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New discovery sheds light on the peopling of the Pacific
Scientists think they may have found the smoking gun that explains why humans colonised the thousands of scattered islands of the South Pacific - and it lies in a sherd of pottery found hidden on a small island in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The peopling of the Pacific islands is one of humanity's most epic migration stories. In just three millennia, an ancestral cultural group called the Lapita spanned a third of the Earth's surface, reaching some of the most isolated landmasses on the planet. As they moved, these ancestral Pacific Islanders are thought to have brought with them Austronesian languages, new domestic animals species like pigs, dogs and chickens, and a distinctive kind of pottery. "For a long time it was thought Lapita groups avoided most of Papua New Guinea because people were already living there," says Ben Shaw, lead researcher of the new study published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution. But, as this new research shows, that wasn't always the case. Brooker Island...
https://www.sott.net/article/467045-New-discovery-sheds-light-on-the-peopling-of-the-Pacific
New discovery sheds light on the peopling of the Pacific
Scientists think they may have found the smoking gun that explains why humans colonised the thousands of scattered islands of the South Pacific - and it lies in a sherd of pottery found hidden on a small island in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The peopling of the Pacific islands is one of humanity's most epic migration stories. In just three millennia, an ancestral cultural group called the Lapita spanned a third of the Earth's surface, reaching some of the most isolated landmasses on the planet. As they moved, these ancestral Pacific Islanders are thought to have brought with them Austronesian languages, new domestic animals species like pigs, dogs and chickens, and a distinctive kind of pottery. "For a long time it was thought Lapita groups avoided most of Papua New Guinea because people were already living there," says Ben Shaw, lead researcher of the new study published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution. But, as this new research shows, that wasn't always the case. Brooker Island...
https://www.sott.net/article/467045-New-discovery-sheds-light-on-the-peopling-of-the-Pacific
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Russia reveals crew losses from sunken warship 'Moskva'
During the struggle to save the ship, one soldier died and another 27 crew went missing, the Ministry of Defense has said As a result of a fire on April 13, the Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva was seriously damaged due to a detonation of ammunition, Russia's Ministry of Defense outlined on Friday. One serviceman died and another 27 crew members went missing, and attempts by the crew to put out the fire were not successful, the statement added. Ukraine has claimed that the ship was struck by its missiles. "In the course of the struggle for the ship's survival, one serviceman was killed and another 27 crew members went missing. The remaining 396 crew members were evacuated from the cruiser to other ships of the Black Sea Fleet, in the area, and taken to Sevastopol [a major Russian port city]," the ministry explained.
https://www.sott.net/article/467046-Russia-reveals-crew-losses-from-sunken-warship-Moskva
Russia reveals crew losses from sunken warship 'Moskva'
During the struggle to save the ship, one soldier died and another 27 crew went missing, the Ministry of Defense has said As a result of a fire on April 13, the Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva was seriously damaged due to a detonation of ammunition, Russia's Ministry of Defense outlined on Friday. One serviceman died and another 27 crew members went missing, and attempts by the crew to put out the fire were not successful, the statement added. Ukraine has claimed that the ship was struck by its missiles. "In the course of the struggle for the ship's survival, one serviceman was killed and another 27 crew members went missing. The remaining 396 crew members were evacuated from the cruiser to other ships of the Black Sea Fleet, in the area, and taken to Sevastopol [a major Russian port city]," the ministry explained.
https://www.sott.net/article/467046-Russia-reveals-crew-losses-from-sunken-warship-Moskva
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Bill Gates-funded biotech firm claims GMO mosquito project a 'success,' but critics cite lack of proof
Oxitec this week announced results of the first open-air study of genetically engineered mosquitoes in the U.S. The U.K.-based firm described the results as "positive," but said, "Larger tests are still needed to determine whether the insects can achieve the ultimate goal of suppressing a wild population of potentially virus-carrying mosquitoes." The company's self-reported results are not yet independently confirmed or peer-reviewed. Oxitec, the recipient of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for "self-limited mosquito field trials," in April 2021 launched its pilot project in the Florida Keys.
