers have managed 15,867 exposure cases this year in children 12 years and younger as of Aug. 31, according to data from the National Poison Data System, American Association of Poison Control Centers . Since many kids are now taking hand sanitizer in their backpacks or have access to the products in class, Lopez said the issue is just as problematic at school as at home.  "If you think about this in plain old kindergarten English, this is equivalent to alcohol poisoning," Lopez said. "In fact, the amount of alcohol contained in hand sanitizer is almost double that you would find in hard liquor. Smaller amounts causing more problems, and when you're talking about children who could be potentially be alcohol poisoned, there are a host of symptoms than can occur." While the FDA says you don't need to be concerned if your child eats after using hand sanitizer or accidentally licks their hand, experts say that swallowing just a tiny amount can cause poisoning in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , alcohol poisoning symptoms include sleepiness, low blood sugar, seizures and coma, and can be life-threatening.  Experts say if you suspect your child has ingested hand sanitizer, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. The AAP urges parents to keep hand sanitizers out of children's reach, and don't forget about travel-size bottles of sanitizer in purses, diaper bags, backpacks and cars. parents and caregivers also should supervise kids 5 and younger when they use hand sanitizer.

Mass Poisoning

Air India Flight 245 crash

Air India Flight 101 was a scheduled Air India passenger flight from Bombay to London. On the morning of 24 January 1966, the aircraft operating the flight accidentally flew into Mont Blanc in France. The accident was caused by a misunderstood verbal instruction from the radar controller to the pilot in lieu of VOR data, one of the receivers being out of service. The crash was almost at the exact spot where an Air India Lockheed 749 Constellation operating Air India Flight 245 on a charter flight[citation needed], had crashed in 1950 with the loss of all 48 on board that aircraft. [1] Air India Flight 101 was a scheduled flight from Bombay to London; and on the day of the accident was operated by a Boeing 707, registration VT-DMN and named Kanchenjunga. [2] After leaving Bombay, it had made two scheduled stops, at Delhi and Beirut, and was en route to another stop at Geneva. [2] At Flight Level 190, the crew was instructed to descend for Geneva International Airport after the aircraft had passed Mont Blanc. [2] The pilot, thinking that he had passed Mont Blanc, started to descend and flew into the Mont Blanc massif in France near the Rocher de la Tournette, at an elevation of 4,750 metres (15,584 ft). [2][1] All 106 passengers and 11 crew were killed. [1][3] Among the 117 passengers who were killed was Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission. [1] The Boeing 707-437 VT-DMN had first flown on 5 April 1961 and was delivered new to Air India on 25 May 1961. [4] It had flown a total of 16,188 hours. [4] At the time, aircrew fixed the position of their aircraft as being above Mont Blanc by taking a cross-bearing from one VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) as they flew along a track from another VOR. However, the accident aircraft departed Beirut with one of its VOR receivers unserviceable. [2][1] The investigation concluded:[2] a) The pilot-in-command, who knew on leaving Beirut that one of the VORs was unserviceable, miscalculated his position in relation to Mont Blanc and reported his own estimate of this position to the controller; the radar controller noted the error, determined the position of the aircraft correctly and passed a communication to the aircraft which, he believed, would enable it to correct its position. b) For want of a sufficiently precise phraseology, the correction was mis-understood by the pilot who, under the mistaken impression that he had passed the ridge leading to the summit and was still at a flight level which afforded sufficient safety clearance over the top of Mont Blanc, continued his descent. Wreckage of the crashed Boeing still remains at the crash site. In 2008, a climber found some Indian newspapers dated 23 January 1966. [5] An engine from Air India Flight 245, which had crashed at virtually the same spot in 1950, was also discovered. On 21 August 2012, a 9 kilograms (20 lb) jute bag of diplomatic mail, stamped "On Indian Government Service, Diplomatic Mail, Ministry of External Affairs", was recovered by a mountain rescue worker and turned over to local police in Chamonix. [6][7] An official with the Indian Embassy in Paris took custody of the mailbag, which was found to be a "Type C" diplomatic pouch meant for newspapers, periodicals, and personal letters. Indian diplomatic pouches "Type A" (classified information) and "Type B" (official communications) are still in use today; "Type C" mailbags were made obsolete with the advent of the Internet. [8] The mailbag was found to contain, among other items, still-white and legible copies of The Hindu and The Statesman from mid-January 1966, Air India calendars, and a personal letter to the Indian consul-general in New York, C.G.K. Menon. [9] The bag was flown back to New Delhi on a regular Air India flight, in the charge of C.R. Barooah, the flight purser. His father, R.C. Barooah, was the flight engineer on Air India Flight 101. [10] In September 2013 a French alpinist found a metal box marked with the Air India logo at the site of the plane crash on Mont Blanc containing rubies, sapphires, and emeralds worth more than $300,000, which he handed in to the police to be returned to the rightful owners. [5][11] As part of her research for her book Crash au Mont-Blanc, which tells the story of the two Air India crashes on the mountain, Françoise Rey found a record of a box of emeralds sent to a man named Issacharov in London, described by Lloyd's. [5] In 2017 Daniel Roche, a Swiss climber who has searched the Bossons Glacier for wreckage from Air India Flights 245 and 101, found human remains and wreckage including a Boeing 707 aircraft engine. [12] In July 2020, as a result of melting of the glacier, Indian newspapers from 1966 were found in good condition. [13]

