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Global Invoice Automation Software Market is accounted for xx USD million in 2019 and is expected to reach xx USD million by 2025 growing at a CAGR of…

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

This detailed and well synchronized research report about the Invoice Automation Software market is the most significant, up-to-date, ready-to-refer research analysis that allows readers to draw substantial market specific cues that eventually remain crucial growth influencers in the Invoice Automation Software market , more specifically under the influence of COVID-19 implications that have visibly impacted normal industry process in multiple ways, leaving a trail of tangible implications.

This well-conceived, well-compiled and thoroughly documented research report on the Invoice Automation Software market is dedicated to offer a detailed output to mirror the impact analysis rendered by the COVID-19 outbreak since the turn of 2020. Thus, this thorough, meticulously crafted research report is in place to aid vital market specific decisions amongst relevant stakeholders who remain key influencers in directing favorable growth trajectory in the Invoice Automation Software market more specifically under the influence of COVID-19 outbreak and concomitant developments, affecting the Invoice Automation Software market in a myriad tangible ways.

This study covers following key players:SAPAvidXchangeBill.comServiceChannelChrome RiverCoupaFreshBooksWorkflowMaxZohoQuickBooksXero

Request a sample of this report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/sample-request/94233?utm_source=Pooja

The report is mindfully designed to influence impeccable business discretion amongst notable stakeholders in the Invoice Automation Software market, comprising research analysts, suppliers, market players and participants, notable industry behemoths and the like who remain visibly influenced by the ongoing market developments especially under the influence of COVID-19 implications. The report is targeted to offer report readers with essential data favoring a seamless interpretation of the Invoice Automation Software market. The report also incorporates ample understanding on numerous analytical practices such as SWOT and PESTEL analysis to source optimum profit resources in Invoice Automation Software market.

Access Complete Report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/global-invoice-automation-software-market-growth-analysis-by-trends-and-forecast-2019-2025utm_source=Pooja

Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Cloud BasedOn-Premise

Market segment by Application, split into BFSIIT and TelecommunicationsRetail and e-commerceGovernmentEnergy and UtilitiesOthers

The report in its subsequent sections also portrays a detailed overview of competition spectrum, profiling leading players and their mindful business decisions, influencing growth in the Invoice Automation Software market.In this latest research publication on the Invoice Automation Software market, a thorough overview of the current market scenario has been portrayed, in a bid to aid market participants, stakeholders, research analysts, industry veterans and the like to borrow insightful cues from this ready-to-use market research report, thus influencing a definitive business discretion.

Some Major TOC Points:1 Report Overview2 Global Growth Trends3 Market Share by Key Players4 Breakdown Data by Type and ApplicationContinued

Besides assessing details pertaining to production, distribution and sales value chain, this detailed research output on the key-word market specifically highlights crucial developments across regions and vital countries, also lending a decisive understanding of the upcoming development scenario likely to be witnessed in the Invoice Automation Software market in the near future.

Therefore, to enable and influence a flawless market specific business decision, aligning with the best industry practices, this specific research report on the Invoice Automation Software market also lends a systematic rundown on vital growth triggering elements comprising market opportunities and barrier analysis.

For Enquiry before buying report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/enquiry-before-buying/94233?utm_source=Pooja

About Us : With unfailing market gauging skills, has been excelling in curating tailored business intelligence data across industry verticals. Constantly thriving to expand our skill development, our strength lies in dedicated intellectuals with dynamic problem solving intent, ever willing to mold boundaries to scale heights in market interpretation.

Contact Us : Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: USA: +1 (972)-362-8199 | IND: +91 895 659 5155

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Global Invoice Automation Software Market is accounted for xx USD million in 2019 and is expected to reach xx USD million by 2025 growing at a CAGR of...

Global Automation Solutions in Shale Gas Market Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2019-2024 – Cole of Duty

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Global Automation Solutions in Shale Gas Market Report to 2024 offers industry overview, segmentation by types, application, countries, key manufactures, cost analysis, industrial chain, sourcing strategy, downstream buyers, marketing strategy analysis, distributors/traders, factors affecting market, forecast and other important information for key insight.

Request a sample Report of Automation Solutions in Shale Gas Market at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/2505027?utm_source=3wnews&utm_medium=RV

The latest research study on the Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market is mainly inclusive of a comprehensive segmentation of this vertical that is projected to procure massive returns by the end of the forecast period, while registering an appreciable growth rate, on an yearly basis over the forthcoming years. The research study also inspects the Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market precisely.

Simultaneously, it provides substantial perceptions about the profit estimations, sales capacity, market size, and other important parameters. Also, the Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market study presents information about the segments as well as the driving forces impacting the remuneration scope of this business.

Understanding the Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market in terms of the geographical landscape:

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A brief overview of the major pointers of Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market report has been enlisted below:

The evaluation of Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market report depicts that this industry is slated to register quite some proceeds by the end of the forecast period. The study also includes substantial data pertaining to the Automation Solutions in Shale Gas market dynamics, with respect to the potential growth opportunities, the parameters impacting the business sphere, as well as the challenges present in this vertical.

For More Details On this Report: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-automation-solutions-in-shale-gas-market-2020-by-company-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2025

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2. Global ERP Software for Wholesale and Distribution Market 2020 by Company, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2025Read More: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-erp-software-for-wholesale-and-distribution-market-2020-by-company-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2025

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Global Automation Solutions in Shale Gas Market Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2019-2024 - Cole of Duty

Electrical & Automation System Market: The report gives immense knowledge on the competitive nature of key players – 3rd Watch News

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

The Electrical & Automation System Market 2020 report is a comprehensive, professional and in-depth research of market that delivers significant data for those who are seeking information for the Electrical & Automation System industry. The market report delivers the specification, key strategies, future prospect and cost structure of the industry. The report also highlighted the future trends in the Electrical & Automation System Market that will impact the demand during the forecast period.

This report encloses comprehensive analysis on the market and are assessed through volume and value data validated on three approaches including top companies revenues. It concludes with precise and authentic market estimations considering all the parameters and market dynamics. Every crucial and decisive detail for the development and restriction of the market is mentioned in fine points with solutions and suggestions that may affect the market in near future. Segmentation of the market are studied specifically to give profound knowledge for supplementary market investments.

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Electrical & Automation System Market: A Competitive Perspective

Competition is a major subject in any market research analysis. With the help of the competitive analysis provided in the report, players can easily study key strategies adopted by leading players of the Electrical & Automation System market. They will also be able to plan counterstrategies to gain a competitive advantage in the Electrical & Automation System market. Major as well as emerging players of the Electrical & Automation System market are closely studied taking into consideration their market share, production, revenue, sales growth, gross margin, product portfolio, and other significant factors. This will help players to become familiar with the moves of their toughest competitors in the Electrical & Automation System market.

Top Companies are covering This Report:- GE, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Siemens, Mitsubishi Electric, ABB, C. Jackson Electric & Automation, Larsen & Toubro, Wartsila, Dubrule Electrical & Automation, Werner Electric, SMS group, Emerson, ANDRITZ Group, Harms Electric, Festo.

Electrical & Automation System Market 2020-2025: Segmentation

Electrical & Automation System Market is segmented as below:

Breakup Product Type:HardwareSoftwareService

Breakup by Application:Application A, Application B, Application C.

Geographic segmentation1) North America (United States, Canada, Mexico),2) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines),3) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia),4) Central & South America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Columbia),5) Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Iran, South Africa, Israel, Egypt, Nigeria, Iraq),6) Other Regions (Australia, New Zealand).

The study objectives of this report are:* To analyze Electrical & Automation System status, capacity, cost, price, demand & supply, production, profit, and competition.* To study Electrical & Automation System industry based on components (solutions and services)* To present the Global Electrical & Automation System development at Regional and Global basis.* To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.* To study competitive developments such as mergers and acquisitions, new partnerships, new contracts, and new product developments.

Key Question Answered in Electrical & Automation System Market Report What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Electrical & Automation System Market? What are the different marketing and distribution channels? What is the current CAGR of the Electrical & Automation System Market? What are the Electrical & Automation System Market opportunities in front of the market? What are the highest competitors in Electrical & Automation System market? What are the key outcomes of SWOT and Porters five techniques? What is the Electrical & Automation System Market size and growth rate in the forecast period?

Who should buy this report?This study is suitable for industry participants and stakeholders in the Electrical & Automation System market. The report will benefit:

* Analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and academic institutions looking for insights into the market to determine future strategies.* To understand the most affecting driving and restraining forces in the Electrical & Automation System market and its impact on the global market.* Learn about the market policies that are being adopted by prominent organizations.* To understand the future outlook and prospects for the Electrical & Automation System Market.* Obtain the most up to date information available on all active and planned Electrical & Automation System Market globally.* Understand regional Electrical & Automation System Market supply scenario.* Identify opportunities in the Electrical & Automation System Market industry with the help of upcoming projects and capital expenditure outlook.

To conclude, the Electrical & Automation System Market report will provide the clients with a high-yielding market analysis assisting them to understand the market status and come up with new market avenues to capture hold of the market share.

Our analysis involves the study of the market taking into consideration the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please get in touch with us to get your hands on an exhaustive coverage of the impact of the current situation on the market. Our expert team of analysts will provide as per report customized to your requirement.

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Table of Content: Chapter 1 Industry OverviewChapter 2 Major Segmentation (Classification, Application and etc.) AnalysisChapter 3 Production Market AnalysisChapter 4 Sales Market AnalysisChapter 5 Consumption Market AnalysisChapter 6 Production, Sales and Consumption Market Comparison AnalysisChapter 7 Major Manufacturers Production and Sales Market Comparison AnalysisChapter 8 Marketing Channel AnalysisChapter 9 Industry Chain AnalysisChapter 10 Global and Regional Market ForecastChapter 11 Major Manufacturers AnalysisChapter 12 New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisChapter 13 Conclusions

About Us:Big Market Research has a range of research reports from various publishers across the world. Our database of reports of various market categories and sub-categories would help to find the exact report you may be looking for.

We are instrumental in providing quantitative and qualitative insights on your area of interest by bringing reports from various publishers at one place to save your time and money. A lot of organizations across the world are gaining profits and great benefits from information gained through reports sourced by us.

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Electrical & Automation System Market: The report gives immense knowledge on the competitive nature of key players - 3rd Watch News

Automated Truck Market 2019 By Demand Services, Developments, Advancements, Application, Platforms Types, Industry Growth Drivers and Geographical…

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

A new intelligence report Automated Truck Market Was recently added to Automated Truck Market Research collection of top-line market study reports. International Automated Truck Market report is a meticulous all-inclusive analysis of this market that provides access to direct firsthand insights on the growth trail of market at near term and long term. On the grounds of factual advice sourced from authentic industry pros and extensive primary business study, the report offers insights about the historical growth pattern of Automated Truck Market and present market situation. It then provides brief and long-term market growth projections.

Projections are only based on the comprehensive analysis of key Market dynamics that are expected to influence Automated Truck Market performance and also their seriousness of impacting market growth within the span of assessment interval.

Request Sample Report @https://www.mrrse.com/sample/19940?source=atm

In addition to evaluation of dynamics, the report supplies In-depth examination of key business trends that are anticipated to behave more prominently in global Automated Truck Market. The study also provides valued information concerning the present and upcoming growth opportunities in Automated Truck Market the important players and new market entrants can capitalize on.

Competitive Businesses And manufacturers in global market

the key players operating in the automated truck market, along with their strategies, recent developments, and volume and value share.

Automated Truck Market Segmentation

In order to offer in-depth information on the automated truck market, the report bifurcates the market into key segments and discusses the influential trends. The automated truck market has been segmented on the basis of truck type, end-use industry, autonomy level, sensor, vehicle class, and region.

Truck Type

End-use Industry

Autonomy Level

Sensor

Vehicle Class

Region

Cab Integrated Trucks

Logistics

Level 3

RADAR

Class 8 & Class 9

North America

Cabless Trucks

Mining

Level 4

LiDAR

Ultra Class Trucks

Latin America

Level 5

Camera

Europe

Others

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Automated Truck Market Key Questions Answered

The business asset analyzes the automated truck market in terms of volume (units) and value (US$ Mn). Authors of the report aim at elaborating on the current trends and future scope of the automated truck market, along with the portfolio and key strategies of market players, which will help readers devise sustainable growth strategies and make well-informed decisions in the automated truck market. Some of the key questions answered in the report are:

Automated Truck Market Research Methodology

TMRs analysts follow a systematic research methodology to obtain crucial information regarding the growth of the automated truck market. The TMR study validates information collected through various sources. In order to gather information regarding the automation truck market, primary research was conducted. For primary research, interviews with vice presidents, marketing managers, business unit heads, chief operation officer, and salespersons were conducted.

In order to carry out secondary research, various sources such as company websites, annual reports, white paper, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, press releases, and government documents were studied. Post the primary and secondary research, insights obtained were then validated through the data triangulation method. This aids in sourcing credible information that includes competitor analysis, opportunities, risks, microeconomic factors, macroeconomic factors, and demographic analysis.

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Opportunity assessment offered in this Automated Truck Market report Is important in terms of understanding the lucrative regions of investment, which prove to be the actionable insights for major market players, providers, distributors, and other stakeholders in Automated Truck Market.

In-depth global Automated Truck Market taxonomy presented in this Report offers detailed insights about each of the market segments and their sub-segments, which are categorized based on t par various parameters. An exhaustive regional evaluation of global Automated Truck Market divides global market landscape into essential geographies.

Regional prognosis and country-wise analysis of Automated Truck Market Allows for the analysis of multi-faceted operation of marketplace in all of the crucial markets. This information intends to provide a broader scope of report to readers and identify the most relevant profitable areas in global market place.

Taxonomy and geographic analysis of the international Automated Truck Market enables readers to see profits in present chances and catch upcoming growth chances even until they approach the market location. The analysis given in report is only meant to unroll the economic, societal, regulatory and political situations of this market specific to each area and country, which could help potential market entrants in Automated Truck Market landscape to comprehend the nitty-gritty of target market areas and invent their plans accordingly.

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Automated Truck Market Table of Contents

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Automated Truck Market 2019 By Demand Services, Developments, Advancements, Application, Platforms Types, Industry Growth Drivers and Geographical...

Global Business Process Automation (BPA) Market is accounted for xx USD million in 2019 and is expected to reach xx USD million by 2025 growing at a…

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

This detailed and well synchronized research report about the Business Process Automation (BPA) market is the most significant, up-to-date, ready-to-refer research analysis that allows readers to draw substantial market specific cues that eventually remain crucial growth influencers in the Business Process Automation (BPA) market , more specifically under the influence of COVID-19 implications that have visibly impacted normal industry process in multiple ways, leaving a trail of tangible implications.

This well-conceived, well-compiled and thoroughly documented research report on the Business Process Automation (BPA) market is dedicated to offer a detailed output to mirror the impact analysis rendered by the COVID-19 outbreak since the turn of 2020. Thus, this thorough, meticulously crafted research report is in place to aid vital market specific decisions amongst relevant stakeholders who remain key influencers in directing favorable growth trajectory in the Business Process Automation (BPA) market more specifically under the influence of COVID-19 outbreak and concomitant developments, affecting the Business Process Automation (BPA) market in a myriad tangible ways.

This study covers following key players:Schneider ElectricYokogawaSiemensABBRockwell AutomationPolycom

Request a sample of this report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/sample-request/92238?utm_source=Pooja

The report is mindfully designed to influence impeccable business discretion amongst notable stakeholders in the Business Process Automation (BPA) market, comprising research analysts, suppliers, market players and participants, notable industry behemoths and the like who remain visibly influenced by the ongoing market developments especially under the influence of COVID-19 implications. The report is targeted to offer report readers with essential data favoring a seamless interpretation of the Business Process Automation (BPA) market. The report also incorporates ample understanding on numerous analytical practices such as SWOT and PESTEL analysis to source optimum profit resources in Business Process Automation (BPA) market.

Access Complete Report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/global-business-process-automation-bpa-market-growth-analysis-by-trends-and-forecast-2019-2025utm_source=Pooja

Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)Distributed Control System (DCS)SCADAHuman Machine Interface (HMI)Safety AutomationAdvanced Process Control (APC)Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

Market segment by Application, split into Oil & GasChemicalPharmaceuticalsPaper & PulpWater and Waste Water TreatmentMetals & MiningEnergy & PowerFood & BeverageOthers

The report in its subsequent sections also portrays a detailed overview of competition spectrum, profiling leading players and their mindful business decisions, influencing growth in the Business Process Automation (BPA) market.In this latest research publication on the Business Process Automation (BPA) market, a thorough overview of the current market scenario has been portrayed, in a bid to aid market participants, stakeholders, research analysts, industry veterans and the like to borrow insightful cues from this ready-to-use market research report, thus influencing a definitive business discretion.

Some Major TOC Points:1 Report Overview2 Global Growth Trends3 Market Share by Key Players4 Breakdown Data by Type and ApplicationContinued

Besides assessing details pertaining to production, distribution and sales value chain, this detailed research output on the key-word market specifically highlights crucial developments across regions and vital countries, also lending a decisive understanding of the upcoming development scenario likely to be witnessed in the Business Process Automation (BPA) market in the near future.

Therefore, to enable and influence a flawless market specific business decision, aligning with the best industry practices, this specific research report on the Business Process Automation (BPA) market also lends a systematic rundown on vital growth triggering elements comprising market opportunities and barrier analysis.

For Enquiry before buying report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/enquiry-before-buying/92238?utm_source=Pooja

Contact Us : Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: USA: +1 (972)-362-8199 | IND: +91 895 659 5155

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Global Business Process Automation (BPA) Market is accounted for xx USD million in 2019 and is expected to reach xx USD million by 2025 growing at a...

Taste Fore The Tour goes virtual – KARE11.com

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Take part in a silent auction or donate to receive a celebrity cookbook.

Taste Fore The Tour event brings together sports fans, chefs, celebrities and restaurants in the fight against hunger.This year's 2nd annual event will be completely virtual.

The event benefits VEAP, a basic needs organization whose programs include access to healthy foods, social services housing stability and supportive services. VEAP is based in Bloomington and serves the Twin Cities area.

For this year's event, a silent auction can be accessed online through July 26. Auction items include a signed Patrick Mahomes helmet, a fishing outing with Ron Sschara, Tiger Woods signed photo collage of his wins and more. All proceeds will go to VEAP.

If you like to cook, donate $30 and you'll receive a cookbook filled with recipes from celebrities including Lindsey Vonn, Laura Schara and Carly and Jason Zucker. $30 will feed someone in need for an entire month.

To participate, visit tasteforethetour.com, or text VEAP to 56651.

Link:

Taste Fore The Tour goes virtual - KARE11.com

NSA Surveillance | American Civil Liberties Union

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

The National Security Agencys mass surveillance has greatly expanded in the years since September 11, 2001. Disclosures have shown that, until recently, the government regularly tracked the calls of hundreds of millions of Americans. Today, it continues to spy on a vast but unknown number of Americans international calls, text messages, web-browsing activities, and emails.

The governments surveillance programs have infiltrated most of the communications technologies we have come to rely on. They are largely enabled by a problematic law passed by Congress the FISA Amendments Act (FAA), which is set to expire this year along with Executive Order 12,333, the primary authority invoked by the NSA to conduct surveillance outside of the United States. The Patriot Act has also made it easier for the government to spy on Americans right here at home over the past 15 years. Although the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court oversees some of the governments surveillance activities, it operates in near-total secrecy through one-sided procedures that heavily favor the government.

Our Constitution and democratic system demand that government be transparent and accountable to the people, not the other way around. History has shown that powerful, secret surveillance tools will almost certainly be abused for political ends.

The ACLU has been at the forefront of the struggle to rein in the surveillance superstructure, which strikes at the core of our rights to privacy, free speech, and association.

The FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (FAA) gives the NSA almost unchecked power to monitor Americans international phone calls, text messages, and emails under the guise of targeting foreigners abroad. The ACLU has long warned that one provision of the statute, Section 702, would be used to eavesdrop on Americans private communications. In June 2013, The Guardian published documents provided by whistleblower Edward Snowden confirming the massive scale of this international dragnet. Recent disclosures also show that an unknown number of purely domestic communications are monitored, that the rules that supposedly protect Americans' privacy are weak and riddled with exceptions, and that virtually every email that goes into or out of the United States is scanned for suspicious keywords.

Learn more about Section 702

In 2008, less than an hour after President Bush signed the FAA into law, the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. The case, Amnesty v. Clapper, was filed on behalf of a broad coalition of attorneys and organizations whose work requires them to engage in sensitive and sometimes privileged telephone and email communications with individuals located abroad. But in a 54 ruling handed down in February 2013, the Supreme Court held that the ACLU plaintiffs did not have standing to sue because they could not prove their communications had actually been surveilled under the law.

In March 2015, the ACLU filed Wikimedia Foundation v. NSA, a lawsuit challenging Upstream surveillance under the FAA. Through Upstream surveillance, the U.S. government copies and searches the contents of almost all international and many domestic text-based internet communications. The suit was brought on behalf of nine educational, legal, human rights, and media organizations, including the Wikimedia Foundation, operator of one of the most-visited websites on the internet. Collectively, the plaintiffs engage in more than a trillion sensitive internet communications every year, and each has been profoundly harmed by NSA surveillance.

Executive Order 12,333, signed by President Reagan in 1981 and modified many times since, is the authority primarily relied upon by the intelligence agencies to gather foreign intelligence outside of the United States. Recent disclosures indicate that the U.S. government operates a host of large-scale programs under EO 12333, many of which appear to involve the collection of vast quantities of Americans information. These programs have included, for example, the NSAs collection of billions of cellphone location records each day; its recording of every single cellphone call into, out of, and within at least two countries; and its surreptitious interception of data from Google and Yahoo user accounts as that information travels between those companies data centers located abroad.

In December 2013, the ACLU, along with the Media Freedom Information Access Clinic at Yale Law School, filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit demanding that the government release information about its use of EO 12,333 to conduct surveillance of Americans communications.

For many years, the government claimed sweeping authority under the Patriot Act to collect a record of every single phone call made by every single American "on an ongoing daily basis." This program not only exceeded the authority given to the government by Congress, but it violated the right of privacy protected by the Fourth Amendment, and the rights of free speech and association protected by the First Amendment. For this reason, the ACLU challenged the government's collection of our phone records under Section 215 of the Patriot Act just days after the program was revealed in June 2013 by The Guardian. In May 2015, a court of appeals found that the phone records program violated Section 215, and Congress allowed the provision to expire in June of that year. The program was reformed by the USA Freedom Act, which passed days later.

To bring greater transparency to the NSA's surveillance under the Patriot Act, the ACLU filed two motions with the secretive FISC asking it to release to the public its opinions authorizing the bulk collection of Americans' data by the NSA.

Our earlier work to reform the Patriot Act includes a number of successful challenges to the government's use of and secrecy surrounding National Security Letters.

The ACLU has long fought to bring greater transparency and public access to the FISC the secretive court that oversees the governments surveillance programs. When the FISC was first established in 1978, it primarily assessed individual surveillance applications to determine whether there was probable cause to believe a specific surveillance target was an agent of a foreign power. In recent years, however, the FISCs responsibilities have changed dramatically, and the FISC today oversees sweeping surveillance programs and assesses their constitutionality all without any public participation or review.

The ACLU has been advocating and petitioning for access to the FISC for more than a decade, working with Congress and the executive branch, and appearing before the court itself to push for greater transparency. Days after the courts Section 215 order was published in the press in June 2013, we filed a motion seeking access to the secret judicial opinions underlying the NSA's mass call tracking program. We have since filed two other access motions in the FISC, seeking significant legal opinions authorizing bulk collection and those interpreting the governments secret surveillance powers in the years after 9/11. We also signed a brief filed in the FISC in support of the First Amendment rights of the recipients of FISC orders, such as telephone and internet companies, to release information about the type and volume of national security requests they receive from the NSA and the FBI.

Secret law has no place in a democracy. Under the First Amendment, the public has a qualified right of access to FISC opinions concerning the scope, meaning, or constitutionality of the surveillance laws, and that right clearly applies to legal opinions interpreting Americans' bedrock constitutional rights. We all have a right to know, at least in general terms, what kinds of information the government is collecting about innocent Americans, on what scale, and based on what legal theory.

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NSA Surveillance | American Civil Liberties Union

Unpacking the National Intelligence Council’s Memo on Russian Bounty Operation – Just Security

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Over the July 4 weekend, the New York Times reported that Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Ratcliffe has produced a memorandum that, on the one hand, acknowledges the assessment by the CIA and National Counterterrorism Center that Russia paid bounties to the Taliban to kill American service members but, on the other hand, may seek to cast doubt on this assessment to serve the White Houses political purposes. According to the Times, concerns about politics infecting the process stem from the timing and the reported content of the three-page Sense of the Community Memorandum (SOCM), a product of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), which reports directly to the DNI. The Times also quotes former intelligence officials who express concerns about the potential politics at play. One of those former officials served as chair of the NIC, and another was the predecessor to one of us as director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Based on what has been reported by the Times and other outlets, we share their concerns.

Thats a painful conclusion to put forward as it would mean the countrys top intelligence official is manipulating intelligence processes for political purposes in the context of a direct threat to American service members lives. That we even have to ask the question of whether this intelligence is being politicized is a measure of how far from normal business we have strayed in recent years.

So, why the concern over the SOCM product? First, we take no issue with the likely authors and reviewers at the NIC. One can come to the conclusion that the SOCM was tasked for a largely political purpose while, at the same time, believing that it was prepared in a professional and honest manner by analysts at the NIC. At least we have no reason to believe otherwise, and if its conclusions were significantly edited or shaped by DNI Ratcliffe, the public would likely learn of that soon. That crude form of manipulation would strike at the heart of analytic integrity, and it would probably leak if Ratcliffe or his staff at DNI inserted themselves too forcefully in the drafting or editing process.

That said, even a completely professional product can still be highly susceptible to political manipulationand there are strong reasons to believe thats what has happened here in light of all of the reporting that we have to date, including statements by lawmakers who have been briefed on the subject. How would this form of political influence work? An intelligence product that presents a relatively firm bottom line conclusion that the intelligence community believes this Russian activity was in fact occurring could still be cherry-picked to suit a political purpose and drive a particular political narrative. NSA doesnt agree, Theres no real consensus, The intelligence is muddled and unclear, The agencies are all over the map, There are intelligence gaps that need to be filled before we can trust the conclusions. All of these are characterizations of aspects of the memo that could be technically true but would still make the product susceptible to political manipulation.

In particular, each of these narratives could be drawn from a professionally and honestly produced analytical work and would obviously suit the White Houses desire to portray that the intelligence wasnt ready for prime time, that there was no need to brief the President, and that this was hardly enough to drive action to engage Putin.

And that narrative would basically be a form of propaganda that would make Soviets blush. Thats because the gaps and discrepancies within the underlying intelligence if accurately reported, including those contained in the SOCM are basically an everyday occurrence when it comes to the process of analyzing sensitive intelligence on important national security topics and presenting policymakers with the information they need to make decisions and pursue courses of action. In other words, the characterizations above could be, in a narrow sense, accurate; but the takeaways that the White House intends to draw and disseminate from them could still be wildly misleading.

The timing of the SOCM product apparently tasked only after the story first broke publicly and then produced within a matter of days also calls into question the motivations of DNI Ratcliffe. If there was a real hunger among policymakers at the White House to understand better the underlying intelligence and the nuanced (and possibly competing) views of analysts across the Intelligence Community, we suspect that tasking would have been issued months agowhen the intelligence on life-or-death threats to U.S. service members first surfaced. On the other hand, if the SOCM was tasked only lately as the Times reporting suggests, one cant help but wonder if the underlying purpose was to give the administration ammunition to cast doubt on the intelligence communitys bottom-line conclusion. All told, the recent timing of the memos tasking and rush to complete it suggests it was intended not to inform policy discussions on how to protect American troops but to inform political efforts to rebut the media reports and bipartisan concerns on the Hill.

Whats more, if the underlying intent was political, one can imagine the DNIs office might have tasked the memo in such a way as to elicit some of the answers that would be useful to a White House that wants to argue that this is all overblown. Is there complete Community consensus on the conclusions in the PDB back in February? What are the varying levels of confidence in the assessment presented? Does the IC have direct evidence as a basis for reaching a judgment with high confidence? Does the NSA have signals intelligence that provide the agency a basis for its assessment? Does the IC have information that connects President Putin or other Kremlin officials to the operation? Answers to these kinds of specific questions might well have provided the Administration with just the cherry-picked characterizations that they would need to bolster their argument that theres nothing to see hereeven though the answer to any of these narrow questions would not actually undercut the idea that theres a serious threats to American service members to which the Trump administration has failed to respond.

Indeed, reports on the content of the SOCM suggest manipulation and skewing of its conclusions. Consider three specific items in the text of the two-and-a-half-page memo as reported.

First, the SOCM stressed that the government lacks direct evidence of what the criminal network leaders and G.R.U. ofcials said at face-to-face meetings, according to the Times. The absence of direct evidence of those meetings is not actually a surprising or even notable gap in the context of assessing a Russian covert operation, given two factors: the unlikely nature of the United States gaining intelligence on the exact words spoken between Russian and Taliban officials in secret meetings, and the mosaic of other information the IC has reportedly obtained indicating that the bounty arrangement existed. So why stress its absence? If the Russians are actually engaged in the reported behavior in Afghanistan, they have every incentive to make their activities as deniable as possible, including by hiding their fingerprints, using proxies where they could, and denying at every turn. Yet its easy to imagine Ratcliffe and other Administration surrogates in the coming days describing the memo to make this intelligence gap sound like a bigger hole than it really is.

Second, the Times reports that the National Security Agency did not have information to support that conclusion [of the Russian bounty operation] at the same level [as CIA and NCTC], therefore expressing lower condence in the conclusion. And the Times goes on to say that the SOCM then emphasized that the National Security Agency did not have surveillance that conrmed what the captured detainees told interrogators about bounties. Once again, the absence of one specific type of intelligencesignals intelligenceis unsurprising here, given that its unclear how the Russians and Taliban are communicating about the bounty arrangement and given that there are (reportedly) other kinds of intelligence, from detainee interrogations to financial transactions, that indicate the arrangement exists. So why would the SOCM emphasize this absence? Whats more, the question to be asked of NSA by the NIC is whether it agrees with the all-source judgment on the existence of the operation, not whether the agency has its own information to support the conclusion at the same level of confidence. We hope thats what NSAs input reflected. It is notable that the Wall Street Journal reported last week that the differences [between the NSA and CIA] werent over the central assessment that operatives with Russias GRU intelligence agency paid bounties to the insurgent Taliban movement to kill Americans, according to some of the people familiar with the matter. That suggests the SOCM may have been produced in a way that amplifies less meaningful differences between the agencies.

Third, the Times reports that the memo identifies gaps in intelligence on the issue of specific attribution for the bounty operation within the Kremlin. The memo also says that the Defense Intelligence Agency did not have information directly connecting the suspected operation to the Kremlin, according to the Times. But when it comes to a GRU unit acting inside Afghanistan like this, it may be exceedingly difficult to directly connect it to Putin or other senior Kremlin officials. Thats of no consequence for whats at stake here. Indeed, if the IC has compelling information that the GRU section was placing bounties on American soldiers, thats more than ample information to press Putin to have it stop. Meanwhile, having this question of attribution raised in the SOCM is all too convenient for a White House interested in alluding in abstract terms to purported gaps in the intelligence.

In order to understand why the SOCM product came to look the way it did, at least as reported in the Times, its important to understand how the analysis probably emerged, with nuanced and caveated conclusions and a lack of complete consensus among the expert analysts. That in fact is the norm in intelligence work. It is rarely if ever the case that the United States or any other countrys agencies would have a singular gold nugget of incontrovertible intelligence that would prove the case on something like this. For example, its the stuff of fiction, not real intelligence work, to expect the United States to intercept Putins personal aide saying to the GRU chief: The Boss has green lighted the bounty program in Afghanistan. Go for it starting on Tuesday.

Instead, IC analysts looking at this material would have been trying to piece together a complicated mosaic, with information of all different kinds and differing degrees of reliability. There might have been one triggering piece of compelling intelligence from one part of the intelligence community, but that would have led to a careful effort to identify and evaluate other intelligence to corroborate what that initial reporting suggested. Analysts would also have been putting the information into the context of what they know from long observation about Russian interests; about Putins practices, including ratcheting up support for the Taliban over time; about the GRUs connections to Afghanistan; about the Taliban operatives; and other information. Russia analysts would have been involved, Afghan-focused analysts would have been involved, terrorism/counterterrorism analysts would have been involvedall bringing their special expertise and perspective to bear. The analytic process would have been grinding hard on information of this sort over weeks and months.

Weve painstakingly described the possible misuse of the SOCM and the underlying analytic process that probably led to its reported conclusions because those aspects of this story might help us understand why the administration seems so reluctant to credit the seemingly obvious intelligence conclusion that Russia is acting against our interests in Afghanistan. And thats the real story here. The inside baseball on intelligence work is not the part of this story that matters most.

Why do we say that? Because intelligence on hard targets like Russia or North Korea or Iran rarely comes packaged in the single gold nugget form that we alluded to above. And if any intelligence picture that falls short of meeting that standard couldnt be shared upward to the President, or if it couldnt serve as the basis for considering concrete action to respond to credible threats to American lives, then our foreign policy would be truly paralyzed. We would simply never meet the threshold to take action, let alone to consider it. So its simply not the case that we cant believe our eyes unless we have the single golden nugget of intelligence.

For all of the complexity of the intelligence process discussed above, the basic facts are clear: Our intelligence community has assessed that Russia is acting in a way that threatens American lives in Afghanistan. Yes, there are nuances and varying degrees of confidence in that conclusion. Thats normal. But there should not be any kind of debate about whether this conclusion should have been presented to senior policymakers and the President for their review and actionnor any doubt that they should have responded, urgently. In any other time, that would be a given. There might be a policy conversation to be had about what exactly to do in response, but no reasonable conversation can be had about whether to put this conclusion on the table at the level of the President and his National Security Council for discussion about what actions to take.

The rest is here:

Unpacking the National Intelligence Council's Memo on Russian Bounty Operation - Just Security

Woman Admits to Willful Retention of Top Secret National Defense Information and International Parental Kidnapping – Imperial Valley News

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Washington, DC -Elizabeth Jo Shirley, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to unlawfully retaining a document containing national defense information and committing international parental kidnapping, the Department of Justice announced.

Shirley, 47, pled guilty to one count of Willful Retention of National Defense Information and one count of International Parental Kidnapping. Shirley admitted to unlawfully retaining a National Security Agency (NSA) document containing information classified at the TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS/SCI) level relating to the national defense that outlines intelligence information regarding a foreign governments military and political issues. Shirley also admitted to removing her child, of whom she was the non-custodial parent, to Mexico with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the custodial fathers parental rights.

When Shirley took classified information from her work with the Intelligence Community and later fled to Mexico, she violated the confidence placed in her by the American people, said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.She doubled down on this betrayal when she sought to offer classified information to the Russian government. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners timely work to locate and arrest the defendant in Mexico. Given Shirleys troubling conduct after fleeing the United States, the damage to national security could have been far greater had law enforcement not acted swiftly. Shirley will now be held accountable for betraying the trust of the American people.

High level security clearance requires a commensurate level of trust. Shirley breached that trust and attempted to put our country at risk. National security is one of our highest priorities and always will be. Shirley will now face the consequences of her actions, said U.S. Attorney William J. Powell.

"Federal government employees and contractors with high level security clearances pledge to protect classified information from foreign adversaries. It's an essential responsibility in guarding our countrys national security," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Ms. Shirley had a duty to safeguard classified information. Instead, she chose to break the law and trust placed in her and made plans to pass national defense information to Russian officials, which could have put our citizens at risk. The FBI does not take these violations lightly and will work to hold wrongdoers accountable to keep our country safe."

Shirley served on active duty with the United States Air Force, and in August 1994, the Air Force granted Shirley her first TS/SCI security clearance. After leaving active duty, Shirley served in the United States Air Force Reserves and later in the United States Navy Reserves. While serving in the Air Force, she worked on assignments with the NSA. From May 2001 to August 2012, Shirley held various positions with the United States Navys Office of Naval Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, and at least five different cleared defense contractors. In connection with these positions, Shirley held TOP SECRET/SCI security clearances at various times.

In July 2019, Shirley took her six-year-old daughter to Mexico with the intent to make contact with representatives of the Government of Russia to request resettlement in a country that would not extradite her to the United States. Shirley took with her to Mexico national defense information, which she had unlawfully retained. While in Mexico, Shirley prepared a written message to Russian Government officials, referencing an urgent need to have items shipped from the USA related to [her] lifes work before they are seized and destroyed.

On Aug. 13, 2019, the United States Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement located Shirley and her daughter at a hotel in Mexico City. Mexican immigration authorities arrested Shirley pursuant to lack of legal immigration status.

The FBI subsequently executed search warrants on numerous of Shirleys electronic devices, including devices she took to Mexico in July 2019 and devices the FBI seized from her Martinsburg storage unit in August 2019. Pursuant to the search of the storage unit, the FBI located the NSA document underlying the Willful Retention of National Defense Information offense. In addition, pursuant to searches of the electronic devices, the FBI found an Office of Naval Intelligence PowerPoint presentation containing information classified at the SECRET level and messages Shirley had drafted to Russian Government officials while in Mexico, the latter of which the Central Intelligence Agency has determined to include information classified at the SECRET level.

Shirley faces up to ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the national security charge and up to three years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the kidnapping charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the Department of Justices Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and WVSP investigated. The Webster County Prosecuting Attorneys Office cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

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Woman Admits to Willful Retention of Top Secret National Defense Information and International Parental Kidnapping - Imperial Valley News

Back to work: Blackjack staff return to airports in London and Dublin – DFNIonline.com

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Blackjack Promotions staff were back at work welcoming shoppers into stores in airports across London and Dublin as travel retail outlets began to open again last week.

As World Duty Free Group reopened stores at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, Blackjack staff returned to the front line to greet shoppers in stores, including the specialist World of Whisky outlet in Heathrow Terminal 5.

Blackjack Promotions staff back at work at London Heathrow

The re-openings mark the culmination of hard work by staff, brands and retailers to ensure stores are safe and compliant with new regulations before the arrival of customers.

Blackjack Promotions Head of Travel Retail Leanne Nutter told DFNI: It felt so good to be back in store for the World Duty Free openings! Our team are ready and raring to go yes its quiet at times but passengers are keen to shop and with the stores looking so attractive, clean and safe, everyone has worked really hard to get to this moment.

Blackjack Promotions staff are back greeting customers at Gatwick Airport

In Ireland, staff were also getting ready to return to work at Dublin Airport, where Blackjacks #BeReady training videos and PPE resources have been deployed to ensure brand ambassadors and stores were ready to start business again.

Seeing the team get back to work in Dublin with ARI was a great moment and one that felt a long time coming, enthused Blackjack Promotions Head of International Fiona Rayner.

Blackjack Promotions Staff back at work in Dublin Airport

Its been wonderful to listen to stories from the shop floor and to see the team back doing what they do best passengers can seem nervous in the new environment but the Aer Rianta team have done a wonderful job to get the stores ready. Onwards and upwards.

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Back to work: Blackjack staff return to airports in London and Dublin - DFNIonline.com

What are the Best Casino Games on Android – Phandroid – News for Android

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Mobile casinos are designed to offer the best gaming experience, especially to Android users. Some of the most popular casino games on android include blackjack, slots, roulette, and video poker among others.

The top reasons why you should play casino games on android is the flexibility of playing while on the go and you also get to explore the same incredible gaming experience as you would on PC but in your pocket. With Android gambling apps, graphics and usability remain uninterrupted.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best casino games, comparison between Android and iOS devices casino games, as well as outline our top recommendable casino Apps.

Playing blackjack on Android gives you the option to either play for free or for real money. As a beginner, you can opt for the free version to help you hone your skills before risking with your money.

Types of online blackjack variations at casinos include:

Slots are among the most played mobile casino games mostly because they run smoothly on most Android devices. These games are simple to play and easy to understand as they dont require a lot of thought or strategy.

You only need to spin the reels and wait for the outcome. You can play for real money and earn real cash or play for free if you are just looking for a way to pass time.

Here are the top types of slots games on Android:

With the recent technological enhancement in mobile gambling, players not only have the opportunity to play virtual casino games, but they also have access to live dealers.

The types of roulette games available on Android include:

Video poker combines two highly popular casino games; poker and slots. But what makes video poker best to play on the go is the fact it is not as demanding as real poker, yet unlike slots, it requires some strategies and decision making to help you win.

Variations of video poker include:

With casino games, the software providers have ensured that you have a choice between playing on the apps or playing directly from the website.

Both options work perfectly and the effectiveness of each option depends on a players preference.

However, casino apps offer a light-weight and on-the-go chance to play your favorite casino game from your smartphone or tablet. More so, you will still have access to all the casino games available on the website.

The main difference will be the translation of the games to a small screen. Although the images maybe a little smaller, the sharpness of graphics and quality of interface of games powered by industry leaders such as NetEnt and Microgaming, tend to be as good, if not even better.

As for Android versus iOS casino games, it all boils down to personal preference since the quality of the gaming platforms for these two operating systems is the same.

However, we can expound on the difference based on these four factors:

Restrictions

Google Play does not support real-money gaming apps in some countries including the US. France, Ireland, and the UK are exceptions of this feature. Players in the restricted countries can only access the freemium casino games. App store on the other hand support gambling applications.

User experience

As earlier mentioned there is no significant difference between these two mobile operators in terms of your experience playing casino games.

Android offers more customized options while iOS devices are tailored to offer simplicity and effortless experience.

Performance

There is also no significant difference between these two in terms of performance. However, you can expect occasional issues if you are using the lowest end of Android devices or a very old iPhone.

Platform support

Apple often receives more new games first since developers have a reasonably smaller range of devices to cater to.

On the other hand, Android runs on thousands of different smartphones which can make it take longer to release a new game.

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What are the Best Casino Games on Android - Phandroid - News for Android

High-Quality Online Casino Apps to gamble at Live Blackjack tables this week – Tunf.com News

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Blackjack is one of those games that will never get old. Popular more than ever, the game has been omnipresent on the internet for quite some time now. Blackjack is included in almost every casinos offer, those venues that dont have it in their portfolios are probably not even worth mentioning.

Over the years, and especially since the launch of its online version, the game has spawned many variants. Besides Classic Blackjack, you have games like War Blackjack, Doublet Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, Face Up Blackjack, European Blackjack, and many, many more.Some of these variants are adapted to fit better into a certain area, while others include some additional features and have a bit more different game mechanics.

Whatever the case may be, Live Blackjack is one of the most popular games in the world right now. There is no better time to try than today, the game has been a blast for the last couple of weeks attracting a vast number of players. To do so, you will need to find sites that offer it. Well, have no fret, we are here to help you. In this article, we will talk about three phenomenal casinos that can offer you Live Blackjack tables. Make sure that you visit them, you wont be disappointed with their offer.

Besides Live Blackjack, this site includes a ton of other intriguing games. Fruity Casa is known as a Jack of All Trades, a site that enjoys owning a huge and diverse offer of goods. Also, this casino boasts a superb customer support service that works all around the clock. Fruity Casa is a user-friendly and welcoming place, a venue that will satisfy all of your gambling needs for sure.

Managed by a group of gambling enthusiasts, this site is all about fun and games. Play Frank Casino is firmly focused on providing its clients with superb gambling experience, and it does that by importing the finest games in the world and by shuffling various bonuses and promotions on a regular basis.

This third site comes as a mix of two venues mentioned above. Like Fruity Casa, this site offers a huge assortment of diverse games. But then, just like Play Frank Casino, the site knows how to use bonuses and promotions to motivate players. What makes it unique is its great VIP program that will allow players to participate in special events and collect some rather unique prizes.

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High-Quality Online Casino Apps to gamble at Live Blackjack tables this week - Tunf.com News

The Mail reminisces on its favourite themed weddings – NW Evening Mail

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

NOW weddings have officially been given the green-light to resume, The Mail is reminiscing on some of its favourite themed weddings, ranging from Peaky Blinders to the casino.

Among these was Sarah Woodall, a teaching assistant and Matthew Caulfield, an electrician, who said I do in a gin-and-tea themed ceremony held at the Dunes Hotel in Barrow.

The pair, who both live in Dalton, first met through mutual friends in 2010, who set them up on Facebook.

Mrs Caulfield described the wedding as amazing and absolutely perfect.

I wish we could just do it all again, she said.

Everything went perfect - I remember dancing all night.

"Everyone was just having the best time."

Mrs Caulfield described the wedding as vintage, gin-and-tea themed with a twist.

The cake was amazing it had a theme of G&T with a twist, Mrs Caulfield said.

There was gin with cups of tea on the cake because I love tea and gin."

Another wedding-themed favourite was BAE workers, Holly Lloyd and David Thompson who had a Casino-themed reception at the Daffodil Hotel in Grasmere.

Mrs Thompson described the day as an 'absolute whirlwind'.

She said: "We wanted to get married outside but it was raining.

"A special highlight of the day was definitely the casino.

"There were three blackjack tables which everyone really enjoyed.

"It went down a hoot.

"We even had fake money which had the bank of Mr and Mrs Thompson printed on it.

"And the winners received personalised champagne bottles.

"We loved it because it was a quite unique idea."

Finally, Shirley Laurie and John Lyne caught everyone's attention when they decided to tie the knot with a very unique theme: The Peaky Blinders.

The couple, who met on popular dating site Plenty of Fish,tied the knot in a Peaky Blinders 1920s-themed wedding.

The male guests donned flat caps and Tweed suits whilst the women styled flapper dresses and feather boas.

Mrs Lyne said: "I love 1920s fashion. I love Tweed and flapper dresses so thought why not include it in the wedding?

"Most people wore a more formal outfit for the day then changed into a 1920s outfit for the evening do.

"It was absolutely great. Everyone seemed to love it."

Mrs Lynes two beloved pugs also played a part in the big day.

It was absolutely fantastic, she said.

It was very blissful and emotional, it was lovely to see my sons there."

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The Mail reminisces on its favourite themed weddings - NW Evening Mail

Africa’s economy will recover slower than expected – IMF – Quartz Africa

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Making estimates is always a difficult task. This is especially true when it comes to economic forecasts for African countries. One of many reasons is large portions of the economies are in the informal sector and by definition offer fewer reliable data sources with which to make estimates.

But when it comes to the global economic crisis in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, even a reliably conservative institution like the IMF has been forced to revise its estimates just two months after its first prognosis.

On the top line, it now estimates the Sub-Saharan Africa regions economy will shrink by -3.2% this year, thats 1.6 percentage points more than it said in April. Growth is now expected to collapse in many countries especially those dependent on tourism and resources, such as oil and mineral exporters. Growth in more diversified non-resource based economies is expected to come to a near standstill.

Some of this might haveseemed likely in April when IMF forecast 1.6% shrinkage, World Bank estimated a -2.1% to -5.1% recession. But as IMF Africa director Abebe Aemro Selassie explains to Quartz Africa this update better captures the realities of the fast-changing events on the ground in Africa and elsewhere in the world. We realized the global economic environment was much weaker than we were expecting and that the periods of lockdowns in some African countries were even longer than we were envisaging.

Indeed, IMF now forecasts the global economy to shrink by -4.9%, revised down from -3%.

While Sub Saharan Africas growth projection looks bad, a key longer-term concern is how real per capita GDP in the region is expected to contract by as much as -5.4% this year. The IMF says this will take the per capita GDP 7 percentage points below the level projected last October. In fact, it could effectively wipe out nearly ten years of progress made in reducing poverty in the region.

Growth in Sub Saharan Africa is expected to gradually recover if the pandemic slows down in the second half of 2020 with the IMF forecasting a return to 3.4% growth next year (it previously projected 4% growth). One of the reasons for Africas shallower growth than the global 2021 forecast of 5.4% is that Sub Saharan Africa countries have fewer and smaller policy options than more advanced economies. This is why the regions largest economies Angola, Nigeria and South Africa will not see real GDP growth return to pre-crisis levels till 2023 or 2024.

The challenge for the IMF and other economic prognosticators is its very difficult to say with any degree of confidence the pandemic will be under control anytime soon, especially in Africa. A common feature across several African countries is even as theyve ended lockdowns or opened up, the Covid-19 case load numbers have accelerated. The numbers in Africa are still relatively lowlower on a per million basis than Europe and Latin America (though higher than Asia).

But while its often said Africas economic crisis could be worse than the pandemic health crisis, IMFs Abebe Selassie calls this a false dichotomy. If you dont have the disease under control youre not going to have an economic recovery, its not going to be durable.

Sign up to theQuartz Africa Weekly Brief herefor news and analysis on African business, tech and innovation in your inbox

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Africa's economy will recover slower than expected - IMF - Quartz Africa

What happens to a government-based economy in a global pandemic? – CBC.ca

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

Last month the N.W.T. government passed a "status quo" $1.96 billion budget.

Caucus leader Rylund Johnson characterized the funding as "pretty stable," and assured people there would be no "austerity" to be found.