https://www.sott.net/article/467047-Bill-Gates-funded-biotech-firm-claims-GMO-mosquito-project-a-success-but-critics-cite-lack-of-proof
Bill Gates-funded biotech firm claims GMO mosquito project a 'success,' but critics cite lack of proof
Oxitec this week announced results of the first open-air study of genetically engineered mosquitoes in the U.S. The U.K.-based firm described the results as "positive," but said, "Larger tests are still needed to determine whether the insects can achieve the ultimate goal of suppressing a wild population of potentially virus-carrying mosquitoes." The company's self-reported results are not yet independently confirmed or peer-reviewed. Oxitec, the recipient of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for "self-limited mosquito field trials," in April 2021 launched its pilot project in the Florida Keys.
https://www.sott.net/article/467047-Bill-Gates-funded-biotech-firm-claims-GMO-mosquito-project-a-success-but-critics-cite-lack-of-proof
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DeSantis signs 'Stop WOKE Act' into law to restrict race discussions in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law what he has branded the "Stop WOKE Act," which restricts how race is discussed in schools, colleges and workplaces, and sparked a nationwide debate over censorship, critical race theory and diversity training. The Legislature approved the measure in March along mostly party-line votes. The bill (HB 7) prohibits any teaching that could make students feel they bear personal responsibility for historic wrongs because of their race, color, sex or national origin. It also blocks businesses from using diversity practices or training that could make employees feel guilty for similar reasons. "We believe an important component of freedom in the state of Florida is the freedom from having oppressive ideologies imposed upon you without your consent," DeSantis said. "Whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace. And we decided to do something about it."
https://www.sott.net/article/467048-DeSantis-signs-Stop-WOKE-Act-into-law-to-restrict-race-discussions-in-Florida
DeSantis signs 'Stop WOKE Act' into law to restrict race discussions in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law what he has branded the "Stop WOKE Act," which restricts how race is discussed in schools, colleges and workplaces, and sparked a nationwide debate over censorship, critical race theory and diversity training. The Legislature approved the measure in March along mostly party-line votes. The bill (HB 7) prohibits any teaching that could make students feel they bear personal responsibility for historic wrongs because of their race, color, sex or national origin. It also blocks businesses from using diversity practices or training that could make employees feel guilty for similar reasons. "We believe an important component of freedom in the state of Florida is the freedom from having oppressive ideologies imposed upon you without your consent," DeSantis said. "Whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace. And we decided to do something about it."
https://www.sott.net/article/467048-DeSantis-signs-Stop-WOKE-Act-into-law-to-restrict-race-discussions-in-Florida
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Russia to investigate alleged UK SAS activities in Ukraine
At least two British special ops groups have reportedly been deployed in the Lviv region Russia's Investigative Committee said on Saturday that it will look into media reports that sabotage experts from the British Army's special forces have been deployed in western Ukraine. "This data is going to be checked thoroughly," especially considering the fact that Special Air Service (SAS) forces have established themselves as "experts in organizing mass protests, assassinations of political figures as well as preparing terrorist attacks," the agency said in a statement. This comes after a security source told RIA Novosti earlier in the day that at least two groups of British servicemen had arrived at a Ukrainian Air Force base in the town of Brody in the Lviv region. They traveled all the way from "the city of Hereford in the UK, where SAS headquarters is located," the source said.
https://www.sott.net/article/467049-Russia-to-investigate-alleged-UK-SAS-activities-in-Ukraine
Russia to investigate alleged UK SAS activities in Ukraine
At least two British special ops groups have reportedly been deployed in the Lviv region Russia's Investigative Committee said on Saturday that it will look into media reports that sabotage experts from the British Army's special forces have been deployed in western Ukraine. "This data is going to be checked thoroughly," especially considering the fact that Special Air Service (SAS) forces have established themselves as "experts in organizing mass protests, assassinations of political figures as well as preparing terrorist attacks," the agency said in a statement. This comes after a security source told RIA Novosti earlier in the day that at least two groups of British servicemen had arrived at a Ukrainian Air Force base in the town of Brody in the Lviv region. They traveled all the way from "the city of Hereford in the UK, where SAS headquarters is located," the source said.