Air crash

CFMEU slapped with $800,000 fine over building site shutdowns, 'threatening' behaviour

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 CFMEU and 19 of its officials have been slapped with a $817,500 fine over building site shutdowns that saw unionists block cars and call workers "scabs, grubs and dogs". The 2013 campaign of intimidation was aimed at construction company John Holland Queensland, which had refused to sign an enterprise agreement with the union. Work stoppages took place over several months at two construction sites — the $777 million Enoggera Army Barracks and the $60 million QUT Kelvin Grove Campus. The Federal Court hearing into industrial action was provided with video of unionists standing in front of cars at the QUT site and preventing workers who wanted work from accessing the site. They carried signs labelling workers as "scabs and dogs". One sign read "This is why you are on $19 an hour u gutless grubs, scabs an (sic) dogs. Weak as piss." Another taken on November 18, 2013 read: "No EBA, grubs, grubs, grubs, grubs, grubs, grubs, grubs." When work first stopped at the QUT site on March 8, 2013, it is alleged CFMEU assistant state secretary Jade Ingham warned the head contractor's operations manager: "this is just the start of it, the sooner you sign the agreement the sooner it will stop". The stoush only ended when John Holland management finally caved in and signed a CFMEU enterprise agreement. In handing down the penalty, Justice Darryl Rangiah said the union's conduct was "deliberate, flagrant and systematic". "Their breaches of the FWA [Fair Work Act] must be regarded as very serious and deserving of very significant penalties," he said. "The contraventions affected two major projects and impacted upon a large number of subcontractors and workers. "The behaviour of the respondents who contravened s343 of the FWA was confronting, threatening and intimidatory. "Their conduct involved a sustained and flagrant disregard for the workplace rights and freedom of association guaranteed under the FWA." He said the union argued its conduct was a "legitimate industrial objective", namely making an enterprise agreement. However, Justice Rangiah said under the FWA: "particular conduct is made unlawful, regardless of whether or not the contravener is pursuing what it perceives as a legitimate industrial objective." "I do not accept that the fact that the respondents were pursuing an EA makes the offending less serious, particularly when it was designed to coerce JHQ into agreeing to the CFMEU's terms. "The respondents have shown no contrition or remorse for their actions." He fined the union $551,900 for 26 breaches under the act. The 19 union officials, including secretary Jade Ingham were fined also with amounts varying from $37,500 to $3,600, taking the total to $817,500. Justice Rangiah said he did not consider the aggregate penalties "oppressive or crushing" and saw no reason to reduce them. It is unclear if the CFMEU will pay the entire amount. The union has been contacted for comment. The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) has welcomed the Federal Court penalties, saying it sent a strong message "that coercive and intimidatory behaviour will not be tolerated". Commissioner Stephen McBurney said "the sustained campaign on the head contractor impacted important major projects and risked the livelihoods of those who wanted to work". "The level of intimidation directed at both the head contractor and the workers is alarming," he said. "This was a protracted campaign orchestrated by repeat offenders intended to force the company to sign a CFMEU enterprise agreement." The ABCC lodged an application in 2016 to fine those involved in industrial action at QUT and Enoggera army barracks for 97 days in 2013, alleging it was a targeted attack on developer John Holland over an enterprise agreement. The case was leapt on by the Turnbull Government last year to bolster its fight to re-establish the ABCC. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)

Organization Fine

Egypt unveils 59 ancient coffins in major archaeological discovery

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt on Saturday put on show dozens of coffins belonging to priests and clerks from the 26th dynasty nearly 2,500 years ago, with archaeologists saying tens more were found in the vast Saqqara necropolis just days ago. The 59 coffins were discovered in August at the UNESCO world heritage site south of Cairo, buried in three 10-12 meter shafts along with 28 statues of the ancient Egyptian God Seker, one of the most important funerary deities. They belonged to priests and clerks from the 26th dynasty, said Mostafa al-Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. The Egyptian archaeological mission behind the discovery had been active since 2018 and previously unveiled a cache of mummified animals and a well-preserved tomb of a fifth dynasty royal priest called ‘Wahtye’ in the area. Waziri explained the team had uncovered the three shafts where the coffins were laid in “perfect condition” due to a protective seal that preserved them from chemical reactions. The mission will continue opening the coffins and studying their contents before their eventual display at the Grand Egyptian Museum, expected to open next year.

New archeological discoveries

Tokyo Olympics 2021: Ryan Crouser breaks shot put world record during U.S. Olympic Trials

On the very first day of the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, a native son of the Beaver State punched his ticket to the Tokyo Olympics by shattering a world record that had stood even longer than he has been alive. And that achievement will set the tone for his Olympic title defense. On Friday, Ryan Crouser broke the world record in shot put, heaving his sphere 76 feet and 8¼ inches (23.37 meters) into the record books. Crouser broke a record which stood for over three decades, when fellow American Randy Barnes threw 75-10¼ (23.12) in May of 1990. Crouser, who won gold in shot put during the 2016 Rio Olympics, parlayed his record into a renewed place on the United States' Olympic shot put team. Crouser will be joined in Tokyo by Joe Kovacs and Payton Otterdahl. "I stayed big with my chest and relaxed and let the entry happen. I didn't force it," Crouser said in a report by Pat Graham of the Associated Press . "And once I did that well, I knew the throw was going to be good, so I didn't do anything to mess it up from there." Standing at 6-7 and 320 pounds, Crouser is as physically imposing a presence as there is at an Olympic track meet. The latest in a family of throwers -- Crouser's father was an alternate on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team and his uncle qualified for two Olympic teams in javelin competition -- Crouser won gold in the 2009 IAAF World Youth Championships before competing in track & field at the University of Texas. In addition to his gold medal at Rio, Crouser has also ranked in world championship competition, winning silver at the 2019 World Athletics Championship in Doha.

Break historical records

Israel to Withdraw from UNESCO

Israel announced on Friday that it will leave the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by the end of 2018. The decision was made due to attempts by UNESCO to “disconnect Jewish history from the land of Israel,” and in an expression of gratitude to the United States. “UNESCO, led by the Arab countries and the rest of the depressed, frustrated and dark countries of the world, has held a record number of votes that were filled with incitement and lies against Israel and the Jewish nation, that polluted [the organization’s] noble values with politicization and diplomatic terror that bordered at times on antisemitism,” Israel’s envoy to UNESCO Carmel Shama Hacohen said. “For many years, the US has made sure that Israel won’t walk alone, while facing a crushing majority and paying a price. The bottom line is that the US is leaving UNESCO because of the State of Israel, and we have a moral obligation to ensure that she doesn’t do that alone.” UNESCO rules state that the withdrawal only takes effect one full year after it receives an exit letter. The United States said in October that it was exiting the body due to “anti-Israel bias.” The Israeli departure will occur on the same day that the United States withdraws. Both Israel and the United States have maintained that they will rescind their withdrawal if the UN body changes its attitude towards Israel. It’s been obvious for a while that UNESCO has a bias against Israel. Not acknowledging the historical record or archeological finds has been detrimental all around. The United States has stood by the Jewish nation & now it’s time for Israel to reciprocate.

Withdraw from an Organization

At least 4 dead, 6 missing after collapse of Cebu mine

OPERATION. Together with the city’s disaster risk reduction and management office, Carmen Copper Corporation and response teams from other government agencies have set up an incident command post in the site. Photo from Toledo City PIO CEBU CITY, Philippines Carmen Copper Corporation, which owns the mining pit, is the subject of complaints filed by its host barangay since 2019 At least 4 workers died and 6 remained missing as of Tuesday, December 22, after a mining pit in Barangay Biga, Toledo, collapsed a day earlier. In a statement, Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) confirmed a landslide occurred at around 4:15 pm in Carmen Pit on Monday, December 21. “The incident was traceable to the incessant rains for the past several months and aggravated by Typhoon Vicky, which hit parts of the Visayas, including Toledo City,” the statement said. The Carmen Pit is CCC’s only mine operations site and is located in Barangay Biga, Toledo City. Currently, CCC has an active mining area of 276 hectares out of the 1,676-hectare total operating area. At around 1 pm on Tuesday, CCC issued an update stating the incident had indeed taken the lives of 4 of their workers, and adding that the company is continuing efforts to locate 6 more missing persons. “As of this time we are in close coordination and communication with the affected immediate families and will continue to extend the needed support and assistance,” said CCC. “We have suspended all activities in the mining operations area to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors,” it said. According to Biga Barangay Captain Pedro Sepada, the host barangay, Barangay Biga, had already filed complaints about CCC’s mining activities before the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Visayas (MGB -7) since last year.

Mine Collapses

2010 Mentawai earthquake and tsunami

The 2010 Mentawai earthquake occurred with a moment magnitude of 7.8[1] on 25 October off the western coast of Sumatra at 21:42 local time (14:42 UTC). [4] The earthquake occurred on the same fault that produced the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. It was widely felt across the provinces of Bengkulu and West Sumatra and resulted in a substantial localized tsunami that struck the Mentawai Islands. [5] The island of Sumatra lies above the Sunda megathrust, the interface between the subducting Australian Plate and the overriding Sunda Plate. Movement on this structure has been responsible for many large historical megathrust earthquakes. The most recent sequence of large ruptures started with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and included the 2005 Nias–Simeulue earthquake and the 2007 Sumatra earthquakes. [6][7] The earthquake occurred around 150 miles (240 km) west of Bengkulu, close to the Mentawai Islands, southwest of South Pagai. The USGS first reported the hypocenter of the quake at 20.5 miles (33.0 km) deep,[4] but later changed it to 8.8 miles (14.2 km) deep[8] and then 12.8 miles (20.6 km). The USGS also estimated the magnitude at 7.5 before revising the measurement to 7.8. [1] The intensity was MM IV in Bengkulu and MM III in Padang. [9] The October 2010 earthquake is thought to have been a result of thrust faulting along or near the plate interface from the calculated focal mechanism and the focal depth. According to seismic hazard potentials and deformation features, the Sunda Trench can be divided into several segments. The southern segment lies to the south of Siberut Island. The rupture area of this earthquake is situated within the southern segment, where historical earthquakes include the earthquake of 1797 and the Mw ~ 9.0 1833 Sumatra earthquake. [1][10] Unlike in 2004, the tsunami caused by the October 2010 earthquake did not propagate westwards and other Indian Ocean nations were unaffected. It has been suggested that the tremor may have been a large aftershock of the much larger Sumatran earthquakes of September 2007. [11] The earthquake occurred around seven hours after the eruption of Mount Merapi on the Indonesian island of Java. However, the two events are not thought to be linked. [12] The earthquake's worst effects were felt on the remote Mentawai Islands. On the island of South Pagai, the tsunami reached a height of 3 m (9 ft) and swept as far as 600 m (1800 ft) inland. According to Indonesian officials, more than 20 villages were hit by the tsunami, displacing more than 20,000 people[12] and affecting about 4,000 households. The coastal village of Betu Monga on South Pagai was reported to have been destroyed with many residents still missing. [13] Many residents of the villages of Peurogat and Beleerakso were also reported to be missing. [12] Eighty percent of the houses in the North Pagai village of Muntei Baru were reported damaged or destroyed. [14] According to a spokesperson for the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), the quake was felt in several mainland towns, but no damage or deaths were reported. [15] The Mentawai Islands may have acted as a barrier, shielding the Sumatran coast by absorbing the brunt of the tsunami. [14] As of October 30, 2010, the confirmed death toll stands at 435, with 110 more unaccounted for. Many of the missing are believed to have been swept out to sea. [3] Relief teams were initially unable to reach the islands due to poor weather conditions and rough seas. The Indonesian military was mobilized and international aid organizations also began a relief effort. [12][13] The first aid began to arrive on October 27, two days after the earthquake and tsunami. [14] Many villages on the islands were affected by the tsunami, which reached a height of 3 m (9 ft) and swept as far as 600 m (1800 ft) inland. The tsunami caused widespread destruction that displaced more than 20,000 people and affected about 4,000 households. 435 people were reported to have been killed, with over 100 more still missing. [3] The subsequent relief effort was hampered by bad weather[13] and the remoteness of the islands, which led to delays in the reporting of casualties. [16] Several aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake,[17] the more significant of which are listed below. The BMKG issued a tsunami warning based on seismographic data. [27] An alert was broadcast from radios and mosque loudspeakers on the mainland, prompting thousands to flee to higher ground. [11] It was later cancelled, but officials said that a tsunami warning system installed following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami had failed to function properly. According to Indonesian officials, two of the system's buoys out at sea had been vandalized and were inoperative. [28] The claim of a breakdown was disputed by German officials who were working with the Indonesians to maintain and develop the system. Jörn Lauterjung, the head of the German-Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning Project, said that it had "worked very well", only one sensor had not been working and its failure had not harmed the system's operation. [29] However, the epicentre of the earthquake was so close to the islands that a warning would probably have been too late in any case, as the tsunami only took about five to ten minutes to reach Pagai. [13]

Earthquakes

Sempati Air Flight 304 crash

Sempati Air Flight 304 (SSR304) was a scheduled domestic passenger flight, flying from Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung, West Java to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta. On 17 July 1997, the aircraft operating the flight, a Fokker F27 Friendship 600 leased from Trigana Air Service, registered PK-YPM, crashed into a densely populated neighbourhood of Margahayu in Bandung after suffering an engine failure shortly after take-off killing 28 of the occupants and injuring several on the ground. Subsequent investigation by the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee found out that the aircraft had suffered an engine failure on its left engine; the pilot failed to execute a proper go-around procedure and crashed into the densely populated residential area of Margahayu. [1] The aircraft took off from Husein Sastranegara Airport at 11:46 WIB (04:46 UTC), with Bambang Rudy Santoso as PIC. Approximately 3 minutes after take off, the left engine of the Fokker F27 failed and began spewing thick smoke. The pilot contacted Husein Sastranegara ATC, choosing to land at Sulaiman Airbase runway 13. During the emergency landing procedure, the aircraft clipped houses in Margahayu, Bandung and crashed into a muddy field killing 28 people and severely injuring several people on the ground. Most of the victims were families travelling for school holidays. [2] The aircraft involved in the crash was a Fokker F27 Friendship 600 built in 1969 with a serial number of 10415, delivered to Merpati Nusantara Airlines as PK-MHF in 1974. Later, it was sold to Trigana Air Service in 1993 as PK-YPM, Sempati Air in January 1995 and returned to Trigana Air Service in August 1995. [3]

Air crash

Alaska Airlines Flight 779 crash

Report released on October 10, 1962. File No. 1-0002 CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT ADOPTED: October 5, 1962 RELEASED: October 10, 1962 ALASKA AIRLINES, INC., DOUGLAS DC-6A, N 6118C, SHEMYA, ALASKA. JULY 21, 1961 SYNOPSIS An Alaska Airlines, Inc., Douglas DC-6A, N 6118C, Flight CKA 779 of July 20, 1961, was a contract cargo flight from Travis Air Force Base, California, to Tachikawa, Japan. At 0211, Bering Standard Time, on July 21, 1961, during the approach to a landing at Shemya, Alaska, an en route refueling stop, after descending through minimum weather conditions under the guidance of GCA,[1] the aircraft crashed and burned approximately 200 feet short of the runway threshold on a course aligned with the runway. All six persons aboard the aircraft were crew members and all received fatal injuries. The red runway approach lights, the first four pairs of runway lights, and two of four green threshold lights were inoperative. This lighting deficiency was not observed or reported to this aircraft by those in charge of field lighting or by the GCA controller. The single strobe light, 152 feet short of the threshold, two of the green threshold lights, and the remainder of the runway lights were operating. The Board determines that the probably cause of this accident was the absence of approach and runway lights, and the failure of the GCA controller to give more positive guidance to the pilot during the last stages of his approach. The board has recommended to the administrator that he take action to assure that personnel and equipment used in GCA approaches meet pertinent standards for such operations. Investigation At 0211[2] on July 21, 1961, a Douglas DC-6A, N 6118C, operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc., as Flight CKA 779, crashed and burned while on approach to landing on runway 10 at Shemya Airport, Shemya, Alaska. All six persons aboard the aircraft were crew members and all received fatal injuries. Flight 779 was being conducted pursuant to a contract between the carrier and the Military Air Transport Service to transport military freight from Travis Air Force Base, California, to Tachikawa, Japan. The flight had originated at Paine Field, Everett, Washington, on July 20, 1961, and proceeded to Travis AFB, California, where it was to load military cargo. At Travis AFB, 25,999 pounds of cargo was loaded by military personnel under the supervision of the Alaska Airlines' ​flight engineer. The flight then departed Travis AFB and flew nonstop to Anchorage, Alaska, where it landed to refuel and take a navigator aboard. At Anchorage, the crew received weather and NOTAM information fort he flight to Shemya, which did not include the approach or field lighting deficiencies. The stop at Shemya was for the purpose of servicing the aircraft before proceeding to Tachikawa. The flight was being conducted in accordance with the operational provisions of Part 42 of the Civil Air Regulations under an amendment to the carrier's Part 41 Operating Certificate. The crew filed an instrument flight plan to Shemya, using Adak, Alaska, as its alternate. The estimated time en route was six hours and forty minutes. Extensive areas of fog and low stratus prevailed in the relatively warm, moist air enveloping an area including Shemya and that part of the Aleutian Islands extending 500 miles east of Shemya. The flight took off from Anchorage at 1940 and proceeded routinely toward Shemya in accordance with its flight plan. The flight made contact with Shemya Radio at 0045 and gave its position as 55° 46' north and 179° 08' east at flight level 100 (10,000 feet with altimeter set at 29.92, required for international flights) between layers of clouds with 9,560 pounds of fuel remaining. Forty-three minutes later, the flight reported it was 100 miles east of Shemya estimating Shemya at 0155. At that time Shemya Radio transmitted to the