Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, has been confirmed dead in the military aircraft which went missing on Monday. The VP and nine others, including the former First Lady, Shanil Dzimbiri, were headed to attend a funeral when the plane failed to land, ultimately crashing into a forest. Malawian President, Lazarus Chakwera, announced that there were no survivors, describing the incident as a terrible tragedy. The US Embassy in Lilongwe has pledged assistance, while unfavorable weather conditions have complicated search efforts. The nation mourns the loss of Vice President Chilima and the other victims of this devastating plane crash.
Impressive Showing at Lacrosse Tournament Paves the Way for Playoffs in Medicine Hat, Canada
Medicine Hat lacrosse players recently hosted a Western Canadian tournament, bringing together youth teams from various regions to showcase their skills. The tournament emphasized the importance of teamwork, player development, and exposure to diverse competition. Teams from Cranbrook, B.C., Weyburn in Saskatchewan, and local Medicine Hat SunDevils participated, with every team finishing impressively on the podium. Head coach Brandon Adams highlighted the significance of the event for community engagement and player growth. Despite some tough losses, the competitive spirit and skill level displayed were commendable. As the playoffs near, the SunDevils are gearing up for more exciting lacrosse action, aiming to build on this valuable experience and player development opportunity.
Lilly’s Alzheimer’s Drug Wins Federal Advisers’ Backing for Approval, US
A closely watched Alzheimer’s drug from Eli Lilly won the backing of federal health advisers on Monday, setting the stage for the treatment’s expected approval for people with mild dementia caused by the brain-robbing disease. Food and Drug Administration advisers voted unanimously that the drug’s ability to slow the disease outweighs its risks, including side effects like brain swelling and bleeding that will have to be monitored. I thought the evidence was very strong in the trial showing the effectiveness of the drug, said panel member Dean Follmann, a National Institutes of Health statistician. The FDA will make the final decision on approval later this year. If the agency agrees with the panel’s recommendation, donanemab would be the second Alzheimer’s drug cleared in the US that’s been shown to convincingly slow cognitive decline and memory problems due to Alzheimer’s. The FDA approved a similar infused drug, Leqembi, from Japanese drugmaker Eisai last year. The slowdown seen with both drugs amounts to several months, and experts disagree on whether patients or their loved ones will be able to detect the difference. But Lilly’s approach to studying its once-a-month treatment prompted questions from FDA reviewers. Patients in the company’s study were grouped based on their levels of a brain protein, called tau, that predicts severity of cognitive problems. That led the FDA to question whether patients might need to be screened via brain scans for tau before getting the drug. But most panelists thought there was enough evidence of the drug’s benefit to prescribe it broadly, without screening for the protein. The Indianapolis-based company conducted a 1,700-patient study showing patients who received monthly IV infusions of its drug declined about 35% more slowly than those who got a sham treatment, per the AP. The main safety issue with donanemab was brain swelling and bleeding, a problem common to amyloid-targeting drugs. Most cases identified in Lilly’s trial were mild.
British PM Sunak Unveils Conservative Agenda for Election Financial Security Promise, UK
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled his Conservative party’s manifesto for the upcoming election, emphasizing financial security and tax cuts. With Labour leading in the polls, Sunak faces pressure to win over voters with promises to boost the economy and reduce taxes. However, challenges from the Reform UK party and recent controversies have put Sunak on the defensive. Despite accusations from Labour regarding unfunded commitments, Sunak remains steadfast in his pledges to protect pensions, cut taxes for parents, and eliminate certain payroll taxes. As the election approaches, both parties are ramping up their campaigns in a bid to win over voters and secure victory on July 4.
Texas Faces Risk of Summer Blackouts, Urgent Needs for Energy Upgrades, US
ERCOT says, while low, there is the chance Texas could face rolling blackouts this summer. That’s just one of the item to come out of a hearing in the Texas House on Monday, as lawmakers heard about the growing demand on our power grid.
The demand for energy in Texas just gets bigger every year and the weather is doing us no favors, with natural disasters and record-breaking heat. According to ERCOT’s latest report, Texas faces an estimated 12 percent chance of controlled outages in August. The grid operator says this could be on nights when there is low wind-power production in the early evening.
On Monday in Austin, ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission and others involved in Texas energy testified before the Committee on State Affairs. They talked about possible long-range solutions to the power pinch here in Texas.
The time for new policy and financial investment by state leaders in nuclear is now, said PUC Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty. Other states have taken the opportunity. They meet more regularly and they have provided state resources, that they are considered the leaders in this nuclear space.
Right now, Texas has two nuclear plants. The Public Utilities Commission is exploring the possibility and impact of building several more. That was just one aspect of the discussion on big ticket infrastructure spending to make the grid more reliable.
It’s a long-term solution that still leaves us dealing with the immediate needs of this long hot summer, which technically hasn’t even started yet. You may remember last summer, ERCOT was forced to ask Texans to conserve energy multiple times.