https://www.sott.net/article/467049-Russia-to-investigate-alleged-UK-SAS-activities-in-Ukraine
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Palestine's widening geography of resistance: Why Israel cannot defeat the Palestinians
There is a reason why Israel is insistent on linking the series of attacks carried out by Palestinians recently to a specific location, namely the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank. By doing so, the embattled Naftali Bennett's government can simply order another deadly military operation in Jenin to reassure its citizens that the situation is under control. Indeed, on 9 April, the Israeli army had stormed the Jenin refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and wounding ten others. However, Israel's problem is much bigger than Jenin. If we examine the events starting with the 22 March stabbing attack in the southern city of Beersheba (Bir Al Saba') - which resulted in the death of four - and ending with the killing of three Israelis in Tel Aviv - including two army officers - we will reach an obvious conclusion: these attacks must have been, to some extent, coordinated. Spontaneous Palestinian retaliation to the violence of the Israeli occupation rarely follows this pattern in...
https://www.sott.net/article/467050-Palestines-widening-geography-of-resistance-Why-Israel-cannot-defeat-the-Palestinians
Palestine's widening geography of resistance: Why Israel cannot defeat the Palestinians
There is a reason why Israel is insistent on linking the series of attacks carried out by Palestinians recently to a specific location, namely the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank. By doing so, the embattled Naftali Bennett's government can simply order another deadly military operation in Jenin to reassure its citizens that the situation is under control. Indeed, on 9 April, the Israeli army had stormed the Jenin refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and wounding ten others. However, Israel's problem is much bigger than Jenin. If we examine the events starting with the 22 March stabbing attack in the southern city of Beersheba (Bir Al Saba') - which resulted in the death of four - and ending with the killing of three Israelis in Tel Aviv - including two army officers - we will reach an obvious conclusion: these attacks must have been, to some extent, coordinated. Spontaneous Palestinian retaliation to the violence of the Israeli occupation rarely follows this pattern in...
https://www.sott.net/article/467050-Palestines-widening-geography-of-resistance-Why-Israel-cannot-defeat-the-Palestinians
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Germany evicts Afghan refugees to make way for Ukrainians
Afghan refugees living in Germany after the NATO withdrawal that left their country in shambles are now being evicted from their homes in order to make way for newly arriving refugees from Ukraine, according to Foreign Policy. Hundreds of Afghans have received eviction notices from authorities over this period, with some being ordered to leave within 24 hours, without any questions or negotiation. Tareq Alaows, a board member of the Berlin Refugee Council stated: "The evictions purposefully weren't publicized. Some people had lived in their homes for years and were ripped out of their social structures, including children who were moved to locations far from their respective schools. Few people's living conditions improved, but most were afraid to speak up, afraid it could impact their immigration status." Germany is justifying these evictions by claiming that the Afghans were evicted from what authorities are calling "arrival centers" where they should supposedly be staying for a...
https://www.sott.net/article/467051-Germany-evicts-Afghan-refugees-to-make-way-for-Ukrainians
Germany evicts Afghan refugees to make way for Ukrainians
Afghan refugees living in Germany after the NATO withdrawal that left their country in shambles are now being evicted from their homes in order to make way for newly arriving refugees from Ukraine, according to Foreign Policy. Hundreds of Afghans have received eviction notices from authorities over this period, with some being ordered to leave within 24 hours, without any questions or negotiation. Tareq Alaows, a board member of the Berlin Refugee Council stated: "The evictions purposefully weren't publicized. Some people had lived in their homes for years and were ripped out of their social structures, including children who were moved to locations far from their respective schools. Few people's living conditions improved, but most were afraid to speak up, afraid it could impact their immigration status." Germany is justifying these evictions by claiming that the Afghans were evicted from what authorities are calling "arrival centers" where they should supposedly be staying for a...
https://www.sott.net/article/467051-Germany-evicts-Afghan-refugees-to-make-way-for-Ukrainians
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EU changes tune on ruble gas payments
The settlement switch may be possible without breaching sanctions, the European Commission says European Union companies may be able to comply with Russia's proposed system to pay for gas in rubles without falling foul of the bloc's sanctions against Moscow, the European Commission said on Friday. At the same time, EU executives say that it is not yet clear how such a scheme would work. "The procedure for derogations from the requirements of the decree is not clear yet," the document issued by the commission said. In March, the Russian government issued a decree requiring European energy companies to open accounts at Gazprombank, where payments in euros or dollars would be converted to rubles.
https://www.sott.net/article/467052-EU-changes-tune-on-ruble-gas-payments
EU changes tune on ruble gas payments
The settlement switch may be possible without breaching sanctions, the European Commission says European Union companies may be able to comply with Russia's proposed system to pay for gas in rubles without falling foul of the bloc's sanctions against Moscow, the European Commission said on Friday. At the same time, EU executives say that it is not yet clear how such a scheme would work. "The procedure for derogations from the requirements of the decree is not clear yet," the document issued by the commission said. In March, the Russian government issued a decree requiring European energy companies to open accounts at Gazprombank, where payments in euros or dollars would be converted to rubles.
https://www.sott.net/article/467052-EU-changes-tune-on-ruble-gas-payments
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No records kept of Biden's meetings in Delaware: Report
Freedom of Information Act requests for records of President Joe Biden's visitors in Delaware, where he spends a significant amount of time, have produced no documents, according to the New York Post. The newspaper reportedly asked for over a year's worth of records regarding the president's visitors at his Delaware residences. In a Monday response per the New York Post, Secret Service Freedom of Information Act Officer Kevin Tyrrell said: "The Secret Service FOIA Office searched all Program Offices that were likely to contain potentially responsive records, and no records were located." According to the report, Biden was in Delaware for almost 100 days during his first year in office, sometimes conducting meetings with lawmakers.
https://www.sott.net/article/467053-No-records-kept-of-Bidens-meetings-in-Delaware-Report
No records kept of Biden's meetings in Delaware: Report
Freedom of Information Act requests for records of President Joe Biden's visitors in Delaware, where he spends a significant amount of time, have produced no documents, according to the New York Post. The newspaper reportedly asked for over a year's worth of records regarding the president's visitors at his Delaware residences. In a Monday response per the New York Post, Secret Service Freedom of Information Act Officer Kevin Tyrrell said: "The Secret Service FOIA Office searched all Program Offices that were likely to contain potentially responsive records, and no records were located." According to the report, Biden was in Delaware for almost 100 days during his first year in office, sometimes conducting meetings with lawmakers.
https://www.sott.net/article/467053-No-records-kept-of-Bidens-meetings-in-Delaware-Report
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Yellen urges caution on Russian oil ban in EU, warns it could increase prices
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday questioned the efficacy of a European ban on Russian oil and gas imports, warning that it could have unintended economic consequences for the U.S. and its Western allies. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko in Washington, Yellen cautioned that an all-out embargo on Russian energy could ultimately cause more harm than good. "Europe clearly needs to reduce its dependence on Russia with respect to energy, but we need to be careful when we think about a complete European ban on, say, oil imports." Europe is the biggest purchaser of Russian crude, importing about 138 million tons in 2020 out of Russia's total exports of 260 million tons - or roughly 53%, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Russia supplies about one-quarter of Europe's oil needs.
https://www.sott.net/article/467054-Yellen-urges-caution-on-Russian-oil-ban-in-EU-warns-it-could-increase-prices
Yellen urges caution on Russian oil ban in EU, warns it could increase prices
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday questioned the efficacy of a European ban on Russian oil and gas imports, warning that it could have unintended economic consequences for the U.S. and its Western allies. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko in Washington, Yellen cautioned that an all-out embargo on Russian energy could ultimately cause more harm than good. "Europe clearly needs to reduce its dependence on Russia with respect to energy, but we need to be careful when we think about a complete European ban on, say, oil imports." Europe is the biggest purchaser of Russian crude, importing about 138 million tons in 2020 out of Russia's total exports of 260 million tons - or roughly 53%, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Russia supplies about one-quarter of Europe's oil needs.
https://www.sott.net/article/467054-Yellen-urges-caution-on-Russian-oil-ban-in-EU-warns-it-could-increase-prices
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U.N. rights office cites growing evidence of war crimes in Ukraine
The United Nations human rights office said on Friday there was growing evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including signs of indiscriminate shelling and summary executions, while it said Ukraine also appeared to have used weapons with indiscriminate effects. The office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Michelle Bachelet said: "Russian armed forces have indiscriminately shelled and bombed populated areas, killing civilians and wrecking hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure, actions that may amount to war crimes." U.N. human rights monitors in Ukraine have also documented what appeared to be the use of weapons with indiscriminate effects, causing civilian casualties, by Ukrainian armed forces in the east of the country, OHCHR said in a statement. Russia, which describes its incursion as a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine, denies targeting civilians or committing any such war crimes.