That's because about 80 per cent of the revenue comes in the form of federal government transfers.

So while the private sector began layoffs, and business owners watched their revenue rocket to zero, government employees continued to enjoy regular paychecks, even those whose jobs were deemed inessential enough to be redeployed to work on the response to COVID-19.

That's a good thing, according to Ken Coates, a historian at the University of Saskatchewanwhere he studies Indigenous and northern Canadian issues.

"The saving grace of the three northern territories is the fact they're so government dependent," he says. He saw the budget as the work of a government trying to reassure and calm its citizens.

But what does that mean for the future of the territory?

Nearly everything about what happens next is an unknown. "Nothing even remotely close to this" has ever happened, says Coates.

And while Coates grants that "the idea of extremely well-funded territories is kinda new," he also believes it's not threatened for example, by a federal government looking to balance its own badly battered budget.

"This is a tiny drop in the bucket so they can continue to be generous and kind to the N.W.T.," Coates says. "They're not gonna walk away from this."

"If you compare how much the federal government transfers to Toronto compared to how much they transfer to the N.W.T., it pales in comparison," Coates adds. "So I don't see this as being at risk."

The trouble is, he says, "government spending is supposed to be the foundation for long-term economic stability. Not the core of it."

One Yellowknife-based economist argues the N.W.T. has done little to build that foundation.

"The N.W.T. has failed to nurture the growth and development of its economy," wrote Graeme Clinton in the opening sentence of a report prepared last year for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. "As a result, the territory will experience a major setback where the disadvantaged among us will suffer most."

Long before COVID-19, Clinton diagnosed a future economy still heavily reliant on government.

"These economies can be incredibly stable," he concludes, "but when pressures emerge in the form of growing unemployment and widening infrastructure gaps, greater demand for public programs and spending, and an aging population, the community finds it has no means to respond effectively without additional support."

That support, he notes, often doesn't come, as governments tend to invest just enough to maintain the status quo (see above).

"If the N.W.T. cannot maintain the quality of life of residents today in a period of relative economic stability and on the heels of a decade of economic growth and transformation, how can it possibly achieve such a goal during a period of economic decline?

"The answer is it cannot."

The solution, Clinton writes, has been "discussed and debated and discussed some more" for twenty years: the territory needs to invest in infrastructure that can support future growth.

Why hasn't that happened already?

"Vision is what's missing," writes Clinton.

His report says leaders in the N.W.T. have spent 20 years debating whether or not to embrace resource extraction as part of the economy. That decision, he says, needs to be made so the territory can begin "purpose-driven investments and action."

Without growth and returning to page one of his concise 23-page snapshot on the territory's economic future Clinton quotes the N.W.T. Bureau of Statistics, which predicts that up to 3,200 people will simply move away, lessening future opportunity and future government spending (which is based on population) as well.

"The people most negatively affected in this scenario will be those without the freedom of choice, who don't have the option to relocate, are unable to retrain or find new work in their community, and don't have a savings account to see them through hard times."

The hard times have arrived.

A territorial snapshot released by the Conference Board of Canada last month was titled "Shielded from the Worst," a reference to that continued government spending.

It predicts the economy will shrink by 3.3 per cent this year, down from the 5.5 per cent expansion predicted in February.

Unemployment will spike to 13.5 per cent, the highest on record, as about 1,200 jobs are lost in all sectors, and that number will stay at 11.9 per cent in 2021.

"That's pretty high," says Richard Forbes, who wrote the report, though "not completely out of the realm for what we're expecting in other provinces and territories."

The biggest difference Forbes sees is that the territories have been slower to allow visitors back in, "so that may delay the recovery," particularly when it comes to jobs in the tourism, accommodations and food service sectors.

But he thinks people may have more agency than they realize.

"No matter how much the government pumps into the Northwest Territories, it's going to come down to whether consumers feel comfortable traveling there and feel comfortable going to hotels and eating out," says Forbes.

"Unfortunately, it's very much a wait and see type of thing."

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What happens to a government-based economy in a global pandemic? - CBC.ca

Herald: Perspective: Unlocking the economy safely – Oherald

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

12 Jul 2020 | 04:59am IST

Deepak G. Tripathi

A midst rising cases of COVID-19 globally, there is an urgent need to unlock the economies so that governmental and personal incomes can be restored hopefully to pre-COVID levels as soon as possible. A balance needs to be achieved to protect health and economic well-being. Current methods deployed for capacity-building at hospitals and keeping the population safe have outlived their utility. There is a need to confront the new challenges with a new strategy during Unlock 2.0, especially by exponentially increasing the current volumes of testing.

RT-PCR tests that detect the viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 are extremely sensitive tests, and have emerged as the mainstay of disease diagnosis during the pandemic. However, they come with severe limitations: high cost, requirement of labs, lab equipment, and expertise to run the test correctly. Expansion of testing based on this technology alone has posed technological, economical and logistical challenges, especially to mid-income countries. Anecdotally, there is a significantly high rate of false negative results of about 35% due to poor sample collection techniques of the nasal and oral swab. Experience abroad shows that only one out of three swabs taken on three sequential days is positive. The limit of detection of various tests differ by a factor of 100 times between manufacturers. Nearing the onset of symptoms of the disease, the RT-PCR test itself starts to lose sensitivity and reaches around 60% a week after onset of symptoms. Though a gold-standard, RT-PCR cannot claim a 100% performance in pandemic situations, especially in resource poor settings. False positive PCR results are not unknown too. A supplemental test to the RT-PCR is required to validate its findings.

Once a person is infected, from the day of appearance of symptoms, the patient starts to form anti-bodies to SARS-CoV-2. The anti-bodies are of the types, namely, IgA, IgM, and IgG, where the IgA appears by Day-7 of onset of symptoms, followed by IgM, around Day 10-14, and IgG, around Day 10-21. Since IgA anti-bodies appear first, and in higher concentrations, an anti-body test would not function efficiently if it only detects IgM and IgG as most countries have experienced during the pandemic. Total anti-body tests are available that can detect all three types of antibodies simultaneously, giving sensitivity from Day-7 of symptom onset.

It must be remembered clearly that infection will almost always produce an anti-body response. In RT-PCR positive asymptomatic cases, a rapid antibody test provides proof of seroconversion, and indirect evidence of infection. In sero-prevalence studies where, total antibody tests are performed on a random population, a positive test result indicates that the person was exposed to the virus at least a week earlier since antibodies appear after 7 days. One-week additional time in self-isolation, or home quarantine would suffice for the person to resume normal life, as, post-infection, the virus-shedding reportedly stops after Day-12 of the infection, and, immunity would have developed.

The role of anti-body as a protective tool is the basis of plasma-therapy and vaccination, towards which, there is a race amongst manufacturers around the world. The role of these anti-bodies as a diagnostic marker needs to be understood, explored, and used during the pandemic, as:

a) A companion test to the RT-PCR (b)a test for serodiagnosis of SARS CoV-2 infections (c)a means to conduct sero-prevalence surveys.

This will not only reduce the costs associated with SARS-CoV-2 testing, but, also, increase the number of tests that could be done in a day, and help cover larger populations in a short time to know their seroconversion status. As compared to a standard RT-PCR which takes about 24 hours from swab-collection to report, these tests can be performed in 20 minutes at the street-level without laboratory expertise or cold-storage requirements using finger prick blood!

The industry, doctors in clinics, private laboratories, dentists, corporate houses, airlines, and hospital staff are clamouring for the availability of such tests nationally, to reduce anxiety amongst employees and to know the sero-status of the unknown customer. A sensitive and specific rapid antibody-based test, when used appropriately can help open up our economies. Policy makers must make efforts in this direction so as to create an appropriate advisory for use of total antibody tests.

Lastly, RT PCR tests can only shut down economies whereas total antibody tests only can help it unlock!

The above article draws heavily from scientific literature published in internationally acclaimed medical journals/press. A sincere attempt has been made to accurately present simplified information for the benefit of readers.

(The author is President, Tulip Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., an IVD Major, based at Goa, India.)

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Herald: Perspective: Unlocking the economy safely - Oherald

Reality check: A look at Trumps claims on coronavirus, the U.S. economy and Biden – Globalnews.ca

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

If saying things 100 times could make them true, U.S. President Donald Trumps account of how the U.S. is doing with the coronavirus would be true.

COVID-19 testing would be the envy of the world, the economy would be on the cusp of roaring back, the threat would be receding in a pandemic that has sickened more than 3.1 million Americans and killed more than 133,000.

But repetition doesnt make for reality. The U.S. is taking a disproportionate hit from the coronavirus globally and does not have it under control.

A look at how rhetoric from the past week compares with the facts on various fronts:

TRUMP: For the 1/100th time, the reason we show so many Cases, compared to other countries that havent done nearly as well as we have, is that our TESTING is much bigger and better. We have tested 40,000,000 people. If we did 20,000,000 instead, Cases would be half, etc. NOT REPORTED! tweet Thursday.

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THE FACTS: His notion that infections are high only because the U.S. diagnostic testing has increased is false. His own top public health officials have shot down this line of thinking. Infections are rising because people are infecting each other more than they were when most everyone was hunkered down.

Its true that increased testing also contributes to the higher numbers. When you look harder, youre going to see more. But the testing has uncovered a worrisome trend: The percentage of tests coming back positive for the virus is on the rise across nearly the entire country.

Thats a clear demonstration that sickness is spreading and that the U.S. testing system is falling short.

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A high rate of positive tests indicates a government is only testing the sickest patients who seek out medical attention and is not casting a wide enough net, says the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center, a primary source of updated information on the pandemic.

Americans are being confronted with long lines at testing sites, often disqualified if they are not showing symptoms and, if tested, forced to wait many days for results.

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TRUMP on the coronavirus: We have the lowest Mortality Rate in the World. tweet Tuesday.

THE FACTS: This statement is wholly unsupported.

An accurate death rate is impossible to know. Every country tests and counts people differently, and some are unreliable in reporting cases. Without knowing the true number of people who become infected, it cannot be determined what portion of them die.

Using a count kept by Johns Hopkins University, you can compare the number of recorded deaths with the number of reported cases. That count shows the U.S. experiencing more deaths as a percentage of cases than most other countries now being hit hard with the pandemic. The statistics look better for the U.S. when the list is expanded to include European countries that were slammed early on by the virus but now appear to have it under control. Even then, the U.S. is not shown to be among the best in avoiding death.

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Such calculations, though, do not provide a reliable measurement of actual death rates, because of the variations in testing and reporting, and the Johns Hopkins tally is not meant to be such a measure.

The only way to tell how many cases have gone uncounted, and therefore what percentage of infected people have died from the disease, is to do another kind of test comprehensively, of peoples blood, to find how many people bear immune system antibodies to the virus. Globally, that is only being done in select places.

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TRUMP: Deaths in the U.S. are way down. tweet Monday, one of at least a half dozen heralding a drop in daily deaths from the virus.

THE FACTS: Its true that deaths dipped even as infections spiked in many parts of the country. But deaths lag sickness and the spikes have not played out.

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Its a false narrative to take comfort in a lower rate of death, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Tuesday. He advised Americans: Dont get yourself into false complacency.

Govt must rescue and revive mining sector to boost economic recovery; heres what needs to be done – The Financial Express

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

The mining sector is a core driver of a nations economic development. The sector is a significant contributor to GDP, a major source of employment, and a catalyst of growth in other vital industries (such as power, steel, cement, etc.) that are, in turn, critical for overall economic development. As aptly stated in the National Mineral Policy, 2019 (NMP): Minerals are a valuable natural resource being the vital raw material for the core sectors of the economy. Exploration, extraction and management of minerals have to be guided by national goals and perspectives, to be integrated into the overall strategy of the countrys economic development. Endeavour shall be to promote domestic industry, reduce import dependency, and feed into Make in India initiative.

India is richly endowed with metallic and non-metallic mineral resources the country produces as many as 95 minerals, which includes 4 fuel, 10 metallic, 23 non-metallic, 3 atomic and 55 minor minerals. Considering this abundance of minerals in India, the mining sector has huge economic potential. However, this potential is yet to be fully realised.

Reform to Rebound

India, like much of the world, has been left reeling as a result of the black swan impact of COVID-19.Ensuring economic rebound is now an issue of high priority. The mining sector has the potential to play a crucial role in making this aspiration a reality both in terms of its own economic output as well as in responding to the demands of other allied/ dependent industries. Additionally, the sector has the capacity to create over 5 crore jobs directly and indirectly which will be vital given the widescale unemployment that has been brought about by the current crisis. However, for the sector to do so efficaciously, there is a need to address the clear and present fallout of the pandemic, as well as the various issues that have hampered and hamstrung its growth.

This article proposes measures to suitably address identified challenges unique to the mining industry, both in general and as a result of the present crisis. In doing so, the article builds on the reform initiatives outlined in the NMP, viz., incentivising exploration through seamless transmission to mining, pre-identification of no-go areas, simpler and time-bound procedures for granting permits, harmonising royalty rates with international standards, and assuring security of tenure.

Immediate Relief Measures

At the outset, in order to grant relief from the plunging prices of minerals and slumping demand, it should be considered to offer rebates or reductions in royalty payments and contributions to the District Mineral Fund and National Mineral Exploration Trust. Another urgent relief measure to be considered is waiving the GST compensation cess on coking-coal for power intensive industries such as aluminium and streel.

Addressing Systemic Issues

New Exploration Framework

Exploration is an expensive and high-risk proposition with an extremely low success rate. The currentdispensation for exploration contemplates a non-exclusive reconnaissance permit, and a compositelicence (i.e., a prospecting licence cum mining lease). However, the present dispensation leaves a lot to be desired.

For starters, the non-exclusivity of the reconnaissance permit and the lack of in-built transition to mineral exploitation make the concession unattractive to the industry. With respect to composite licences, since it is the State Government that is responsible for notifying mineral blocks for auction, there is often undue delay in initiation of auctions, and the very real risk of blocks being considered sub-optimal by bidders. Another challenge is that of the mineral auction process being completed, only for environmental clearances to be refused this results in much time, effort and investment being wastefully expended.

In order to address these issues, it may be considered for the Central Government and State Governments to work together to develop a mineral exploration atlas that divides the geography of India into grids. Based on the mineral atlas, applicants should be permitted to freely carve out an areaand seek a composite license in respect of the same. Upon receipt of an application, the State Government should put up for auction the area so carved out by the applicant. The applicant may be given an incentive in the auction process (e.g., a right to match). The grant of the concession may be subject to checks in the form of periodic relinquishment and minimum investment requirements. This approach would be in line with the Open Acreage Licensing Policy currently in vogue in the Oil & Gas industry.

As an immediate measure, the Central Government should hasten the issuance of rules laying down requisite bidding parameters necessary to operationalise the newly introduced Section 10C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (whereby holders of non-exclusive reconnaissance permits for deep-seated minerals (i.e., minerals which occur at a depth of more than300 meters, with poor surface manifestations) may be granted composite licences or mining leases).

Simplifying Approvals Framework

Presently, developers may expend considerable time and effort on a mineral block, only for environmental clearances to be subsequently denied. In this regard, the atlas described above should set out predefined no-go areas where reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations cannot be undertaken. Such areas may be identified based on the presence of reserve forests, sensitive eco-zones, coastal areas, defence land, et al.

Additionally, there are currently multiple permits that have to be variously obtained under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (and the rules and notifications issued thereunder). Thiscreates multiple overlapping applications processes, despite mostly involving the same grantingauthority, i.e., the respective pollution control board.

In this regard, taking cue from this Governments earlier successful attempts to consolidate and streamline laws (e.g., labour, bankruptcy, etc.), the legislations and executive rules relating to environmental protection should be consolidated in a comprehensive code. In doing so, care should also be taken to restructure and rationalize the approvals process in a manner that avoids overlap and repetition, particularly when the granting authority is one and the same.

Rationalising Royalty

Indias rates of royalty are amongst the highest in the world. This royalty plays a substantial part in driving up costs of production as well as the cost of end-use products produced from the mineral. The high incidence of royalties coupled with the flat structure of royalty discourages investment in mineral processing and value addition, which, in turn, impedes uptake of new technologies which may enhance sustainability and economic growth. Further, there are presently 60 different royalty rates for 55 minerals with varied bases, making Indias royalty regime amongst the worlds most cumbersome.

The rates of royalty should be rationalised by way of benchmarking the same with other mining jurisdictions, and ensuring appropriate incentives for efficiency, economical use of the resources, good performance and optimum investments. In particular, the constituent components of the base value on which royalty is charged should be reconsidered to avoid a situation of a royalty on royalty. Further, to encourage competition amongst the states to attract investments, State Governments should be allowed to offer concessional rates of royalty similar to the practice in Australia and Canada.

Tenure of Leases

Currently, the law prescribes a fixed tenure of mining concessions that is unrelated to the actual mineral potential and realisable ore in a block. Such prescribed tenure of leases causes manifold problems. Firstly, it leads to closure of mine prior to complete exhaustion of mineral resources, which runs contrary to the objective of mineral development and conservation. Secondly, reauctioning the block to a new lessee requires existing lessee to remove all the equipment thereby allowing the former to invest anew in requisite equipment/labour. This is time consuming and inefficient.

In order to avoid the above stated issues, the tenure of all the mining leases should be linked to exhaustion or depletion of minerals to such an extent that it is no longer economical to work the mineral. For existing leases, a similar allowance may be made subject to prescribed conditions, including payment of additional dues by the lessee over and above the existing royalties.

The Road Ahead

The world presently faces an unprecedented economic challenge, and it is incumbent on governments to respond responsibly and demonstrably. To this end, policy makers and industry players should work together and put in concerted efforts to revive, rescue and rebuild the mining sector, thus aiding the countrys overall economic recovery.

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Govt must rescue and revive mining sector to boost economic recovery; heres what needs to be done - The Financial Express

Johns Hopkins’ dashboard: The people behind the pandemic’s most visited site – CNN

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

"We were collecting data on a new virus that nobody understood at a time [when] there was not a single web page dedicated to Covid-19 case count," said Lauren Gardner, the project's chief and an associate professor in, and codirector of, the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering.

From December 2019 to January 2020, Ensheng Dong, Gardner's first-year PhD student, heard from family in China who regularly reported how the outbreak was worsening and upending their lives. After passing an exam that cleared him to earn his PhD, tracking confirmed cases in China was what he wanted to tackle next.

On January 21, over coffee during a weekly research meeting, Dong proposed this idea to Gardner.

"He's gotten to play some pretty major roles in some really central problems to the society for someone that's six months into a degree program," Gardner said. "I keep telling him that he needs to not get used to this and it's not normal. And [that] the rest of his PhD experience is going to be really boring, but I don't think he believes me."

For two weeks from dawn till dusk, Dong lived and breathed the dashboard; it took precedence over his free time outside of class and soon the classes themselves. With Gardner's blessing, he pushed back a required course until the fall semester.

Has maintaining those responsibilities affected his health in any way? "Not really," he said. "I think this is what the research should do. The responsibility for this dashboard gives me energy."

But as cases became globally widespread, they needed help.

"Initially, [I worried about my family]; right now, it's their time to worry about my situation in the US," Dong said.

What was once a modest goal to fill a research gap in a field with antiquated methods for disease tracking is now a tool widely used around the world.

They had no idea "that it would evolve into something that literally impacts almost everybody's life on the planet," Gardner said.

From erratic data to the map on our screens

About 25 people from multiple disciplines now support the dashboard, including graduate students and senior software developers and research scientists primarily based in Maryland, California and England.

Like a lot of people, they're working from home. Their days begin with Zoom calls during which they hash out to-do lists and pressing issues. The conversation continues through a myriad of Slack channels, emails and phone calls.

"It's efficient, but it's boring," Gardner said. "I really miss a bit of the real, in-person world."