flight as follows: "ATC advises no traffic reported, continue inbound to Shemya Homer, descend to maintain 5,500 feet, GCA standing by 134.1." The flight replied, "Alaska 779, Roger." At 0145, the flight contacted Shemya GCA and radar contact was made with the aircraft approximately 18 miles north-northeast of Shemya, at 5,500 feet. The frequency on which the contact was made and which was used during the entire GCA approach was 134.1 mcs. The radio transmissions of neither the flight nor GCA were recorded, which was in direct violation of instructions issued by Northwest Airlines[3] for operation of the GCA; hence the description of how the flight was controlled through the instrument approach is based to a large degree on the controller's testimony. He said that he advised the flight while it was still in the surveillance pattern to expect possible "wind burble" on final approach between one mile and 1/4 mile from touchdown point. He stated that he gave the flight the following Shemya weather information: "Indefinite ceiling 200 feet; sky obscured, visibility one mile in fog; new altimeter 29.86." The controller said the flight intercepted the glidepath properly and maintained a good course during the entire approach. He said that when the flight was two miles out from touchdown, it dropped approximately 10 to 15 feet below the glidepath and he advised the flight several times to "ease the aircraft up"; however, no apparent correction was made. He said that approximately one mile from touchdown, the flight went an estimated 30 to 40 feet below the glidepath, and he advised the flight several times to "bring the aircraft up," yet no apparent correction was made. He advised the flight it was passing GCA minimum at one-half mile out and was still below glidepath. He said that the flight maintained the ​30- to 40-foot below-glidepath condition until it was over the approach lights, which begin 1,460 feet before the threshold of the runway. He stated that at no time did he consider the flight to be in danger, and that the 30- to 40-foot below-glidepath condition was still well above the minimum safe altitude for the approach. He said that when the flight was over the approach lights, it started to descend rapidly and he assumed the captain had taken over visually for his landing, intending to "grease it on" at the end of the runway. He therefore did not advise the pilot of his position relative to the glidepath at that point. The controller said that he continued to advise the flight that it was below glidepath (though not stating how far below, or that the safety limits were being exceeded). He stated that he last saw the aircraft on radar at the end of the runway, and also that he knew it had crashed because he did not see the aircraft target move down the runway as he usually is able to do by reference to his radar scope. He also stated that the flight's transmissions indicated to him that the pilot understood all instructions and was familiar with the GCA approach to Shemya's runway 10. The crash took place at 0211. At 0212, in response to notification of the incident, the U. S. Weather Bureau observer made the following weather observation: "Indefinite 200-foot variable ceiling; visibility 3/4 mile variable, fog; temperature 45°; dewpoint 45°, wind south-southeast 8 knots; altimeter setting 29.84; ceiling 100 feet variable to 300 feet, visibility 1/2 mile variable to one mile." Published GCA approach weather minimums at Shemya for Alaska Airlines flights are ceiling 200 feet and visibility one-half mile. The ceiling heights are reported in feet above the runway, and the reported visibility is an average visibility using a visibility reference chart which depicts objects at known distances and directions from the Weather Bureau Office. The wind at slightly more than 500 feet above the runway was south at 20 knots, while the surface wind was southeast at 8 knots. The freezing level was at 12,000 m.s.l.

Air crash

Facebook could be fined $156 million by Belgium for breaching privacy laws

A Belgian court has threatened Facebook with a fine of up to 100 million euros ($156 million) if it continued to break privacy laws by tracking people on third-party websites. In a case brought by Belgium's privacy watchdog, the court also ruled that Facebook had to delete all data it had gathered illegally on Belgian citizens, including people who were not Facebook users. Facebook, which will be fined 250,000 euros ($392,000) a day or up to 100 million euros if it does not comply with the court's judgement, said in a statement it would appeal the ruling. "Facebook informs us insufficiently about gathering information about us, the kind of data it collects, what it does with that data and how long it stores it," the court said in a statement. "It also does not gain our consent to collect and store all this information." The social media giant uses different methods to track the online behaviour of people if they are not on the company's website by placing cookies and invisible pixels on third-party websites, the court said. Facebook said the technologies it uses were in line with industry standards and it gives users the right to opt out of data collection on websites and applications off its platform being used for advertisements. "We'll comply with this new law, just as we've complied with existing data protection law in Europe," Facebook's vice-president of public policy for Europe Richard Allan said. Belgium's privacy watchdog welcomed the ruling. "Facebook has just launched a large campaign where they stress the importance of privacy," it said. "We hope they will now make this a reality".

Organization Fine

Man who kept waking up in the night sweating is diagnosed with rare cancer

Geoff Melling was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour after experiencing night sweats. He had surgery and after a period of recovery, he began working for the NHS A man has spoken of his experience after his frequent night sweats turned out to be a rare form of cancer. Geoff Melling, 63, began experiencing the symptoms eight years ago and initially thought he had an imbalanced thyroid. In 2013, he kept waking in the night sweating, noticed a change to his bowel habits and was experiencing regular flushing, Coventry Live reports. After a GP referral, he was sent to a hospital in Rugby for tests, where medics suspected it could be a neuroendocrine tumour (NET). Geoff, who worked as a logistics director for a health procurement company at the time, had a 24-hour urine test followed by MRI and CAT scans, which confirmed a NET on his ilium, a bone in the pelvis. He said he felt lucky to be diagnosed early because some people have to wait for years to receive a diagnosis. Geoff explained he spent Easter 2014 in hospital as he had surgery to remove the tumour. He said: "My life has completely changed since, but it saved my life. My NET cancer is now a chronic condition, rather than acute. I will die with it rather than of it." Due to his surgery, Geoff had to leave his job for a period of recovery, but later found a job with the NHS as he wanted to give something back to those who saved his life. He now works as an executive assistant with Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership. He said: "When you have bowel symptoms you always need to know where a toilet is and think about what you are eating all the time. "Commuting on a train was problematic and driving long distances was also a challenge. "Now I have to take 45 Imodium tablets a day, 12 to 13 with each meal. I’ve lost 21 kilos of weight since I discovered I had a NET and can’t put weight on again. "Now I’m really enjoying working for the NHS, it feels like I am giving something back after UHCW saved my life and I really do feel like I am making a difference." Geoff, whose NET had spread to his liver, lung and lymphs, now has injections every three weeks to control the growth and symptoms of his tumours. He also had four cycles of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) last year. He explained: "My tumour is now stable and not growing. I’ve gone from acute to chronic, I will have it for the rest of my life but I won’t die from it." Geoff added: "Finding out you have a NET cancer early is so important. If anyone experiences a change of bowel habit, gets night sweats notices anything unusual for three weeks they need to get it checked out by a GP, it could save your life." NETs affect more than 36,000 people each year in the UK and can occur in people of any age or gender, and can develop in many different places in the body.

Famous Person - Sick

1925 Kita Tajima earthquake

The 1925 North Tajima earthquake (Japanese: 北但馬地震[8]) was an earthquake that occurred on May 23, 1925 at Toyooka, Hyōgo in Japan. This earthquake's epicenter was in the Maruyama River estuary. [9] According to the Japanese government's official report, there were 428 human fatalities, 1,016 people injured, 7,863 buildings destroyed, and 45,659 houses damaged by collapse or fire. [10] This quake caused extensive damage to the town of Toyooka and the Maruyama River area. Just before the shaking could be felt, a sound like a cannon was reportedly heard intermittently from the direction of the estuary near the Maruyama River. During the earthquake, the ground in the town of Tokyooka experienced strong seismic vibrations for 16 seconds. As most of the buildings of the time were wooden, many of them were destroyed at once during the initial earthquake. In the fire that broke out subsequently, half of Toyooka was burned down, with many deaths resulting (a reported 8% of the town's population.) 272 deaths were confirmed to have occurred in the Kinosaki area.

Earthquakes