https://www.sott.net/article/467055-U-N-rights-office-cites-growing-evidence-of-war-crimes-in-Ukraine
U.N. rights office cites growing evidence of war crimes in Ukraine
The United Nations human rights office said on Friday there was growing evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including signs of indiscriminate shelling and summary executions, while it said Ukraine also appeared to have used weapons with indiscriminate effects. The office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Michelle Bachelet said: "Russian armed forces have indiscriminately shelled and bombed populated areas, killing civilians and wrecking hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure, actions that may amount to war crimes." U.N. human rights monitors in Ukraine have also documented what appeared to be the use of weapons with indiscriminate effects, causing civilian casualties, by Ukrainian armed forces in the east of the country, OHCHR said in a statement. Russia, which describes its incursion as a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine, denies targeting civilians or committing any such war crimes.
https://www.sott.net/article/467055-U-N-rights-office-cites-growing-evidence-of-war-crimes-in-Ukraine
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Gut bacteria might be responsible for your food cravings
Eggs or yogurt, veggies or potato chips? We make decisions about what to eat every day, but those choices may not be fully our own. New University of Pittsburgh research on mice shows for the first time that the microbes in animals' guts influence what they choose to eat, making substances that prompt cravings for different kinds of foods. "We all have those urges — like if you ever you just feel like you need to eat a salad or you really need to eat meat," said Kevin Kohl, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. "Our work shows that animals with different compositions of gut microbes choose different kinds of diets." Despite decades of speculation by scientists about whether microbes could influence our preferred diets, the idea has never been directly tested in animals bigger than a fruit fly. To explore the question, Kohl and his postdoc Brian Trevelline (A&S '08), now at Cornell University, gave 30 mice...
https://www.sott.net/article/467056-Gut-bacteria-might-be-responsible-for-your-food-cravings
Gut bacteria might be responsible for your food cravings
Eggs or yogurt, veggies or potato chips? We make decisions about what to eat every day, but those choices may not be fully our own. New University of Pittsburgh research on mice shows for the first time that the microbes in animals' guts influence what they choose to eat, making substances that prompt cravings for different kinds of foods. "We all have those urges — like if you ever you just feel like you need to eat a salad or you really need to eat meat," said Kevin Kohl, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. "Our work shows that animals with different compositions of gut microbes choose different kinds of diets." Despite decades of speculation by scientists about whether microbes could influence our preferred diets, the idea has never been directly tested in animals bigger than a fruit fly. To explore the question, Kohl and his postdoc Brian Trevelline (A&S '08), now at Cornell University, gave 30 mice...
https://www.sott.net/article/467056-Gut-bacteria-might-be-responsible-for-your-food-cravings
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US planning (another) false flag in Ukraine, intends to frame Russia for NUKE attack - Moscow
Russia has accused the US of planning to use weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Ukraine in order to frame Moscow. The US is preparing "a provocation aimed at accusing the Russian armed forces of using chemical, biological, or tactical nuclear weapons," Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Force, said on Saturday. According to Kirillov, the supposed plans include "three scenarios." The most probable scenario, he said, is a false-flag attack on civilians, or "an act of sabotage on Ukrainians sites, which were involved in the development of the components of weapons of mass destruction." Kirillov claimed that the potential targets are the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Station, which has been controlled by Russia since early March, and the site of a former chemical plant in Kamenskoye in eastern Ukraine.
https://www.sott.net/article/467057-US-planning-another-false-flag-in-Ukraine-intends-to-frame-Russia-for-NUKE-attack-Moscow
US planning (another) false flag in Ukraine, intends to frame Russia for NUKE attack - Moscow
Russia has accused the US of planning to use weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Ukraine in order to frame Moscow. The US is preparing "a provocation aimed at accusing the Russian armed forces of using chemical, biological, or tactical nuclear weapons," Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Force, said on Saturday. According to Kirillov, the supposed plans include "three scenarios." The most probable scenario, he said, is a false-flag attack on civilians, or "an act of sabotage on Ukrainians sites, which were involved in the development of the components of weapons of mass destruction." Kirillov claimed that the potential targets are the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Station, which has been controlled by Russia since early March, and the site of a former chemical plant in Kamenskoye in eastern Ukraine.
https://www.sott.net/article/467057-US-planning-another-false-flag-in-Ukraine-intends-to-frame-Russia-for-NUKE-attack-Moscow
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2 Russian oligarchs found dead alongside wives & children just one day apart
The bodies of two Russian oligarchs were found dead alongside their wives and children just one day apart, according to a handful of media reports. The first was Vladislav Avayev, formerly vice president of Gazprombank. He was found killed by a gunshot wound in his Moscow apartment on Monday, Russia's state-run Tass news agency reported. Police are looking into a theory that Avayev shot his wife and children, and then himself. Although the names of the victims were not included in a public statement from the Russian government, Tass said an unnamed source later confirmed their identities. Investigators said in their statement that they believe Avayev shot his wife and daughter, and then himself.
https://www.sott.net/article/467058-2-Russian-oligarchs-found-dead-alongside-wives-children-just-one-day-apart
2 Russian oligarchs found dead alongside wives & children just one day apart
The bodies of two Russian oligarchs were found dead alongside their wives and children just one day apart, according to a handful of media reports. The first was Vladislav Avayev, formerly vice president of Gazprombank. He was found killed by a gunshot wound in his Moscow apartment on Monday, Russia's state-run Tass news agency reported. Police are looking into a theory that Avayev shot his wife and children, and then himself. Although the names of the victims were not included in a public statement from the Russian government, Tass said an unnamed source later confirmed their identities. Investigators said in their statement that they believe Avayev shot his wife and daughter, and then himself.
https://www.sott.net/article/467058-2-Russian-oligarchs-found-dead-alongside-wives-children-just-one-day-apart
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Germany will invest $100 billion in military & green projects, public figures condemn arming of Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes in the transatlantic mission of universal democracy, rebuilding the German military to make the European Union stronger, and arming Ukraine while carefully skirting the line of open war with Russia, according to an interview published on Friday. Germany is sending weapons, ammunition and other aid to Kiev to fuel Ukraine's war against Russia, but the situation requires "a cool head and well-considered decisions, because our country bears responsibility for peace and security throughout Europe," Scholz told the German weekly Der Spiegel. "I don't think it's justified for Germany and NATO to become warring parties in Ukraine," he added.
https://www.sott.net/article/467059-Germany-will-invest-100-billion-in-military-green-projects-public-figures-condemn-arming-of-Ukraine
Germany will invest $100 billion in military & green projects, public figures condemn arming of Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes in the transatlantic mission of universal democracy, rebuilding the German military to make the European Union stronger, and arming Ukraine while carefully skirting the line of open war with Russia, according to an interview published on Friday. Germany is sending weapons, ammunition and other aid to Kiev to fuel Ukraine's war against Russia, but the situation requires "a cool head and well-considered decisions, because our country bears responsibility for peace and security throughout Europe," Scholz told the German weekly Der Spiegel. "I don't think it's justified for Germany and NATO to become warring parties in Ukraine," he added.
https://www.sott.net/article/467059-Germany-will-invest-100-billion-in-military-green-projects-public-figures-condemn-arming-of-Ukraine
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Toronto Zoo begins COVID-19 vaccinations on 120 animals
The Toronto Zoo says it will begin vaccinating certain susceptible animals within its facilities against the virus that causes COVID-19. In a news release, the zoo said it has received 320 doses of vaccine from Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company based New Jersey, and that staff will soon start immunizing about 120 animals in their care. Each animal requires two doses taken two to three weeks apart, the zoo said. The specific animals selected for vaccination against COVID-19 were chosen based on a list "developed through on-going research and reports of positive cases" among animals at other zoos around the world. Comment: Lest we forget the Covid tests are inaccurate, with a papaya even testing positive.
https://www.sott.net/article/467060-Toronto-Zoo-begins-COVID-19-vaccinations-on-120-animals
Toronto Zoo begins COVID-19 vaccinations on 120 animals
The Toronto Zoo says it will begin vaccinating certain susceptible animals within its facilities against the virus that causes COVID-19. In a news release, the zoo said it has received 320 doses of vaccine from Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company based New Jersey, and that staff will soon start immunizing about 120 animals in their care. Each animal requires two doses taken two to three weeks apart, the zoo said. The specific animals selected for vaccination against COVID-19 were chosen based on a list "developed through on-going research and reports of positive cases" among animals at other zoos around the world. Comment: Lest we forget the Covid tests are inaccurate, with a papaya even testing positive.
https://www.sott.net/article/467060-Toronto-Zoo-begins-COVID-19-vaccinations-on-120-animals
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China reveals new 'Global Security Initiative' that rejects hegemonism, promotes resolving disputes through dialogue not sanctions
International disputes should be resolved through dialogue and not by sanctions, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday, while presenting his country's new Global Security Initiative. Speaking via videolink at the international forum in the province of Hainan amid the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, Xi chose not to comment on other specific international issues, highlighting instead his general vision of a global security framework. "We, humanity, are living in an indivisible security community. It has been proven time and again that the Cold War mentality would only wreck the global peace framework, that hegemonism and power politics would only endanger world peace and that bloc confrontation would only exacerbate security challenges in the 21st century," Xi said.
https://www.sott.net/article/467061-China-reveals-new-Global-Security-Initiative-that-rejects-hegemonism-promotes-resolving-disputes-through-dialogue-not-sanctions
China reveals new 'Global Security Initiative' that rejects hegemonism, promotes resolving disputes through dialogue not sanctions
International disputes should be resolved through dialogue and not by sanctions, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday, while presenting his country's new Global Security Initiative. Speaking via videolink at the international forum in the province of Hainan amid the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, Xi chose not to comment on other specific international issues, highlighting instead his general vision of a global security framework. "We, humanity, are living in an indivisible security community. It has been proven time and again that the Cold War mentality would only wreck the global peace framework, that hegemonism and power politics would only endanger world peace and that bloc confrontation would only exacerbate security challenges in the 21st century," Xi said.
https://www.sott.net/article/467061-China-reveals-new-Global-Security-Initiative-that-rejects-hegemonism-promotes-resolving-disputes-through-dialogue-not-sanctions
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Mass grave found near French military base in Mali, Russia calls for 'thorough investigation'
The Western media might be tempted to blame the Malian Army for alleged atrocities after a mass grave was found near a camp of the French forces in central Mali, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday, as it called for a thorough probe into the matter. "We support the decision of the Mali authorities to investigate the circumstances of this crime in the most thorough way," the ministry said, adding that it expects "Paris to effectively contribute to the probes into murders and disappearance of the Malian citizens." The statement came just days after videos surfaced on social media that supposedly show a mass grave with dozens of bodies being discovered in a military camp once occupied by French forces taking part in Operation Barkhane in Mali and neighboring African nations. The Malian Army (FAMA) confirmed late Friday that they discovered a mass grave near the former French camp in Gossi, central Mali. The French forces left the "advanced operational base" on...
https://www.sott.net/article/467062-Mass-grave-found-near-French-military-base-in-Mali-Russia-calls-for-thorough-investigation
Mass grave found near French military base in Mali, Russia calls for 'thorough investigation'
The Western media might be tempted to blame the Malian Army for alleged atrocities after a mass grave was found near a camp of the French forces in central Mali, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday, as it called for a thorough probe into the matter. "We support the decision of the Mali authorities to investigate the circumstances of this crime in the most thorough way," the ministry said, adding that it expects "Paris to effectively contribute to the probes into murders and disappearance of the Malian citizens." The statement came just days after videos surfaced on social media that supposedly show a mass grave with dozens of bodies being discovered in a military camp once occupied by French forces taking part in Operation Barkhane in Mali and neighboring African nations. The Malian Army (FAMA) confirmed late Friday that they discovered a mass grave near the former French camp in Gossi, central Mali. The French forces left the "advanced operational base" on...
https://www.sott.net/article/467062-Mass-grave-found-near-French-military-base-in-Mali-Russia-calls-for-thorough-investigation
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Hopes dashed for unvaxxed Canadians seeking to cross US land borders
Millions of unvaccinated Canadians holding out hope US land border travel restrictions would expire at midnight Thursday will have to continue to wait. Temporary travel restrictions were put in place January 22 and, according to the Federal Registry, were set to expire Thursday at midnight unless amended. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated its guidance for travellers early Thursday morning before the restrictions expired. "As of Thursday, April 21, 2022, DHS will extend COVID-19-related land border entry requirements," reads the update to the DHS guidance for travellers fact sheet. "Non-US travellers seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request."
https://www.sott.net/article/467063-Hopes-dashed-for-unvaxxed-Canadians-seeking-to-cross-US-land-borders
Hopes dashed for unvaxxed Canadians seeking to cross US land borders
Millions of unvaccinated Canadians holding out hope US land border travel restrictions would expire at midnight Thursday will have to continue to wait. Temporary travel restrictions were put in place January 22 and, according to the Federal Registry, were set to expire Thursday at midnight unless amended. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated its guidance for travellers early Thursday morning before the restrictions expired. "As of Thursday, April 21, 2022, DHS will extend COVID-19-related land border entry requirements," reads the update to the DHS guidance for travellers fact sheet. "Non-US travellers seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request."
https://www.sott.net/article/467063-Hopes-dashed-for-unvaxxed-Canadians-seeking-to-cross-US-land-borders
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Energy chiefs fear 40% of Britons could fall into fuel poverty in 'truly horrific winter'
As many as four in 10 people in Britain could fall into fuel poverty when the price cap rises again this autumn, energy bosses have told MPs as they called for more government support for vulnerable households facing a "truly horrific" winter. Michael Lewis, the chief executive of E.ON UK, said between 30% and 40% of people in Britain might go into fuel poverty from October when the industry regulator, Ofgem, is again expected to put up the annual limit on tariffs. "We are expecting a severe impact on customers' ability to pay," he told MPs at the business, energy and industrial strategy select committee in parliament, adding that he expected debts of customers to rise by 50%, or £800m. He said that a larger number of people moving into fuel poverty would lead to a significant increase in bad debt. Customers have been calling energy providers expressing their worry at the huge increase in their bills.
https://www.sott.net/article/467064-Energy-chiefs-fear-40-of-Britons-could-fall-into-fuel-poverty-in-truly-horrific-winter
Energy chiefs fear 40% of Britons could fall into fuel poverty in 'truly horrific winter'
As many as four in 10 people in Britain could fall into fuel poverty when the price cap rises again this autumn, energy bosses have told MPs as they called for more government support for vulnerable households facing a "truly horrific" winter. Michael Lewis, the chief executive of E.ON UK, said between 30% and 40% of people in Britain might go into fuel poverty from October when the industry regulator, Ofgem, is again expected to put up the annual limit on tariffs. "We are expecting a severe impact on customers' ability to pay," he told MPs at the business, energy and industrial strategy select committee in parliament, adding that he expected debts of customers to rise by 50%, or £800m. He said that a larger number of people moving into fuel poverty would lead to a significant increase in bad debt. Customers have been calling energy providers expressing their worry at the huge increase in their bills.
https://www.sott.net/article/467064-Energy-chiefs-fear-40-of-Britons-could-fall-into-fuel-poverty-in-truly-horrific-winter
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FBI warns of targeted cyber attacks on food plants after mysterious rash of fires
The FBI's Cyber Division published a notice this past week warning about increased cyber-attack threats on agricultural cooperatives, which comes at a time when a curious string of fires and explosions damage major food processing plants across the country. "Ransomware actors may be more likely to attack agricultural cooperatives during critical planting and harvest seasons, disrupting operations, causing financial loss, and negatively impacting the food supply chain," the notice read, adding 2021 and early 2022 ransomware attacks on farming co-ops could affect the current planting season "by disrupting the supply of seeds and fertilizer." The agency warned, "A significant disruption of grain production could impact the entire food chain, since grain is not only consumed by humans but also used for animal feed ... In addition, a significant disruption of grain and corn production could impact commodities trading and stocks. " The FBI's warning comes as "nearly two dozen food...
https://www.sott.net/article/467065-FBI-warns-of-targeted-cyber-attacks-on-food-plants-after-mysterious-rash-of-fires
FBI warns of targeted cyber attacks on food plants after mysterious rash of fires
The FBI's Cyber Division published a notice this past week warning about increased cyber-attack threats on agricultural cooperatives, which comes at a time when a curious string of fires and explosions damage major food processing plants across the country. "Ransomware actors may be more likely to attack agricultural cooperatives during critical planting and harvest seasons, disrupting operations, causing financial loss, and negatively impacting the food supply chain," the notice read, adding 2021 and early 2022 ransomware attacks on farming co-ops could affect the current planting season "by disrupting the supply of seeds and fertilizer." The agency warned, "A significant disruption of grain production could impact the entire food chain, since grain is not only consumed by humans but also used for animal feed ... In addition, a significant disruption of grain and corn production could impact commodities trading and stocks. " The FBI's warning comes as "nearly two dozen food...
https://www.sott.net/article/467065-FBI-warns-of-targeted-cyber-attacks-on-food-plants-after-mysterious-rash-of-fires