Gardner is in charge, so everyone involved reports to her. Her daily to-do list involves running a research group of PhD students, overseeing data additions and design for the dashboard and making strategic decisions for the development of the dashboard. She spends about half of her time on research based on data from the map.

Because they update the dashboard at least hourly, they've had to shift from manual data collection to leaning more on automatic culling the team praised data wizards at the university's Applied Physics Laboratory for creating a code that periodically travels to trusted websites and scrapes for data. For independent research and the US government, the APL provides technological systems engineering, development and analysis.

"Not to be cliche, but a picture is worth a thousand words," Lau said. The APL team works on building and maintaining the automated capabilities of the data-pulling code.

Frequent updates and data from multiple sources is what makes the dashboard different from the World Health Organization's tracker, which counts only states and nations, said Beth Blauer, executive director of the university's Centers for Civic Impact, which supports governments and nonprofits aiming to make data-driven change.

Blauer's work with the Centers for Civic Impact is her day job, but she also began working with the data in March after she used the map to assess the risk of traveling.

She's also a single mom. "[My kids] deserve some kind of an award for the way that they've been able to stick with me through this," Blauer said.

The map places at people's fingertips "information upon which they can make really important decisions," said Jennifer Nuzzo, who works on projects similar to Blauer's, but for the Coronavirus Resource Center. Nuzzo is an associate professor in the university's Bloomberg School of Public Health and a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

"For governments, it's about very high consequence decisions about protecting health and supporting the economy. And for people, it's about how to protect yourself and your loved ones."

The challenges of informing the world

Work that relays ever-changing information from thousands of places comes with hurdles. There's no international modus operandi for how to count coronavirus infections and deaths.

The dashboard's infrastructure is more stable these days, but the "sources and information coming in are still changing quite a bit," Gardner said.

And sometimes the numbers between state and county health departments don't match up they report differently or at varying times.

Each time these transitions happen, the team has to figure out how to handle them.

The biggest challenge is trying to collect data "from multiple locations simultaneously and provide it in real time while all of those dynamics are at play," Gardner said. Knowing there are so many eyes on it and having to explain it is difficult, too, she added.

Lessons on human behavior and how a virus travels

A county's health care capacity and access, demographics and disease data in comparison to its state are three factors starting to reveal those disparities.

Data on testing and contact tracing could illuminate long-term patterns regarding race, socioeconomic status and systemic barriers to testing access an effort headed by Blauer and Nuzzo.

"There is nothing so stark than looking at the disproportionate amount of Black and Latino people that are [contracting and] dying from this disease, knowing there is no medical safety net for them and also understanding that there are deliberate decisions that aren't taking their best interests in mind," Blauer said.

"This is the piece that I think has been the most difficult for me."

How they're coping during the pandemic

For a long time, Gardner felt removed from reality since busyness left no time for reflection on what was happening around her. Since the dashboard processes have stabilized, she's been able to focus more on the circumstances.

"I would say that I'm probably one of the more frustrated people with the situation, because I am just so well aware of the patterns, the trends, the direction we're going and mistakes we're making," she said. "Watching that happen ... it's extra frustrating."

Seeing the contextual reality of the data and thus being able to understand relative risks helps Nuzzo cope with what might otherwise be constant worry. But she also "can't shut off the pandemic."

"It's both my job and my life in a way that usually at the end of your workday, you get a break from what you're working on," she said. "We don't escape it at all. That can be just emotionally exhausting."

What the future holds

The need for this kind of data and analysis isn't going away any time soon, Nuzzo presumed.

Considering how the dashboard will be used during and after the pandemic has been fruitful.

"I believe there's a vision of the world in which if outbreaks of a new virus happen, we can also have the public health capabilities to stop the virus in its place, to prevent it from becoming a global pandemic," Nuzzo said. "But as we're seeing now, we have more work to do in order to make that happen."

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated Beth Blauer's current title and job description.

Excerpt from:

Johns Hopkins' dashboard: The people behind the pandemic's most visited site - CNN

Letters to the editor: On international students at NMSU – Las Cruces Sun-News

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Danzig

New Mexico State University system leaders this week released a comprehensive plan for the universitys return to campus operations for the fall 2020 semester. Prepared by the universitys COVID-19 Rapid Response Team and titled NMSU Ready, the document outlines the steps the university will take to ensure a welcoming and functional campus environment when classes begin on Aug. 19.(Photo: Derek Flodmand / New Mexico State University)

These letters published in the July 12, 2020,print edition of the Las Cruces Sun-News.

I feel immense pain for my international student peers here at NMSU.

The new regulations released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are not merely discriminatory they threaten student well-being, undermine the American economy, erode fragile university budgets, and exacerbate the COVID-19 crisis.

First, our international students have formed deep friendships here at NMSU. They work hard. They contribute to the local economy. Forcing them to leave the U.S. not only jeopardizes their future but tears at the fabric of the student community.

Second, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international students contributed $45 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018. Furthermore, our international students here in Las Cruces contribute to the rich cultural diversity of our community. We, as a community, benefit when we protect them against this #StudentBan.

Third, there are over 1,200 international degree-seeking and exchange students at NMSU. Assuming no grants or scholarships, and using the most recent tuition rates for the Las Cruces campus, that means that NMSU will lose over $15,399,600 in Fall 2020.

Fourth, by forcing our international students to travel, the chance for spreading COVID-19 remains high. This does not only affect essential workers in the travel industry. Our international students, many of whom are self-isolating to protect all of us, may contract the coronavirus as they comply with this harmful regulation.

As an NMSU grad student, I am calling on the people of Las Cruces to oppose this #StudentBan and protect our international students from this callous regulation. Please contact your representatives and senators.

Cory Cascalheira, Las Cruces

Just wanted to say Sandra Crane'sletter in last Sundays paper ("Unintended consequences") was spot on. My husband was in the hospital and/or rehab from Jan. 18,2020 to May 26,2020.

He finally came home but within two weeks he was back in the hospital and passed away. The isolation I'm sure had a huge impact on him. He was not the same when he came home. I don't know what would help these patients other then more phone calls, cards etc.

Let's all do our part to help end this pandemic, wear masks, stay home as much as possible and pray it gets over with soon.

Mickey Rowlands, Las Cruces

The COVID-19 experience has been an extraordinary, stressful time. The state/governor has imposed unprecedented restrictions on work, traveland religious activities. Lately she has imposed a $100 fine for not wearing a mask in public places.

I have reviewed the legal authorities cited by the governor which she claims allows her to impose these restrictions. Im not a lawyer (and individual lawyers will differ) so I dont know if her interpretation is valid.

However, it is clear to me that this was not/should not have been the intention of the laws cited. Some date back to 1978 (40+ years ago). The general framework of laws in our system is to have checks and balances. The laws should be constructed to prevent any single individual from imposing rules/laws without review. Generally, this is done by limiting the governors authority.

I sense that the governor believes there is no limit to her authority and has acted accordingly. I seriously doubt the law passed in 1978 granted the governor alone the right to close private businesses; to close churches, etc. If it does, then we need to correct the laws.

Realizing it may be impractical to convene a special session of the Legislature for health emergencies, I propose that the Legislature severely restrict the governors authority while simultaneously creating a bipartisan Emergency Review Board. All members of the board would be appointed by the Legislature, not the governor (perhaps 5 members 3 from one party; 2 from the other party). If the governor wishes to exceed her newly restricted authority in an emergency, she would need to get the approval of the board.

Robert Loveless, Las Cruces

On June 28, Grover Norquist and Paul Gessing had a commentary strongly recommending that the New Mexico Legislature not raise taxes in their special session to cover reduction in tax revenue due to the coronavirus and falling oil prices. On June 30 Gov. Grisham signed a budget bill that vetoed $30 million in budget cuts for public school support, but reduced 2021 fiscal year appropriations by about $415 million dollars. Proposed salary increases for teachers were reduced from 4% to 1%. Taxes were not raised.

What is wrong with this picture? For over 50 years, conservative policy proposals have been reducing taxes and regulations, destroying unions and building wealth for billionaires on the backs of average workers. Businesses do a good job of producing and selling everyday goods and services but do not provide resources for good education for all students; physical and mental health access; infrastructure like roads, bridges and broadband internet for rural and poor families; and support for people that need a helping hand. We use to do this back in the 50s, 60s and 70s but no longer. Top-down tax and other policies have created economic inequality in the U.S. that does not exist in other developed countries around the world. Pulling yourself up by the bootstraps doesnt work if you have no straps, e.g. wealth, education or contacts.

New Mexico is one of the largest tax havens in the U.S., offering numerous economic incentives and tax breaks for personal and corporate income. Some examples: a person with a million-dollar income pays the same tax rate as someone payed $16,000; there is no inheritance tax, estate tax or franchise tax; and businesses are constantly receiving tax incentives to come to the state. What happen to the progressive tax system based on ability to pay?

Paul O Connell, Las Cruces

The recent US Supreme Court ruling on its interpretation of the establishment and procedures surrounding the Electoral College captured my attention. This ruling is seen by many to have finally, and deservedly so, initiated the disbanding of this outmoded apparatus which according to the US Constitution does officially cast the votes that elect the US president and vice president.

The Electoral College is part of the US Constitution. Its inclusion was a result of a compromising lengthy debate among our early legislators. The legislators from states that allowed human beings to be considered as slave labor and to be bought and sold as chattel feared fellow legislators representing larger states would eventually force dispensing with this immoral practice. Additionally, the relative policy making power of smaller states could have been swamped in the overall grand scheme if our executive branch leaders had been elected solely by popular vote. Thus, the compromise resulting in its inclusion in the US Constitution.

Although currently many appear to be in favor of eliminating this clumsy apparatus for selecting a president and vice-president, I am not. My view is that the Electoral College should be preserved in some form as our smaller more rural states need to maintain a share of the overall system for developing US policy.

As an agricultural economist focusing my career on issues of food supply, natural resource conservation, energy creation and distribution, and rural development, it is apparent that these increasingly critical policy topics are geographically centered in our smaller more rural states.

Roger Beck, Las Cruces

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