Prince of Persia DLC Teaser Reveals Future Updates & Release Dates
Ubisoft announced a number of updates to its current Prince of Persia series entries at its recent showcase, with the headliner being the upcoming story DLC for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The DLC, titled Mask of Darkness, is set to release this September, and the teaser trailer gave fans a hint of the mysterious journey to come. Alongside this announcement, The Lost Crown is receiving an update called Divine Trials, which introduces 22 expert challenges and revamps boss battles, offering players new powers and cosmetic items upon completion.
Moreover, The Rogue Prince of Persia, still in early access, is receiving an update today titled The Temple of Fire, featuring a new biome and enemies. As for the highly anticipated Sands of Time remake, Ubisoft revealed a new release window of 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of the beloved franchise. With promises of fresh content and exciting developments, Prince of Persia fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Sensational Performance Leads India to Thrilling Victory Over Pakistan
NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive bowling spell of 3/14 fashioned India’s thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in a T20 World Cup cliffhanger that kept spectators on the edge of their seats till the end.
After India’s sensational victory in New York, Bumrah experienced another beautiful moment as he chatted with his presenter wife, Sanjana Ganesan, to discuss his performance.
Bumrah said his team’s calmness and refusal to panic led them to their exciting win over Pakistan.
We are very happy that we were able to pull it off with, you know, constant pressure, trying to be clear with what we want to do and try to make run scoring difficult. So very happy that we were together and we were very clear, and we never panicked at any stage, Bumrah told Ganesan, who is an ICC Digital Insider.
As the quick post-match interview on the ground wrapped up, Bumrah told his wife he would see her in 30 minutes when she thanked him for the interview.
Will see you in 30 minutes. Thank you, he said. She then asked him jokingly, What’s for dinner?
Bumrah took big wickets at crucial moments, including Pakistan’s top scorer Mohamad Rizwan, who after making a patient 31 from 44 balls, was looking like a match-winner himself until he was clean bowled by the Indian pacer.
The biggest positive for us was the calmness because when we were batting in the morning, there was a lot more help, said Bumrah, noting the damper conditions after pre-match rain which turned to sunshine later in the day.
Bumrah is in a rich vein of form, following a strong IPL campaign and finished with a 2-6 spell against Ireland in the Group A opener before Sunday’s show.
First Lady Jill Biden Stands by Hunter Biden During Trial Deliberations, US
First lady Jill Biden’s support for Hunter Biden continued on Monday as she appeared at the courthouse for closing arguments before jury deliberations. Sitting alongside her daughter and son-in-law, Jill Biden has been a constant presence throughout the trial despite the emotional toll of the proceedings. The first lady’s unwavering support for her son underscores the strength and resilience of their family in the face of adversity. This public display of familial solidarity amidst legal challenges highlights a personal side to the political family and their shared commitment to facing challenges head-on.
Ministry of Labour and ILO to Enhance Worker Safety in Oil & Gas Sector, Guyana
The Ministry of Labour and the International Labour Organization (ILO) will soon commence discussions to address the safety and health of workers within the oil and gas sector and to enhance the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) countrywide. This includes the development of a migrant labour policy framework as well as assisting in consolidating the country’s labour and labour-related legislations.
The collaboration follows a bilateral discussion between Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton and Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the ILO, today, on the sidelines of the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva. Minister Hamilton was joined by Ambassador Bevon McDonald, Chargé d’Affaires and Mr. Colin Luckie, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Guyana in Geneva.
The 112th ILC, which is scheduled from June 3rd to 14th, 2024, aims to bring together all tripartite delegations from the ILO’s 187 Member States among others to discuss a series of topics related to the world of work. This year’s ILC focuses on the agenda which includes a standard-setting discussion on protection against biological hazards, a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of fundamental principles and the rights at work, general discussions on decent work and the care economy and the abrogation of four international labour conventions.
BRICS Nations Express Grave Concern Over Gaza Strip Violence, India
India News | BRICS Expresses ‘grave Concern’ over ‘unprecedented’ Escalation of Violence in Gaza | LatestLY
New Delhi, Jun 10 – The BRICS nations have expressed deep concern over the recent surge of violence in the Gaza Strip, denouncing the Israeli military operations that have led to civilian casualties. The BRICS foreign ministers, including India’s representative, reiterated their support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and their commitment to a two-state solution based on international law.
The group called for an immediate ceasefire in the region and emphasized the need for the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza. The ministers also condemned the Israeli military operation in Rafah and its impact on civilians, urging for the release of all hostages and civilians held captive.
The escalation of tensions in Gaza has raised serious concerns among the BRICS nations, who have called for the respect of international law and UN resolutions. They have warned against the displacement of the Palestinian people and the potential spill-over effects of the conflict on the wider Middle East region.
India has joined hands with other BRICS countries in urging for de-escalation and the resumption of peace negotiations to achieve a lasting solution to the Palestine issue. The world watches closely as the situation in Gaza unfolds, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict.