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Confused golden retriever wags its tail as Tesla-driving owner abandons it in park and races off – Metro.co.uk

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

A confused golden retriever thought he was going for walkies only for his cruel Tesla driving owner to dump him in a park and drive off (Pictures: Clark County Sheriffs Office)

Distressing surveillance camera footage captured the moment a confused golden retriever wagged its tail as its Tesla-driving owner dumped it in a park. The dog was abandoned at Vancouver Park just north of Portland, Oregon earlier this month.

Footage obtained by KOIN showed the pets female owner pull into a parking spot in her gray Tesla Model 3 which retails for a minimum $37,500. She gets out of the luxury electric car and opens the back door to let her dog out.

The animal wags its tail and looks at its owner in anticipation a walk around the beauty spot.

She then tricks the dog into thinking they are doing just that and walks it towards a wooded area, then dashes back to the car before the dog can follow her, and drives off without it.

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Thankfully, the dog was rescued and is now being cared for by I Pawd It Forward animal shelter in Portland. The animal will be put up for adoption once shelter staff have confirmed it had not been stolen from anyone else who was looking for it.

Clark County Sheriffs Office is investigating the act of abandonment, and have appealed for anyone who recognizes the dog dumper to contact them.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us atwebnews@metro.co.uk

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Confused golden retriever wags its tail as Tesla-driving owner abandons it in park and races off - Metro.co.uk

Why doctors and researchers need access to hydroxychloroquine | TheHill – The Hill

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

On July 6, a team of doctors from Henry Ford Hospital, supported by physicians from Baylor University Medical Center, submitted an urgent request to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reauthorize use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for early treatment of COVID-19. Since that day, more than 25,000 more Americans have died from the virus as COVID-19 continues to burn through communities across America. If the results of a recent Henry Ford Hospital study are accurate, at least half of these patients might have been saved by HCQ.

Since the pandemic from China first hit America with brute force early in March, it has become apparent to physicians that the medicine works best when as with any anti-infective agent it is given early in the course of the infection. Moreover, hospitalization can be avoided if treatment starts within the first day of symptoms.

While HCQ alone has been found by numerous studies to reduce mortality rates, severity of symptoms, and length of hospital stays, it also can be combined with zinc and either azithromycin or doxycycline, followed by corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone), and in some cases anticoagulants all working together for improved outcomes. For each one of these drugs, there is both a good scientific rationale and either early clinical trials completed or planned with sufficient promise.

Of these drugs, only HCQ was singled out as a political football early in spring right after President TrumpDonald John TrumpJoe Arpaio loses bid for his old position as sheriff Trump brushes off view that Russia denigrating Biden: 'Nobody's been tougher on Russia than I have' Trump tees up executive orders on economy but won't sign yet MORE urged the medical community to consider HCQ. At the time, one of Trumps top medical advisers, Dr. Anthony FauciAnthony FauciOvernight Health Care: Trump to take executive action after coronavirus talks collapse | Vaccine official says he'd resign if pressured politically Fauci's DC neighbors put up 'thank you' signs in their yards Cuomo says New York schools can reopen in-person this fall MORE, stated that if a COVID-19 patient were under his care, he would use HCQ, preferably in a clinical trial protocol. Fauci, however, has since backed away from that statement and his opposition has become a rallying cry of the left-leaning mainstream medias Hydroxy Hysteria.

The politicization of HCQ is an ongoing tragedy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has more than 60 million HCQ tablets sitting in its warehouses. Absent a new Emergency Use Authorization, FEMA cannot ship this valuable medicine for appropriate off-label treatment of COVID-19 patients. Nor can hospitals or clinics easily recruit patients for the kind of randomized clinical trials needed to ultimately settle the question of how HCQ might best be used in the fight against COVID-19. Should it be purely in early treatment, as a prophylactic for health care workers or senior home patients at risk, in outpatient versus hospital settings, or in other settings?

Positive HCQ studies have been dismissed in medical journal editorials as flawed because they were observational rather than randomized. The few randomized trials of HCQ reported to date have been a debacle because of the failure to distinguish clearly between early treatment (one to seven days after the onset of symptoms), when the medicine should work, versus later treatment, when it is unlikely to help. To make matters worse, in a classic statistical type two error, many of the preventive and early illness trials of HCQ changed primary endpoints, reduced sample sizes, and became unable to see the benefit of HCQ, if indeed it was there.

For example, the University of Minnesota, in a collaboration with other centers, published randomized prevention and early treatment trials. While both trials were stopped early and thereby had small samples, both made definitive claims that HCQ was not effective. However, careful review of their data shows just the opposite numerically (but not statistically significant) lower numbers of infections and hospitalizations in those who were randomized to HCQ.

Further clouding the issue, the National Institutes of Health opened an outpatient trial of HCQ and azithromycin in May but closed it in June, stating they could not recruit subjects into the study. This was a highly disingenuous claim, given the overwhelming numbers of COVID-19 patients desperate for treatment.

My own conclusion from a review of the literature is that HCQ has not failed the randomized trials, but researchers have failed HCQ. Many doctors who understand the science and the threats to validity in the HCQ literature continue to prescribe HCQ appropriately off-label to COVID-19 victims at home, in senior centers, and early in the hospital. The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons is suing the FDA for access to HCQ.

In thinking carefully about all the negative news that you may have heard about HCQ, keep in mind this drug has been used in the U.S. since 1955. It has a completely established safety record for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria prevention and treatment. Prescribed under a physicians good judgment, it is unlikely to cause harm.

So how did HCQ become considered dangerous? The first false safety concerns arose early in the pandemic in reports that doctors prescribed HCQ not in an early treatment setting at the first sign of symptoms but rather in a late-stage setting to more severely ill patients in the hospital. This form of treatment bias that is, giving medicine to the sickest before death created a false association between HCQ and mortality. Unfortunately, the mainstream media picked up on these reports and did great damage by promulgating a false narrative without understanding the epidemiological underpinning of confounding by indication.

In what would be a death blow to public trust of HCQ, the prestigious Lancet journal published a massive worldwide study that purported to show excessive deaths in patients treated across six continents only to have the paper later retracted. The New England Journal of Medicine had a similar unprecedented retraction more evidence of HCQ becoming a political football in medical science. While the studies were fraudulent and discredited within a few weeks, the media coverage, and earlier flawed studies, led both the FDA and World Health Organization (WHO) to withdraw endorsements of the drug for COVID-19 treatment.

We now know, based on thelarge New York and Detroit experiences at Ford and Mt. Sinai hospitals, that HCQ is safe. To date, there has not been a single credible report that the medication increases the risk of death in COVID-19 patients when prescribed by competent physicians who understand its safety profile.

It is time for the FDA and state medical boards to support the use of HCQ in conjunction with other commonly used drugs steroids and antithrombotics against COVID-19, treated early at home to help avoid hospitalization and death. As President Trump has said, what have you got to lose by reinstating an Emergency Use Authorization? As to what might be gained, appropriate research and prescription (combined with other medications) could spare hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and save tens of thousands of American lives.

Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH, is vice chairman of medicine at Baylor University Medical Center and a professor of medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine in Dallas. An internist, cardiologist and epidemiologist, he is the editor in chief of Cardiorenal Medicine and Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine. He has authored over 500 cited works in the National Library of Medicine.

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Why doctors and researchers need access to hydroxychloroquine | TheHill - The Hill

Notable Launches New Clinical Study With Washington University School of Medicine Exploring Ex Vivo Drug Screening to Predict Chemotherapy Sensitivity…

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Notable, which is redefining cancer treatment by taking a functional approach to precision oncology in hematological cancers, announced a new precision oncology study with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, exploring the feasibility of ex vivo drug screening to predict sensitivity and resistance to chemotherapy, and to identify novel synergies across a broad panel of anticancer therapies.

The study will help determine to what extent Notable's technology platform has the ability to predict clinical responses in patients treated with standard of care therapies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In addition, the study explores how a patient's disease changes in response to specific therapies, and whether Notable can potentially combat resistance to therapy by finding new effective combinations on its platform.

The study will be conducted at Washington University School of Medicines Siteman Cancer Center. Notable is performing the ex vivo drug sensitivity tests in its laboratory in Foster City.

This is a very important validation study for Notable, said Hiroomi Tada, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer at Notable. It will provide a large dataset that will enable us to compare our ex vivo test results with patient outcomes, which we need to understand how well our assays work, and determine whether we need to improve the assays for certain classes of drugs to make the tests better. In addition, the study will provide us with insight into how AML and MDS change in response to treatment, identify potential new combination therapies and if patients are failing a therapy much earlier, allowing us to intervene sooner as resistance is emerging.

Medical oncologist John Welch, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the division of oncology at Washington University School of Medicine, said, It can be difficult to predict patients responses to chemotherapy, and we look forward to evaluating whether Notables platform has the potential to change the way clinicians approach cancer therapy for individual patients. This trial is intended to help determine the platforms accuracy and its value as a clinical care tool.

This is expected be a five-year study, though data from the first cohort could be available within 1218 months.

About Notable

Notable is redefining cancer treatment by taking a functional approach to precision oncology in hematological cancers. Notables testing platform combines machine learning, automation and high-throughput screening directly on patient samples to predict responses to potential therapies, and ultimately determine which therapies will be most effective for specific cancers. Notables functional precision medicine platform will advance drug development and enable pharmaceutical companies to get new therapies to patients faster. Learn more at notablelabs.com and follow us @notablelabs.

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How to get started if you’ve never had a bank account – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Managing your money without a bank account is doable. But it can pose challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic has only added more.

Your economic impact payment might've arrived weeks or months after others' did, in the form of a check or prepaid debit card, because you couldn't choose the faster delivery option of direct deposit into a bank account. And if you've gone to the store lately, you may have been asked to pay with a debit or credit card or in exact change due to a nationwide shortage of coins and concerns over germ transmission.

A bank account can make life easier in these situations, among others. To avoid future issues, consider opening one or try again if you've been rejected in the past. Here's a guide to getting started.

ASSESS YOUR MONEY NEEDS

If you're one of the 14 million adults without a bank account in the U.S., you might have a system that works for you. Maybe that includes using alternative products such as prepaid debit cards and check cashing services. Financial counselor Brandy Baxter has worked with clients who used check cashing services for practical reasons.

"They preferred to walk in, walk out with cash in hand," says Baxter, an accredited financial counselor and financial coach who runs the firm Living Abundantly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Check cashing stores like Check 'n Go and ACE Cash Express may operate for longer hours than banks and have easy approval processes to get cash quickly. But this comes with a steep fee, which can range from 1% to 6%, or more, of the check amount.

Bank accounts can fulfill money needs beyond what prepaid cards and check cashing services can. For example, their fraud protections can limit what you pay if you're victimized, and many accounts let you lock debit cards remotely when stolen.

And once you've begun a relationship with a bank, other doors open: Credit cards, auto or small business loans and cheaper alternatives to payday loans may eventually be within reach.

Checking accounts "don't just help you save costs; they're the stepping stones to use other financial products," says David Rothstein, principal at Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, who manages BankOn, a national platform that promotes financial inclusion.

FIND A BANK THAT FITS YOU

If you find banks intimidating or have had issues getting an account before, community banks and credit unions tend to be more accommodating than national banks and are often mission-driven for example, focusing on the financial health of their surrounding communities.

"We're very lenient at giving someone a second chance," says Pedro Murillo, area branch manager in the San Francisco Bay Area for Self-Help Federal Credit Union. "If an employee comes in to apply for a loan and doesn't have pay stubs, what else (can they) show us? A letter from (their) employer? We don't want to give up."

Like other credit unions, Self-Help requires a person to open a savings account to become a member; the minimum to open an account is typically a few bucks. Then members can apply for other products, like a credit builder loan.

You can search online for the term "CDFI" which stands for community development financial institution to find credit unions like Self-Help near you. Many require those who join to be in the same area or state where the credit union or bank has branches.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT APPLYING

To open an account, you'll generally need your Social Security number, one or two forms of identification and money for the first deposit.

It's common to apply for two bank accounts at the same time: a checking and a savings account. The checking account grants access to a debit card, bill payment system and other services, while the savings account lets you set money aside and, ideally, grow by earning interest.

Banks usually screen applicants on ChexSystems, a national reporting agency that keeps records of accounts closed against a person's will. If you have lost access to a bank account in the past, you might be rejected by other banks until you settle your ChexSystems record. This can mean paying off debt to a bank or disputing errors on the record.

Once you're cleared, consider what banks often call a second chance checking account or a BankOn-approved checking account. Many of these don't charge overdraft fees, which kick in if you try paying for something that would put your balance in the negative.

Finding and opening the right bank account involves some effort. But once you're approved, having a safe place for your money and a better chance to get affordable loans can make it worthwhile.

"To have a checking account is the cornerstone of any financial empowerment effort," Rothstein says.

This article originally appeared on the personal finance website NerdWallet. Spencer Tierney is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: spencer.tierney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @SpencerNerd.

Montclair State University: Determined To Make The Most Of College – Patch.com

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Press release from Montclair State University:

Aug. 7, 2020

Determined to Make the Most of College

EOF program teaches incoming students how to reach their personal, educational and professional goals

When Fatimata Diabate '20 delivered an inspirational speech on resilience during commencement ceremonies, she represented the hopes and dreams of hundreds of Montclair State students, many of whom are first-generation scholars like Diabate.

"My academic preparation was poor," she said in a voice full of emotion. "I had a lot of catching up to do, but I had a mission to succeed in life. Something powerful inside of me that always kept me moving forward."

That determination is at the heart of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), the program that guided Diabate to earn a bachelor's degree in Public Health. Captured on video, her remarks have been viewed tens of thousands of times on social media and were used to close the EOF Summer Academy on August 6.

"It's a powerful speech," says EOF Associate Director Rahjaun Gordon."Not only does it express all that Fatimata has been able to accomplish, but it shows our new scholars what they can achieve in their time here."

EOF provides college access and opportunity to highly motivated students, "most from low-income communities, who want more, who are motivated or first-gen, and who with the proper support and guidance can ultimately reach their personal and professional goals," says Assistant Provost for Special Programs Daniel Jean.

The Summer Academy is the "heart and soul" of the program, a five-week institute providing new EOF scholars with academic and social transitional support. This summer, mandatory safety measures due to the coronavirus prevented an on-campus experience. Still, 148 scholars attended, higher than the projected enrollment, for online classes in writing, mentoring, tutoring and advising.

"This is a difficult time," says EOF Counselor Angela White, "but we want students to be proactive and look back at this time and reflect: 'This is what I did to promote myself and educate myself during a pandemic.'"

EOF Counselor Tatia Haywood adds, "I tell our scholars, this is your experience. College is going to be what you put into it."

On July 30, White and Haywood organized the 8th Annual Statewide EOF Empowerment Conference. Held virtually with other colleges and about 400 students, the event included keynotes on the power of voting, advancing college affordability and accessibility, grit and resilience. In a real-time discussion, the scholars were asked to share in a single word what EOF means to them. "Family, opportunity, support, future, growth," they typed onto their screens.

The online interaction was a preview of the fall semester. "We've been transparent, telling students it may not look at what you've seen on TV, but a virtual college experience can still be impactful," Haywood says.

The challenges of the coronavirus crisis, including its health and economic impact on the EOF community, has also brought into focus the barriers and distractions some scholars face as they acclimate to college.

"We're all in this together," White says. "Students come to us for support, knowing we'll be there even after hours and open to what they have to say. It's the benefit of having EOF as a family."

Diabate, in an interview a few days after commencement, recalled her experience as a new EOF scholar. "My first year I was scared, but EOF became my home. It was made up of people I was able to relate to. Whether you were Haitian or African or Hispanic, we all had similar backgrounds."

But for her grit, finding a home at Montclair State nearly didn't happen. Diabate was initially declined admission.

Born in the United States, Diabate lived as a child with family in Ivory Coast as her parents juggled multiple jobs, returning when she was 8. "Imagine at that age, entering school not knowing your times tables or how to spell. You're always trying to catch up. I've always felt that way."

She called Admissions asking, "What can I do to better myself? How can I become a stronger candidate?"

In her commencement address, Diabate recalled, "The woman I spoke to said, 'No student has ever called to ask how can they better their future? Let me call the Educational Opportunity Fund program. Let me see what I can do for you.' She called me back and said they accepted me. Until this day, I do not know who that woman was, but she was the first of many miracles in my life."

One of her writing teachers, Tavya Jackson, an instructional specialist, says it was gratifying to see Diabate give the commencement speech. "She mentioned some of the challenges she faced when she first came to Montclair, and I was amazed to hear about what she had gone through, because she was always such a positive, friendly, open presence in our writing class. She struggled, at times, with her writing, but she displayed such effort and determination, such a willingness to try until she improved and succeeded."

In the interview, Diabate paused to reflect on her story. "And I made it," she says. "I made it."

This press release was produced by Montclair State University. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Montclair State University: Determined To Make The Most Of College - Patch.com

God is always with us, even when we don’t recognize him – CatholicPhilly.com

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Msgr. Joseph Prior

By Msgr. Joseph Prior Posted August 7, 2020

(See the readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 9)

When reflecting on the readings for this weeks liturgy the words of Jesus from another Gospel passage came to mind: Seek and you shall find.

As human beings, we all have a desire for God in the depths of our being. Sometimes this is recognized and the person seeks him. Other times it might be a latent desire, unnamed but present nonetheless.

In this case there may be distractions, obligations or responsibilities that might hide the desire yet something inside ourselves longs for an encounter, a relationship. God is always there reaching out and calling us to himself, and he patiently awaits our reply.

The first reading and Gospel passages for this Sundays Mass give us insight into this relationship and encounter with God. At the heart of both is another saying of Jesus: Do not be afraid. God is loving and forgiving. He is trustworthy and reliable. We know he is powerful and strong, for all things were created by him, yet he is approachable and welcoming. He invites us to himself as a loving parent to a child, as a friend to a friend, as a brother to a brother.

The two readings recall two significant divine encounters. The first takes place on Mount Horeb, the second on the Sea of Galilee.

Elijah is on Mount Horeb. How did he get there? Why is he there? Where is he in life? Well, if we read this passage in the biblical context, we get some insights into his life at this point. He is fed up. In fact, hes told God that he wishes he were dead.

To say he was in a tough situation would be putting it mildly. He had just confronted the prophets of Baal, a pagan god, whom the evil King Ahab and his notorious wife Jezebel had worshiped. The king and queen were out to kill him. He was tired and weak and afraid. He flees to Beersheba but is instructed to go to Horeb where God will encounter him.

He had been witness to Gods power and greatness. God was with him when he called down divine power on the thrice-drenched sacrifice in the presence of the prophets of Baal and the people Israel, after the failed attempts of the Baal prophets to have their sacrifice consumed. After soaking the offering, Elijah invoked the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Immediately a huge fire descended from the skies, completely consuming the sacrifice.

Yet only days later, Elijah is afraid, tired and weak. Something is missing, something is needed. So the angel tells him to eat, to rest and then make the 40-day journey to Horeb. This is where Sundays reading picks up the story.

Elijah arrives, finds shelter and is told to go outside, where he will encounter the Lord. Based on his earlier experience, perhaps he was expecting something extraordinary, something magnificent, something powerful, visible and great.

Those expectations did not match what God had in mind. The great manifestations of the heavy wind, the earthquake and the fire came and went, but God was not in them. Rather, he came in the tiny whispering sound. It was in that tiny whispering sound that Elijah found the God he served.

In this Sundays Gospel, Peter is on the Sea of Galilee, in a boat with the other disciples. Jesus was not with them. He was on the mountain taking some time by himself to pray. The darkness of night had fallen. The disciples were being rocked in the boat by waves. The Sea of Galilee is known for the tremendous storms that rise suddenly above its waters. They were afraid. Peter was afraid.

The Lord approaches them walking on the water. They think its a ghost because no one is able to walk on water. Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid, says the Lord.

Peter doubts. It is as if the darkness, the storm, the waves and everything else gets in the way and he puts the Lord to the test: Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.

The Lord complies and says, Come. It is as if he is saying, Come to me; leave your fear, your doubts, your insecurity, your own ideas on how this is supposed to work, leave it all behind and come be with me.

Peter gets out of the boat and to his amazement and the astonishment of all, he too walks on the water. This does not last long, as his worries and anxieties get in the way. Filled with fear, he notices how strong the wind is and begins to sink into the water crying out, Lord, save me.

Jesus reaches out his hand, catches Peter and says: O you of little faith, why did you doubt? They get into the boat and the wind dies down. The story concludes with the disciples acclaiming, Truly, you are the Son of God.

Perhaps the two stories give us some insight into our relationship with God, our expectations and his encounter with us. God is always present. He is always reaching out to us. He does it in a variety of ways. He is especially present to us when we are troubled or anxious or afraid.

This is a comfort in these days of uncertainty. People are anxious not only about the illness that can be spread, but all the implications of dealing with it. Fear of another shut down, of unemployment, of caring for and educating our children, and anxiety over our older population are regularly on our minds.

Coupled with this is a renewed awareness of the racial discrimination, the plight of the poor and the great divide in our society based on wealth. Civil unrest looms. Further complications come in a lack of trust in leadership and another divide on how to handle the pandemic.

These are troubling times. Yet God does not want us to be alone or afraid. He comes into our lives and invites us to open the door to let him in. Like Elijah or Peter, we may have our own ideas on how this should happen. However, their encounters remind us that maybe its better for God to decide how that happens.

Maybe all he wants from us is a willingness or openness or readiness to encounter him in other words, faith. The words he spoke to Peter, and as he says numerous times, once again he speaks to us: Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.

***

Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

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God is always with us, even when we don't recognize him - CatholicPhilly.com

Defending the People of the Sexual and Gender Diversity’s Rights, 30 Years After the Police Raid of the Sex Garage Party – Canada NewsWire

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

MONTRAL, Aug. 4, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ -Montral Pride Festival, presented by TD, reiterates that the full recognition of the sexual and gender diversity (SGD) people's rights and freedoms is still not achieved, pointing out that merely 30 years ago, the violent police raid at the Sex Garage party became the "Stonewall of Montral". The organization unveiled this morning the political and social demands that will be made during the 360 Edition of the festival.

On the night of July 14, thirty years ago, one of the most violent police raids took place at the Sex Garage party, an inclusive evening organized clandestinely to avoid discrimination. Although accustomed to this type of police raid, our communities rose up in the face of extreme brutality experienced that night. Thus, the protest movement was organized on July 15 in the Village, resulting in a peaceful kiss-in on July 16 in front of the police station in downtown Montral. However, the police team once again reacted with violence, brutally scattering the crowd and arresting several people.

Thirty years later, at a time when the world situation is exceptionally fragile, Montral Pride intends to carry and encourage people to react to the following demands:

Fully Recognize the Identity of All Trans and Non-binary People Regardless of Age, Citizenship or Parental Status.In Canada, gender identity and expression are protected by individual liberty laws. Trans and non-binary migrant minors and people with children are still discriminated against by colonial and oppressive laws. Trans and non-binary people have the full right to determine their own gender identity and expression in order to live full and fulfilling lives.

Therefore, Montral Pride asks:

Let's Stop Mutilating the Bodies of Intersex People.Montral Pride reiterates, as do the United Nations (UN), that intersex children are perfect as they are and urges the international medical community to put an end to the subjecting of intersex people to unnecessary practices.

Montral Pride reminds us that the measures to be taken are clear:

Let's Respond to the Call to Action to Ensure Justice for All Black Communities.We recognize that our society is rooted in colonialism, racism and oppression, that good intentions are not enough, and that apologies are worthless without change and restorative justice.

One lesson to be learned from this pandemic is that it's possible for the government, for institutions and for us as individuals to act collectively and quickly to preserve lives. Anti-black racism also exists in our sexual and gender diversity communities and we need to recognize it in order to properly put an end to it.

Montral Pride will continue initiatives it has undertaken in this regard:

While reflection and introspection are beneficial for situations such as these, Montral Pride wishes to encourage and nurture reflection on police funding in Qubec. Indeed, we believe that an effort must be made on exploring alternatives for redirecting this funding in order to better support vulnerable communities, including people of the sexual and gender diversity.

Let's Be Visible to Those Who Can't!Montral Pride calls for an end to state-sponsored LGBTQ+ phobias around the world. No one should have to face jail, violence or death for who they are or whom they love. We call on the Canadian government to ensure its foreign policy includes standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, especially in countries with state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia.

Let's Recognize, Act and Become Better Allies in Supporting the Cause of Missing and Murdered Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Indigenous People.Since colonial times to the atrocities of residential schools, what has happened and is still happening to indigenous people in Canada amounts to genocide. We support and want to reiterate all the calls for justice contained in the final report of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including:

Pandemic, Isolation and DiscriminationMontral Pride wishes to draw attention to the consequences of the pandemic on the health of the people of the sexual and gender diversity. The pandemic has had a negative impact on many individuals, particularly with regards to isolation and increased discrimination. For many of us, withdrawal from the supportive environment, often referred to as the "chosen family", has greatly contributed to social isolation and loneliness. The influx of discrimination propagated on social media, which we use more frequently during these times feeds hatred towards our communities on a daily basis. Also, the recent whistleblower movement sheds light on situations where victims in our communities are heavily represented.

"For the Montral Pride Festival 360 Edition, we invite the population to learn more about the political demands put forward this year and to see how they can contribute to them. However, in these difficult and extraordinary times we also wish for everyone in our communities to take care of themselves, to listen to their needs and, above all, not hesitate to refer helping resources when needed. Our festival will be a great message of love and compassion for our peers. Despite adversity, we stand together with Pride!" said ric Pineault, founding president of the festival.

About the Montral Pride FestivalSince 2007, at the initiative of Montral's LGBTQ+ communities, the Montral Pride Festival has been promoting their rights and celebrating their cultural richness and social advances. The largest gathering of the communities of sexual and gender diversity (SGD) in the Francophone world works locally on a daily basis while serving as a beacon of hope for people living in LGBTQ+ hostile regions of the globe. In 2019, the festival generated a total attendance of 3.4 million admissions. In 2020, the festivities will be held from August 10 to 16. More information is available on theweb page, the Facebookpage, as well as Twitterand Instagramaccounts.

SOURCE Montral Pride Celebrations

For further information: For all inquiries: Franois Laberge, Director, Communications, [emailprotected], Cell: 514 779-6134; For interview requests: Nathalie Roy, Consultant, Media Relations, [emailprotected], 514 889-3622

https://fiertemtl.com/

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Defending the People of the Sexual and Gender Diversity's Rights, 30 Years After the Police Raid of the Sex Garage Party - Canada NewsWire

Film: Judas and The Black Messiah New Trailer – Dallasweekly

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Chairman Fred Hampton was 21 years old when he was assassinated by the FBI, who coerced a petty criminal named William ONeal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. But they could not kill Fred Hamptons legacy and, 50 years later, his words still echolouder than ever.

I am a revolutionary!

In 1968, a young, charismatic activist named Fred Hampton became Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, who were fighting for freedom, the power to determine the destiny of the Black community, and an end to police brutality and the slaughter of Black people.

(Center front-back) LaKEITH STANFIELD as William ONeal and DANIEL KALUUYA as Chairman Fred Hampton in Warner Bros. Pictures JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, a Warner Bros. Pictures release.Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

Chairman Fred was inspiring a generation to rise up and not back down to oppression, which put him directly in the line of fire of the government, the FBI and the Chicago Police. But to destroy the revolution, they had to do it from both the outsideand the inside. Facing prison, William ONeal is offered a deal by the FBI: if he will infiltrate the Black Panthers and provide intel on Hampton, he will walk free. ONeal takes the deal.

Now a comrade in arms in the Black Panther Party, ONeal lives in fear that his treachery will be discovered even as he rises in the ranks. But as Hamptons fiery message draws him in, ONeal cannot escape the deadly trajectory of his ultimate betrayal.

Though his life was cut short, Fred Hamptons impact has continued to reverberate. The government saw the Black Panthers as a militant threat to the status quo and sold that lie to a frightened public in a time of growing civil unrest. But the perception of the Panthers was not reality. In inner cities across America, they were providing free breakfasts for children, legal services, medical clinics and research into sickle cell anemia, and political education. And it was Chairman Fred in Chicago, who, recognizing the power of multicultural unity for a common cause, created the Rainbow Coalitionjoining forces with other oppressed peoples in the city to fight for equality and political empowerment.

Judas and the Black Messiah stars Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Widows, Black Panther) as Fred Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield (Atlanta, The Girl in the Spiders Web) as William ONeal. The film also stars Jesse Plemons (Vice, Game Night, The Post), Dominique Fishback (The Hate U Give, The Deuce), Ashton Sanders (The Equalizer 2, Moonlight) and Martin Sheen (The Departed, TVs The West Wing, TVs Grace & Frankie).

Judas and the Black Messiah is directed by Shaka King, marking his studio feature film directorial debut. The project originated with King and his writing partner, Will Berson, who co-wrote the screenplay, story by Berson & King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas. King, who has a long relationship with filmmaker Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed, Fruitvale Station), pitched the film to Coogler and Charles D. King (Just Mercy, Fences), who are producing the film. The executive producers are Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Ravi Mehta, Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Ted Gidlow, and Niija Kuykendall.

The ensemble cast also includes Algee Smith (The Hate U Give, Detroit), Darrell Britt-Gibson (Just Mercy, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Dominique Thorne (If Beale Street Could Talk), Amari Cheatom (Roman J. Israel, Esq., Django Unchained), Caleb Eberhardt (The Post), and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out).

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Sean Bobbitt (12 Years a Slave, Widows), production designer Sam Lisenco (Shades of Blue), editor Kristan Sprague (Random Acts of Flyness) and costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones (Raising Dion)

The film is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with MACRO Films, Participant and BRON Creative, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Film: Judas and The Black Messiah New Trailer - Dallasweekly

Kiwi companies buying ‘stolen goods’ accused contributing to oppression in Africa – Newshub

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Mark Wynne says there are two sides to the story.

"It's a territory that's disputed, there's no question about that. But trading inside these disputed territories is under United Nations guidelines. In effect, the New Zealand Government - along most governments in the world - has signed up to that protocol. What we do is we go to that region to make sure that OCP, the supplier, is abiding by that protocol. So I'm very comfortable that ethically we are okay, legally we are certainly OK."

Wynne says he's been hosted OCP three times and has seen first-hand the benefits to Sahawaris.

"So for as many people as you interview on one side, there is an equal number on the other side that can tell you a fantastic story of economic development, career pathing and female enhancement, agricultural development, health programs, education programs."

Mine owner OCP says all profits go back to the region through various programmes and infrastructure development. And it says 75 percent of staff are locals.

Joel Ngaatuere says he connects with what Sahawaris in Western Sahara say they're going through. He says his heart breaks for his "indigenous cousins".

He had this message: "We will do all that we can to allow your story to be heard here in Aotearoa, New Zealand especially knowing that our country is supporting the oppression of your people."

In 2008, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited Sahawaris' refugee camps in Algeria. At the time she was the president of the International Union of Socialist Youth. Ardern declined our request for an interview.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it does not encourage or discourage trade with Western Sahara, but says businesses must comply with international law.

The department has told Ballance and Ravensdown to look elsewhere for phosphate - and they say they are, including in Australia, Canada, Togo, Algeria, Syria and South Africa. But there's no action and no timeframe.

"I would say enough is enough. You have done this for a long period of time, you've got away with it so far. You cannot keep doing it," Fadel said.

When asked why other countries had withdrawn from importing phosphate from Western Sahara and New Zealand hadn't, Ballance said New Zealand farmers' needs are different from the rest of the world.

"Most of the countries that have pulled out from Western Sahara are not making superphosphate. New Zealand soils need super phosphate, which is a combination of both phosphate and sulphur. Most countries in the world are not pasture based or grass based systems," Wynne said.

"We need to ask ourselves this question, as a country who do we want to be? Do we want to just bury our head in the sand?" Ngaatuere said.

And he says that's what the government is doing too when it comes to air quality at Whareroa.

Ngaatuere wrote to Ardern in August last year - a letter that went unanswered.

"I can't help but be disillusioned and see the hollowness in talk when you have a marae and you have Mori writing a formal letter to the Prime Minister asking for help and clearly identifying the issues. And almost a year on we yet to hear a response from her."

The Hui

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Austin protesters clash with police in the wake of Garrett Foster’s death – KPRC Click2Houston

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Armed protesters guard the memorial of Garrett Foster, who was shot and killed during a protest against police brutality in Austin on July 25, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

Throughout the summer, cities in Texas and around the country have seen protests and demonstrations against police brutality. On Friday, protesters and law enforcement clashed in Austin, a week after protester Garrett Foster, who was openly carrying an AK-47 rifle which is legal in Texas was shot and killed by Daniel Perry, a U.S. Army sergeant, when he approached his car. Perry drove away, then called the police. Perry was released without being charged. Since then, questions have been raised about who was the aggressor.

Fosters death fueled tensions last night in the downtown streets of the state capital as demonstrators again gathered and local and state police turned out in massive force. Tribune photographer Jordan Vonderhaar was there to document the protest. Heres what he saw.

State police in riot gear form a line along Congress Avenue and advance toward protesters to remove them from the street. Jordan Vonderhaar

Armed protest sympathizers ride in the back of a pickup truck from a rally on the University of Texas campus to a memorial for Garrett Foster in downtown Austin, minutes after hearing of clashes between protesters and police. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

A man with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder stands among protesters who have gathered at the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

First: Armed protesters ride in the back of a pickup truck from a rally at the University of Texas to a memorial for Garrett Foster in downtown Austin, minutes after hearing of clashes between other protesters and police. Last: A man with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder stands among protesters who have gathered at the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin.

Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune

A protester confronts police in riot gear. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

Mounted officers from the Austin Police Department clash with protesters on the corner of Fourth St. and Congress Ave. in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar

Mounted officers from APD ride towards protesters on the corner of Fourth St. and S. Congress Ave in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar

First: Mounted officers from the Austin Police Department clash with protesters on the corner of Fourth Street and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Last: Police officers on horses and bicycles advance toward protesters.

Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune

Heavily armed state police in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

State police in riot gear block protesters from gathering in the street in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

State police were present large numbers.

Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

A protester armed with a baseball bat kneels in the street with fist upraised as protesters clashed with police in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

Members of the far-right Proud Boys militia stand on Congress Avenue across from the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

A woman in zip-tie handcuffs waits to be loaded onto a bus after being arrested during protests against police brutality in downtown Austin on Aug. 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

Police load arrested protesters into a Travis County Sheriffs Department bus. Several protestors were arrested after clashes with police in riot gear in downtown Austin on August 1, 2020. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

First: A woman with her hands zip-tied waits to be loaded onto a bus after being arrested during protests against police brutality in downtown Austin. Last: Police load arrested protesters into a Travis County Sheriff Department bus.

Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

A police officer sprays a protester with pepper spray as demonstrators clash with police in downtown Austin Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

A heavy police presence marked Saturday's protest in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

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Police release new information in 11th and Pike shooting outside CHOP – CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

SPD is asking for help identifying these persons of interest in a June 20th shooting at 11th and Pike (Image: SPD)

Seattle Police says its investigation has thrown a shooting victims story into question and that detectives are asking for the publics help in identifying several persons of interest in the incident that took place on the edge of the CHOP protest zone in June

The new information is related to the second shooting on June 20th, the night 19-year-old Lorenzo Anderson was gunned down at 10th and Pine.

Another victim from that deadly night was reportedly found shot at 11th and Pike. SPD reported the incidents as a single shooting and media outlets included that information in their reporting. KIROlater broadcast new details from the second victim in his account of a previously unreported second shooting perpetrated by group of men a block from the first shooting just off E Pike. Im not sure if they were Proud Boys or KKK, the 33-year-old victim told KIRO.

Police say video evidence shows the victim was with a group of people just before he was shot. But SPD says that Homicide and Bias Crimes Detectives found some of his statements did not align with details they gathered from evidence found at the scene.

Tuesday, SPD posted video and images of the group and says they may be associated with a grey or silver Jeep Wrangler. Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.

There have been no further updates and no arrests announced in the Anderson homicide case. Anderson was remembered as a student at Renton High with hopes of a hip hop career. There have also been no arrests or updates in the June 29th deadly shooting that killed 16-year-old Antonio Mays, Jr. and sent a second teen to the hospital in reported critical condition.

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Police release new information in 11th and Pike shooting outside CHOP - CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News

Pats soccer has tightrope to walk – The Herald

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Herald File PhotoJunior Gabe Staggs is a returning playmaker for Heritage Hills boys soccer.

LINCOLN CITY The Heritage Hills boys soccer team had a lot to be proud of at the end of last season.

The Patriots overcame season-long injury issues to make the sectional finals, where they fell against the Evansville Memorial Tigers, 4-1. The team would have loved to come away with a championship, but Patriots coach Joe Asbury was proud of how his boys fought through their injury woes to finish 14-2-3.

We thought we made a good run last year, he said. We lost on Jaspers field and Memorials field in the sectional finals. For those to be our only two losses, those are two of the best programs in Southern Indiana. We felt there was no shame in those two losses, and really fought and had a good season.

Asbury said the team has some holes to fill in if the Pats want to keep pace with what they did last year, but believes he has the talent to shift around players to suit the Patriots needs. It helps that they have playmakers like junior Jose Lara and junior Gabe Staggs coming back. Asbury described them as quick wing players who are able to put a lot of pressure on opposing nets.

Junior Derek Fortune could also be a key player, with Asbury mentioning the Patriots can take advantage of his size and foot dexterity to make openings for shots. Junior Brody Ficker is coming back from a torn ACL and will be one of the defensive anchors for the Patriots. Asbury is going with sophomore Aiden Harris as his goalkeeper, but he has all the confidence that Harris will play beyond his years and protect the net.

Itll be a different look for us in the goal, Asbury said. He wont look like a sophomore when you see us play. Thats a big replacement from Sam Scott, who was a really good keeper for us. Hes bigger, can cover more ground in the air and will cover more space between the goalposts.

Asburys first concern is getting the teams fitness level up to par for the season. COVID-19 prevented players from participating in spring soccer and other sports, so the players have been left on their own to keep themselves in shape. Getting back to their peaks will feed into the Patriots playstyle, which Asbury thinks will be a bit more conservative than last years team. He is envisioning the Patriots using more possession-based tactics to control the ball while Lara and Staggs work on the outside to create shots.

We got our conditioning program going, but thats no substitute for continuing to play in the offseason, he said, while also adding that building team chemistry will be vital so players can recognize when their teammates are in the best spots to be effective. Even if they werent playing soccer, they could have been active in other things. That fitness is going to be important to us. Were going to pick and choose how we use our energy.

Asbury is making sure the Patriots are following the new safety guidelines so they can make their opening game Aug. 18 at home against Boonville. And in keeping with building the teams fitness level, Asbury doesnt want a repeat of last year where the Patriots were hobbled with various injuries throughout the season. Going into the fall at full strength is a must, as any major injuries would challenge the teams depth in a mighty way.

We cant hobble into the season with kids having shin splints and pulled this and pulled that because their fitness level wasnt good enough at the start of camp, Asbury said. Were going to have to be smarter going into mid-August games.

The new teams in the Pocket Athletic Conference add another layer of challenges for the Patriots. Asbury said its different playing teams like Washington and Princeton now that theyll factor into the Pats conference record, so the margin for error is that much smaller. Maintaining a consistent high-level of soccer is the only way the Patriots can navigate this new gauntlet and get back to the sectional finals.

This year, itll be interesting to see if were the kind of team that can play consistently well, Asbury said. Emotionally, were going to be pushed more often than in the past. Were going to have to work on that.

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I-Mab’s IND Application Accepted By China NMPA; Shares Up – CapitalWatch

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

author: Binwei Wang

I-Mab (Nasdaq: IMAB) announced Tuesday that the China National Medical Products Administration has accepted its pivotal trial application for eftansomatropin (also known as TJ101) as a weekly treatment for growth hormone deficiency in pediatric patients (PGHD), sending its shares up 3%, trading at $31.25 today in New York.

The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company said eftansomatropin is an innovative long-acting recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) with a novel molecular format utilizing Genexine's patented half-life extension hyFc fusion technology, which stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the liver, alongside growth-stimulating effects on a variety of tissues, including osteoblast and chondrocyte activities that stimulate bone growth.

Joan Shen, the chief executive officer of I-Mab stated, "The China NMPA's acceptance of this pivotal IND for eftansomatropin represents an important step towards bringing this innovative product to the Chinese market as planned."

She added, "With eftansomatropin, we will be able to potentially address a substantial unmet medical need with a safer, highly differentiated, and convenient therapy for pediatric patients suffering from the growth hormone deficiency."

According to Frost & Sullivan, PGHD affected approximately 3.4 million patients in Greater China, but only 3.7% of all PGHD patients were receiving growth hormone replacement therapy, which primarily consists of daily injections of rhGH. Recombinant human growth hormone therapy has been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List in China.

I-Mab has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Maryland, United States.

The company raised $103.7 million in its IPO on January 17.

I-Mab has over 10 drug candidates in the pipeline in the therapeutic areas of immuno-oncology and autoimmune diseases.

Shares in I-Mab are up over 148% since the close of its first trading day on Jan. 17 as of midday Tuesday.

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I-Mab's IND Application Accepted By China NMPA; Shares Up - CapitalWatch

Tech Tuesday: ‘Life of the Straits’ Webinar August 6 & 13 – 9 & 10 News – 9&10 News

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Michigan State Universitys MSU Extension is hosting a virtual program featuring the Straits of Mackinac. These seminars originally began early July, highlighting the Mackinac Bridge. inland waterways, lighthouses, and the Les Cheneaux Islands. You can catch their last two webinars on August 6 & 13. Heres how to join:

August 6 Fort MichilimackinacAugust 13 Mackinac Island

You will be emailed a link to access a Zoom webinar. You will need internet access and a desktop or laptop with a webcam and microphone, or a smartphone with the Zoom app to access the webinar. Each webinar will start out with cameras and microphones turned off, but at the end, during the Q&A all participants will have their cameras and microphones activated to allow interaction. In addition, all proper security measures will be taking place that will prevent any security issues.

This program is ideal for 8 12-year-olds, but is open to the entire family. To register for the Straits of Mackinac virtual program, click here.

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Tech Tuesday: 'Life of the Straits' Webinar August 6 & 13 - 9 & 10 News - 9&10 News

Stop on red: Palm Shores awareness event emphasizes driving safety ahead of school year – Florida Today

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

In 2018, 846 people nationwide were killed in crashes that involved red-light running and an estimated 139,000 people were injured, the IIHS reports. Florida Today

Thursday morning, roughly 20 waving volunteers held red rectangular signs to catch the eyes of motorists at the intersection ofWickham Road and the Pineda Causeway Extension.

Always. Stop. On. Red.

In 2018,846 people nationwide were killed in crashes that involved red-light running and an estimated 139,000 people were injured, theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety reports.

About half of the 846 victimswere pedestrians, bicyclists and people in other vehicles who were hit by the red-light runners,IIHS reports.

We must humanize these numbers. These are not just statistics. These are people day-in day-out, going to work, coming home and are just picked out of life, said Melissa Wandall, president of the National Coalition for Safer Roads.

Wandall's group organized the sign-waving event in conjunction withNational Stop on Red Week. Participants included the Brevard County Sheriff's Office motorcycle unit, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization, Titusville Fire Department, Florida Highway Patrol andThe Viera Co.

During the event, Wandall said a motorist made an illegal right-hand turn at a red light and nearly struck volunteers who were trying to cross thePineda Causeway Extension.

Volunteers stood Thursday morning at the intersection of Wickham Road and the Pineda Causeway Extension during National Stop on Red Week.(Photo: MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY)

More: St. Johns Heritage Parkway I-95 interchange scheduled to open in October in Palm Bay

More: Ellis Road widening project leads list of Space Coast road improvement plans

On Oct. 24, 2003, Wandall's husband, Mark, was killed by a red-light runner in a T-bone crash on State Road 70 in Bradenton. He was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her brother. She said the red-light runner was traveling about 50 mph.

We were nine months' pregnant with our daughter. My husband could not wait to be a dad,"Wandall said.

"He did not get that opportunity,she said.

The couple's daughter, Madisyn, was born on Nov. 13, 2004. Now 16, she volunteered during Thursdays event.

If every one of us left here today and stopped on red, we could all save a life. It takes a moment to save a life and it takes a moment to end a life,Melissa Wandall said.

We can make a dent. Red-light running is negligent. It is preventable, she said.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and Titusville Fire Department participated in a red-light safety event Thursday in Palm Shores.(Photo: MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY)

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said red-light runners caused about 4,000 crashes last year on the Space Coast. He said these wrecks could have been avoided if motorists would have simply taken an extra pause.

We have school about to start back up. I want everybody to remember all of the safety rules. We have school buses coming back, children standing, children going in crosswalks on bicycles," Ivey said.

"Please, just take that extra pause. Make sure youre being safe, he said.

According to the National Coalition for Safer Roads, nearly 85% of motorists say it is unacceptable to drive through red lights but nearly 31% admitted to doing so within the past 30 days.

Every Brevard County resident is someones loved one. We all have a personal responsibility to do the right thing, saidGeorganna Gillette, Space Coast TPO executive director.

Rick Neale is the South Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY.Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @RickNeale1.To subscribe: https://cm.floridatoday.com/specialoffer/

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Stop on red: Palm Shores awareness event emphasizes driving safety ahead of school year - Florida Today

Sending Something to Space? Book Your Launch Now in Spaceflight Inc. and Avail Their Latest Offers – Science Times

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Spaceflight Inc.has announced on August 3 during the opening of Small Satellite Conference 2020that it will be launching its new programs to deliver greater flexibility to its smallsat customers needing frequent, reliable, and affordable ways to meet specific mission needs.

Spaceflight Inc. is an American private aerospace company and the leading satellite rideshare and mission provider that started in 2009.

Curt Blake, Spaceflight's president, and CEO said that there are a lot of things that they have learned over the past decade, as the need for flexibility on contracting and switching vehicles, orbital destinations, booking options, and integration services.

(Photo: Twitter)Big news to kick off #Smallsat2020. We're launching multiple initiatives to provide greater flexibility for our customers. New OTV, new web initiatives, and more.

"With our expertise working with all major launch vehicles, we have the unique advantage of building flexibility into all aspects of our business to meet our customers' individual mission needs. It's foundational to our vision of getting spacecraft on-orbit exactly when and where our customers want, and we're excited to unveil several first-of-their-kind programs to support it," Blake said.

In that sense, their new programs are designed to increase flexibility in all aspects of the launch spectrum, including the following:

Read:NASA Launches "Honey I Shrunk the NASA Payload" Contest with $160,000 Prizes at Stake: Here's How to Qualify

What you see is what you get. Spaceflight offers programs with no hidden fees, which means that the common practice of initially offering a low price per kilogram for smallsats and charging extra for other services will no longer be a problem.

Spaceflight offers all-in transparent pricing for its launch services.

Like how anyone can book a flight online, Spaceflight has developed a similar way of booking smallsat launches.

Users would only have to input the spacecraft configurations, its orbital destination, desired launch timing, and also the insurance, fuel, and licensing, and then they may reserve using their credit card.

Read Also: China Successfully Launched Its Redesigned New Generation Manned Spaceship

Once the booking is confirmed, users may securely log into the new Mission Control web platform of Spaceflight to manage their mission tasks, upload documents, access templates, and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, and to track progress and milestone.

It has become so easy and convenient to view everything associated with current and past launches in this always-available mission control platform.

Spaceflight has announcedthat it will be launching its new space vehicles soon: the Sherpa FX, set to launch on its next SpaceX rideshare mission in December 2020, and Sherpa NG (next generation) group of orbital transfer vehicles that provides flexibility, orbital diversification, and mission assurance.

Spaceflight has developed a rapid and highly flexible reconfigurable separation sequencer that provides industry-leading capabilities for smallsat deployments.

Moreover, the sequences consist of communication hardware to independently downlink separation telemetry and is also designed to be compatible with almost all available separation systems.

Spaceflight introduces its flight-proven program that aims to aid customers to identify and track their spacecraft quickly after the launch. Customers will gain access to information that can facilitate its first contact and early operations, lessen space congestion, and provide the foundation for an effective and responsible space traffic management.

Spaceflight works with different launch vehicles such as the Falcon 9, Antares, Electron, Vega, and PSLV to give its customers launch options. Additionally, they also signed an agreement with new vehicles like SSLV of NSIL, Terran 1 of Relativity, and Alpha of Firefly to accommodate more specific mission plans.

Chief Financial Officer of Astrocast, Kjell Karlsen, noted that delays in the launch are inevitable, but it is their priority to ensure that IoT network constellation gets into orbit by switching launches as efficiently as possible.

To know more about Spaceflight's new services, registered smallsat attendees may visit the virtual exhibit of Spaceflightfrom Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm MDT to chat with staff, or they may contact sales@spaceflight.comfor more details.

Read More: Missed Falcon 9's Launch Last Month? Catch SpaceX's 10th Batch of Starlink Satellites

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Sending Something to Space? Book Your Launch Now in Spaceflight Inc. and Avail Their Latest Offers - Science Times

Secret dreams of space came through | Arts & Leisure – Irish Echo

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Eileen Collins was the first woman to command a space shuttle.

By Geoffrey Cobb

Inducted into theNational Womens Hall of Fame, Eileen Collins has been recognized by Encyclopedia Britannica as one of the top 300 women in history who have changed the world. A former air force colonel, military instructor and test pilot, Collins became both the first female pilot, and first female commander, of a space shuttle.

Eileen Collins was born in Elmira, N.Y., on Nov. 19, 1956. Her Irish ancestors came to America in the mid-1800s, settling in Pennsylvania and Elmira. Collinss love of airplanes and flying began as a child. She recalled, When I was very young and first started reading about astronauts, there were no women astronauts. Inspired as a child by the Mercury astronauts, Collins started reading anything she could find on space and airplanes and especially astronauts. In fourth grade, she read a Junior Scholastic Magazine article on the pros and cons of spending money on the space program, but the 8-year-old Collins could not think of any cons about investing in space exploration.

The absence of female astronauts didnt faze her; however, she kept her dreams of flying in space secret.I never told anybody I wanted to be an astronaut or pilot, she said. I consciously never talked about it because I knew people would say, You cant do that. And I didnt want to hear it Even when I started my flying lessons and this would have been when I was between my junior and senior year in college I didnt tell my friends. I dont think I even told my parents.

She graduated from a junior college with a degree in Math and then matriculated at Syracuse University and her timing was perfect. New opportunities were opening up for women in aviation. In 1978, Collins enlisted in the Air Force and became one of four women admitted to Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at Oklahomas Vance Air Force Base, where she faced intense scrutiny. During her first month of training, she realized she had a chance to make her childhood dream of space flight a reality. I wanted to be part of our nations space program. Its the greatest adventure on this planet or off the planet, for that matter. I wanted to fly the Space Shuttle.

In 1979, Collins became theAir Forcesfirst femaleflightinstructor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, where for the next 11 years she taught both flying and math. As a C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft commander, Collins also participated in the American invasion ofGrenadain 1983, delivering troops and evacuating medical students. She continued her training at the Air Forces Institute of Technology and was one of the first women to attend Air Force Test Pilot School, which she graduated from in 1990, eventually achieving the rank of Air Force Colonel. Collins also earned an M.S. inoperations researchfromStanford Universityin 1986 and an M.A. in space systems management from Webster University, St. Louis, Mo., in 1989. Collins married pilot Pat Youngs in 1987 and is the mother of two children.

Collins was selected to be an astronaut in 1990 and completed astronaut training in July 1991. After tours at Kennedy Space Center, working on the shuttle launch and landing, and at the Johnson Space Center, working as a shuttle engineer and capsule communicator, she made history in 1995 when she became the first woman to fly a space shuttle, successfully piloting Discovery. In recognition of her achievement as the first female shuttle pilot, she received theHarmon Trophy, presented to the worlds top male and female aviators. Two years later, Collins again made history when she became the first female to dock with the Russian space station Mir, piloting Atlantis. Prior to the docking of Discovery with the space station, Collins piloted the shuttle through a full 360 pitch maneuver, becoming the first person to do so with an orbiter, which allowed her crew members to photograph the ships underside for possible damage.

In 1999, with hundreds of hours of experience in space flight under her belt, Collins had her greatest achievement when she became the first ever female to command the space shuttle, piloting Columbia in 1999 during its deployment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. AfterColumbia was destroyed in the February 2003 disaster, the space shuttle fleet was grounded until July 2005, when Collins commandedDiscoveryon a return to flight mission, checking new safety modifications, while resupplying the International Space Station. The successful mission would mark her final time in space.

In 2006, Collins retired after a 28-year distinguished career in the Air Force, logging more than 6,751 hours in 30 different types of aircraft and more than 872 hours in space on four separate space flights. That same year, Collins won the National Space Trophy and University College Dublinconferred on her the honorary Doctor of Science degree of theNational University of Ireland.

Collins has continued to garner honors and awards. She was asked to speak at the 148thcommencement ofher alma mater Syracuse University. On April 19, 2013, Eileen Collins was inducted into theUnited States Astronaut Hall of Fame. In 2016, Collins was she inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame and she also spoke at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio before a national audience. The main entrance to Syracuse Hancock International airport was named in her honor as well.

Collins has remained active. She became director of the United Services Automobile Association and has served also the U.S.S.A in a number of other roles. Collins has also served as an analyst covering Shuttle launches and landings forthe CNN network. There was discussion that President Trump would even name her NASA administrator. Today Corning Community College, the place where Collins began her amazing career, honors her with the Eileen Collins Observatory, a fitting tribute to the schools most illustrious graduate.

Secret dreams of space came through | Arts & Leisure - Irish Echo

Remaining Space Station Crew Busy With Fascinating Research: Free-Flying Robots, Planetary Bodies and Water Droplets – SciTechDaily

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

By NASAAugust 5, 2020

Expedition 63 Commander and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy installs fluid research hardware inside the U.S. Destiny laboratory modules Microgravity Science Glovebox. Cassidy was working on the Droplet Formation Study that observes how microgravity shapes water droplets possibly improving water conservation and water pressure techniques on Earth. Credit: NASA

Free-flying robots, planetary bodies, and water droplets were just part of Tuesdays research plan aboard the International Space Station. The Expedition 63 trio also serviced a variety of communications gear and life support systems.

NASA and its international partners are planning human missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond and the space station represents a big step in that effort. The orbiting lab provides a unique platform to learn about the long-term effects of microgravity on a variety of systems.

A set of cube-shaped, robot assistants are flying around on their own today inside Japans Kibo laboratory module. Engineers are looking at video and imagery downlinked from the Astrobee devices to understand how the autonomous free-flyers visualize and navigate their way around the station.

Commander Chris Cassidy took a look at dynamic granular material samples this morning that simulate planetary surfaces. The experiment is taking place inside ESAs (European Space Agency) Columbus laboratory module and could inform future planetary exploration missions.

The veteran NASA astronaut also split his time between botany and fluid physics. Cassidy worked on the Plant Habitat-02 checking growth lights and installing an acoustic shield to protect the plants from station noises. Next, he moved onto commercial research to improve water conservation and water pressure techniques on Earth.

In the Russian segment of the station, the two cosmonaut flight engineers worked on their complement of orbital science and lab maintenance. Anatoly Ivanishin serviced video equipment and an air purifier before conducting Earth observations. Ivan Vagner collected air samples for microbial analysis and explored ways to improve interactions between mission controllers, students and space crews.

Remaining Space Station Crew Busy With Fascinating Research: Free-Flying Robots, Planetary Bodies and Water Droplets - SciTechDaily

Genes in Space selects winning student experiment to be performed on International Space Station – PRNewswire

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

Misquitta's experiment will explore why pharmaceutical drugs are less effective when astronauts spend time in microgravity. Misquitta plans to investigate whether spaceflight-induced changes in liver function may underlie the observed changes in drug efficacy. By improving our understanding of how spaceflight affects drug metabolism, Misquitta hopes his project will aid in the design of more effective treatment plans for astronauts as they undertake long-duration missions.

Misquittadeveloped his proposal with guidance from his sponsor, teacher Jessica Quenzer, and his mentor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist Dr. Kate Malecek. Misquitta will watch his experiment launch to space in 2021.

This announcement concludes a competitive cycle for the Genes in Space competition. Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 1082 students across the U.S. submitted a total of 556 applications, from which five finalists were selected. Finalists presented their ideas to a distinguished panel of scientists and educators at the Genes in Space 2020 Finalist Launchpad, a three-day online event. The Finalist Launchpad was streamed live to a worldwide audience for the first time in the contest's history. The Launchpad concluded Thursday afternoon, as the judges announced the selection of this year's winner.

Now in its sixth year, Genes in Space invites students in grades 7 through 12 to design biology experiments that address real-world challenges in space exploration. Previous contest winners have achieved significant milestones through their experiments, including the first use of gene editing technology in space. The competition was founded by miniPCR bio and Boeing, and is sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory, Math for America, and New England Biolabs.

Media contacts:miniPCR bio: Katy Martin, [emailprotected], +1 781-990-8727Boeing: Carrie Arnold, [emailprotected], +1 281-244-4257

SOURCE Genes in Space

https://www.genesinspace.org

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Genes in Space selects winning student experiment to be performed on International Space Station - PRNewswire

Black Lives Matter Rally on Grounds of Former German Youth Camp in Sussex County – TAPinto.net

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Danzig

NEWTON, NJApproximately 100people gathered at Hillside Park in Andover for a peaceful Black Lives Matter Rally lastSaturday.

Despite the heat, from noon to three, a dozen people spoke, sharing poems, songsand their personal feelings and statements about the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Newton High School 2014 graduates and life-long Andover residentsMarina Regolizio and Ryan Mullin organized the event.

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We wanted to do an event like this here because there has never been one in Andover and especially not on this site, Mullin said.

My whole thing with wanting to make it happen around here,Regolizio said is that in predominantly white areas, people dont think to learn about diversity when that is exactly when you need to learn about; other people, other cultures and other lived experiences because that is how you promote tolerance and acceptance and you know, solid treatment of human beings in general. That is why I think Sussex county is very important in all of this, Deon Williams and Naomi Zoko were the pioneers for Newton, and so were just following their trend too.

The park was chosen, according to Mullin and Regolizio because of the historical background, as it was the site of Camp Nordland, a German-owned youth camp, that promoted Nazi values and invited Ku Klux Klan members as guests in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Mullin noted that there were times in his childhood that he would be walking around the park and see the old camp remnants.

Many of you know the reason why I called for it to be here," Mullin said.Many of you know the history, but in case you dont, now you will."

Mullin explained that for much of the 1930s and up until 1941, Hillside Park was the site of the Great American Bund, while under the former monikerCamp Nordland.

"They marched in droves by the buildings in the back woods, draped Nazi flags over American flags.They did the Nazi salute and had countless representation of hate and despicable ideologies right here where we stand. They were a nuisance to a small town that was even smaller back then. The town banned them in 1939and in 1941 on Memorial Day, they officially shut down.

"It wasnt just Nazis.It was white supremacists; they used this land to strengthen all their messages. The reason we are here today is because we cannot remove the stains on our history no matter how painful they are-we cannot ignore them. Everyone knows the adage about being doomed to repeat history if you dont know it and I dont want to feed into that. I feel that it is incumbent upon us as a community to strike a middle ground in between ignoring its existence and the presence on the neighbor that it has and expunging it completely.

"Instead, I think that we should attempt to create a new more inclusive and loving and amazing representation that we have here. I racked my brain on the perfect way to encapsulate all of thisand then I realized, what were doing...What we stand for hereand what we strive to achieve is the very antithesis of everything they tried to achieve and it will always be that way. There is truly no better way to exemplify our committal to being better in every capacity than the roots from which this town has grown from, painful roots, but there is no better way to be a part of what we are doing here today.

In addition to Mullin, Regolizio, Scott Paul, Lorant Mena, Rachael White, Allison Powers, Olivia Webster, Lauren Rabbit, Abigail Rabbit, and Zoe Heath all took the microphone to address the crowd.

Paul, serving as Master of Ceremonies, spokea number oftimes between speakers. He noted this isnt a black thing, a brown thing, a white thing; its a people thing and clearly thats how you guys feel and thats why youre here. He also discussedchanges that have occurred since the death of George Floyd:

The list goes on and on because our voices are getting louder, because our voices have come together. One person cant do it, two people cant do it but all of us together, we can really make some changes, Paul said.

Town Councilman Matthew Dickson was there in support of his stepdaughter, Olivia Webster, who spoke during the Newton rally and the Andover rally.

I support herwanting to speak up for what she believes in and I think it gives me a lot of perspective as well, to be more open and listen and try to understand more in general about things," Dickson said."Totake a harder look at things. So often now, there is dissension and not wanting to have discussions.Its either everyones on one side or another. It'snice to be able to listen and talk and learn more and I think more people should do it."

Webster, whowas the final speaker of the event,spoke with Tapinto Newton prior to the event. Sheexplained the reason why, at her age, she is attending the rallies and what they have meant to her personally.

Im bi-racial and live with my white family, but my dadand brothers are black," Webster said."So looking at George Floyd and then looking at little kids being killed for this stuff I just got to thinking that could very well be my brother or someone I love. I worry about them all the time and it made me realize that this is not something that I can just sit by and let happen.

"I have amazing supportive parents who have pushed me to speak up for what I believe in and I feel like if you want something to change you cant just sit down and wait for it, you have to stand up and be part of it and right now with everything happening in the country, history is being made and when our kids are learning about this I dont want to have to tell them oh I didnt do anything.

Regolizio took her time at the microphone to talk about inclusion and the need for more cultural diversity.

And so, it is here in small towns, where we have the least representation of minority groups that we need to educate ourselves on lived experiences beyond what we see right in front of us. Racism is not simply a mean dude yelling at you, it is structures and rules in our society that play an impact in everyday life. Its the woman who followed my brown cousin around the clothing store.Its the way my classmate whispered the word 'black,' as if it was a bad word.Its the way my sorority sister strived for saneness and elite-ness, over uniqueness and loving ourselves. Its in actions. Its in language and its in our infrastructure. So, fighting for equity does not end with this rally.

"The word equity was not a typo. The word equity was chosen for a reason, it is about the fair treatment and the access, opportunities and advancement for all people and actively identifying and eliminating barriers that have prevented certain groups participation in that. So, join us today in trying to knock down some of those barriers, let us connect now and in the future as friends and family, as community members within this area and beyond. Let us celebrate and learn from each other, our backgrounds and our interests. Let us share stories, music, poetry, art, connections, and people that have inspired us to be the best versions of ourselvesand fight against anyone who has made anyone feel anything less. So, lets fight for Black lives, equity, and justice. Let us create space for inclusion and diversity. Let us show the world that we will always choose love over hate every time.

The names of the black trans lives that have ended in 2020 because of racism, bothpolice brutality andhate crimes, according to Regalizio, were read aloud. Those in attendance kneeled and had a moment of silence.

Maybe the most saddening thing about it is the fact that those names that you listed are just the ones we know of,"Paul said.Elijah McClain, its hard for me to even talk about that one, but we wouldnt have even known about Elijah McClain if it wasnt for George Floyd. That is why its important to be out here, its important that we protest, its important that we are [angry], you know.

Led by Paul, the voices of the crowdchanting The people united, will never be defeated echoed in the far back woods of Hillside Park.

Mena shared song lyrics from a song that he wrote titled Free and ended with the final portion of Malcom Xs speech at Oxford University

Free- see me and you are not alike, I fast for 40 days and 40 nights, cleanse my soul, behold, the light, free, try to tell me how Im living, open the doors of perception to see something different, why are we so indifferent, to demise, desensitize, and distant. Free to embrace the moment, and the motion of your emotion rolling through the ruins devoted to find the light that flows through me, when Im zoning, I gotta get it running with it like its stolen, Im on a mission to win against my opponent, this Malcolms vision, this skin is golden, who you kidding, we was chosen, the worlds teachers, the secrets unfolding. Free- thats what we talking, ancestors watching, we steady, locked in, to the matrix, brainwashed, this time we aint stopping, til we get to the light, Im talking free, see you and me are not alike, I fast for 40 days and 40 nights cleanse my soul, behold, the light, free.

White, also a life-long Andover residentspoke about how the location of the rallyonce stood for the exact opposite reason they were gathered there on Saturday.

But regardless of what may have happened here 80 years ago, I feel pride in my town," White said. "A town that I have resided in for 22 years organizing an event like this. I feel proud that were advocating for something that may not affect everyone directly. You may think that well we dont have that problem here, not in my town, yet were still using the resources available to us to incite change and bring awareness. And in the midst of chaos in our world, in the media, or even in our own lives, its crucial to speak out against injustice, even when met with adversity. It's essential to have those conversations with people who may or may not think like you do, who have trouble seeing significance in why we rally, who simply cannot relate. But silence is not an option, being compliant is not an option and if youre uncomfortable with the things you see or get upset with what you hear going on in the world around us- good, because police brutality should make everyone uncomfortable. Enough is enough and what were doing here right now is how we start to make a change.

"Talking about it and making it known that we will not stand for it. This movement is more than posting a black square on your Instagram, or re-tweeting something that someone already said, for me personally, its making sure that someone I love is not the next George Floyd or Sandra Bland, so someone that you care about or I care about doesnt become the next trending hashtag or next headline, or center for debate. Its about making sure that my future children and your future children do not have to grow up in a world where they will be judged by the color of their skin and not the content of their character.

"Let me be clear, it is not about us versus them, it is about right versus wrong and basic human decency. And the fight does not stop today, or tomorrow, or the day after that, yes your Facebook, twitter, and Instagram feeds may have returned to their normal programming, but that does not mean pump the brakes, this is not a one-time thing. I ask you not to go home tonight and say, well I did my part and be done. Just like all things in life, it is easy to do the bare minimum and ignore the problem. I will leave you with this, hate will never win, hate will not make America great, equality will always win, solidarity will always win, and love will always win.

While many of the speakers shared their personal stories and experiences with those in attendance, people like Mena, Paul and Powers shared poems and songs that they wrote themselves on the topic.

Powers, who said it was truly a blessing to be at the rally, started her speech with a poem to honor black lives.

We come to this barn, where theres been 80 years of hate. But now were here to determine out fate. A man who wants to make America great, well I think he might be a little too late. Ode to the poem that spread in May, I am not black but I see you, this is what Im here to say. Im not black and I cant ignore that fact that there are Nazi shacks right in the back. Im not black and Im here to say, the racism and bigotry stops today. Im not black and Im a woman, Ive had my share of violence, but I wont be silenced. Back to black lives. How much should it cost to support all the peoples beautiful lives that we have lost. We stand here today, and were here to say that were sick of people casually commit brutality like racism is a fallacy and their entitled to black bodies. I have had friends break down and tell me their tired of feeling afraid to exist. What does it mean to matter? We are ready to shatter the bigotry, patriarchy and this backwards hierarchy. To matter means to be of importance, to have significance. I think its time we make a difference. Let us hold our head high look to heaven and why because well get there someday. Let us pave our own way.

Paul stepped up to the microphone next, talking about a text he has received from Lauren Rabbit earlier that morning. In the text, she wrote some of her favorite parts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Letter in a Birmingham Jail.

It will kill me,he said after he read the excerpts if my future kids have to be doing the same thing, you know. It really is so important to know where we came from, what this used to stand for 80 years or so ago and the progress we have made since then but also the progress that we have not made since then. The fact that we can say the same exact words about the same exact issues 50 years later, should [anger]everybody.

He ended his portion with a song that he wrote as well, which was titled, Time for Change.

I swear that we all the same, I wish it was Kaepernicks knee that sparked the change, they wish that we could go back to the better days, you know back when it was perfect, back when I was three-fifths of a person. Back to present day its like we still ain't the same under the law we walk for brother martin and now we run for Ahmad, the teachers teach us that we can be whatever we believe in but how am I supposed to dream when Breonna Taylor was sleeping. Im so sick and tired, tired of hiding the pain I got, fire in my veins, were still fighting for change. As I think about George Floyd and Elijah McClain. And all the others that can continue dying in vain. Knowing I only get justice if it is recorded and justice only comes to those who can afford it and privilege only comes to those who can ignore it, I wish we could focus on whats important. What is it going to take for you to see? My skin is not a threat to nobody, all we need is love for us to change a state of mind.

The second half of the rally was led by the Rabbit family;Mother Lauren and daughter Abigail. Lauren, who also attended the Newton Rally, said a few words, read aloud other parts of Kings letter, quoted the late John Lewis and then led the group in a healing meditation.

I just want to point out the fact that we can hear the echoes in the trees here, and so to me that is a blessing of this space, it is a reclaiming of this space, and it is a transformation of this space, but like my friend Scott said, it takes every single one of us to keep going and to face being tired and exhausted. We are not going to give up, we cant. There is still so much to do. Here we are again, gathering together in the highest hope for spreading of love and unity, coming together again, with hopes for realizing and being the agents in the making of the beloved Dr. Kings community. We are here for healing, that is what we all hope to spread today. We are here for the justice that is required for that healing,she said before the meditation.

She saidstories are so important. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, about our experiences, about our country and our world define our very lives both as individuals and collectively. Language and words have power to create our reality. That is why it is so important that we keep saying, loudly black lives matter, that we keep urging others to join us in saying it, speaking it, so that the narrative can change. And that Black lives, Indigenous lives, the lives of People of Color, of the economically disadvantaged, of the LGBTQ community, of any of those who suffer, can truly, finally, and forevermore matter.

Before she let the group in a Metta meditation, Lauren read a quote from the late John Lewis who stated, When historians pick up their pens to write the story ofthe 21stcentury, let them say it was our generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So, I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers, and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

Abigail read an essay that she had written back in December and sent to the Newton Board of Education about the Native American head being the mascot of the Newton High School, she wanted to raise awareness.

For as long as I have been a part of the Newton community, the idea of having a Native American mascot has felt wrong, specifically one with such a predominant caricatured image that also holds such an important place in the schools identity. Perhaps during this time when as a country, we are recognizing the truth about systemic racism and unconscious implicit bias we can choose to revisit the idea of what having this mascot truly represents and see if it lines up with what we believe about our schools Brave, Redskin, Warrior, Chief nouns you might recognize from a sports team mascot. The Merriam-Webster dictionary deem these as, outdated and offensive terms for Native Americans and yet these mascots persist in over 2,000 secondary schools all over the country, she said.

Abigail noted that looking around at the students and teachers clad in Newton swag and sitting in classrooms staring at the posters and pictures, many bearing this depiction, I feel violated. I am white and though I have no ancestral ties to Indigenous people, it feels deeply wrongonly when we admit that our country has a shameful past and work to hear and tell the whole story, will we be able to be the proud country and school we claim to be. Equality, freedom and liberty are words that our county is built on, but they only mean something when they have been put into action. When we make ourselves vulnerable enough to fight for them to mean the same thing for everyone.

The final two speakers were Heath and Webster. Heath turned the attention to the LGBTQ community and the solidarity between them and the Black Lives Matter movement.

For those of you who may not know, the first pride ever was a riot against police brutality started by black transgender women. It is so indicative of how far this country has come, this country did not get womens voting rights because people sat at home, people fought for it. Black people did not get the right to vote because people sat at home, they fought for it. LGBTQ people did not get the right to marry because we sat at home, we fought for it and not for nothing but at the forefront of every one of those movements, were black women. I see a lot of my LGBTQ friends are not here today, I will see them at pride, but theyre not here today and Im so concerned of why I keep seeing the same faces here. I see Lauren at all of these, I see Scott at all of these, there have been over five of these in Sussex County alone and where is everybody else? I know it is a pandemic, but we need to be here, we need to be fighting we need to get this through. Because there is no pride for some of us without justice for all of us. I want to leave you with this. Solidarity is everything, I truly want everyone to uplift the voices that we have heard today and the stories we have heard, they will continue here today, and spread the messages, I dont want what we hear here to not leave here. Everyone here should tell five of their friends, its your homework for today. The next time there is one of these, because Im sure there will be another one, whether it be because we have to or because we need to keep this movement going because I hate to say it like this, George Floyd was not the last one, Breona Taylor was not the last one, and we are not going to stop until there are no more black deaths at the hands of racism and police brutality. No matter what protest you go to, there will always be one thing you will hear, she said chanting, show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like.

The final speaker, Webster, closed out the rally with her own personal experiences of how life has been for her.

Growing up in the same house as my white mother and stepfather who are both elected officials in my town, with a whitewashed name and some level of racial ambiguity, and in an area where I can get a good education, I know that I have privilege. And I know that when you have privilege, it's your job to use it to fight for whats right. However, even with all the privilege I have been granted, I've still been targeted for my race numerous times. I have been told not to be that black girl and people frequently make rather offensive comments on my natural hair.

"Peers have even told me that they do not view me as a black person which is implicitly racist. Lately, Ive realized that with everything I've been granted, including the chance to speak with all of you today, if all of this is happening to me, clearly it must be happening to those who havent had all the chances Ive had in life, even in my school. That people around me are being silenced and if my voice is more likely to be heard, I have to use it to advocate for equality and justice for those who cant. I know that we live in a predominantly white area and maybe some people think that because of that, we dont need these demonstrations here. But that even more evidence that we do.

"We as a community need to learn to be tolerant and inclusive and teach those who have yet to learn, with patience and compassion, we need to educate ourselves and others because the hard truth is that this stuff does happen here. Even the ground we are standing on right now was once used to push hate and prejudice, which is why it is even more amazing to see so many people standing up for change. More importantly we are all here to get justice for those who cant, like Breonna Taylor, who today has gone 141 days with justice, Elijah Mcclain who has been gone nearly a year and we are just now saying his name. Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Alton Sterling, Eric Garner, Philandro Castile and so many more. Their voices were all silenced far too soon so we must use our to fight for them. We must spread kindness, love and understanding and I cant begin to express how proud I am of our community for fighting and continuing to fight.

A socially distanced group photo was taken to round out the rally. Mullin and Regalizio donated $471 that was raised at the event to a group called the Common Ground Foundation, whose emphasis is on community, uplifting, art, and working towards bettering communities.

In an interview with Tapinto, Mullin and Regalizio noted that they were immensely proud of the warmth and graciousness that our community embraced us with today. Every single person in attendance was evidently on the same page: injustice is formidable opponent we must all fight back against, black lives deserve our full and undivided attention, and that art and creativity can and should play a pivotal role in all of this This is truly only the beginning of this movement in Andover and in Sussex County, and the response we were given today makes us all the more confident that together we will undoubtedly invoke the change we wish to see.

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