Category Archives: Progress

As the term not-for-profit suggests, nonprofits typically lack independent income, instead relying on outside financiers to support their mission. Considering I spent far too long brainstorming it, hopefully the name of my column, Progress Without Profit also makes this clear. If we can agree that nonprofits depend on others for funding, we must consequently ask ourselves, who are their donors? More importantly, does the dangling carrot of promised funds incentivize nonprofits to work in certain ways?

Not all donors are created equal in the eyes of nonprofits. It takes less energy and effort for a nonprofit to receive $5 million from one wealthy donor, than to persuade 50,000 people of average income to each donate $100. In 2017, high net worth donors in the United States gave an average of $29,269 to charity, whereas general population households donated an average of $2,514. So, while people who attend fancy galas or participate in pricey silent auctions might contribute ten times more than the typical household, they are not the most representative of society.

This disproportionate representation forces nonprofits to toe the line between pleasing their uber-wealthy donors and advocating for change that hurts those same donors. It is the ultimate example of dont bite the hand that feeds you. Nonprofits, however, should not be afraid to call out the structures supporting their wealthy donors at the expense of the communities nonprofits want to help.

Nonprofits are reluctant to speak about political issues, for fear of losing their tax-exempt status, but maintaining tax-exempt status is not mutually exclusive to advocating and addressing root causes of inequalities. Nonprofits can advocate and lobby for important issues, provided they follow certain rules.

Nonprofits continually shy away from discussing the tax system specifically, bringing attention to how loopholes benefit the wealthy. People served by nonprofits dont usually have significant capital to invest, nor to leave to their children; their taxes typically will be on ordinary income (i.e., earned wages).

Thus, it makes sense for nonprofits to strongly oppose things like capital gains tax treatment on carried interest, as well as estate taxes and corporate tax shelters that often exploit low-income people of color for the benefit of the white and wealthy. I understand that in the short term, nonprofits opposition to tax loopholes may damage relationships with the big (mostly white) philanthropy that fuels them, but long-term, this opposition supports nonprofits stated missions.

Economic conditions allowing tax loopholes to benefit the wealthy also create stark income inequality. A full-time minimum wage worker cannot keep their family above the poverty line. Between 1978 and 2012, a CEOs compensation increased by 875%, while the average workers compensation increased by only 6%. In a more relevant example to college students, many college officials earn over $1 million a year (President Carol Folt included), while more than 20% of their workforce on campus earn poverty level wages for a family of four.

The same system that creates the poverty and economic issues nonprofits aim to remedy also allows mega philanthropists to exist in the first place. Nonprofits hesitate to confront and call out systemic issues because their prosperity relies on people who benefit from the current system. Complicity with the system reinforces the flawed logic that mega philanthropists negate the harm caused by the accumulation of their money by simply donating a small portion of it.

I once volunteered at a gala for a nonprofit, working with other women who were members of the community the nonprofit served. The gala attendees who streamed into the event were old, white and rich the opposite of the women who worked the event. The women put on smiles and politely chatted with the attendees to check them in. Once we heard attendees putting thousands of dollars down for auction items in the other room, the women finally put down the masks theyd worn all evening. They recounted racist and classist comments theyd heard in the last hour, but did not respond to in order to receive donations for the organization.

This disconnect between donors and clients is not an isolated event. Appeasing donors at the expense of clients is meant to benefit the population served in the long-term. But, does it really?

The argument against nonprofits speaking out against the wealthy is that regulating exorbitant wealth eliminates money that goes to philanthropy. But if nonprofits went after tax policies and spoke publicly about income inequality, they would be creating a more just, fair system that requires less philanthropy after-the-fact.

If nonprofits speak out against practices that benefit their wealthiest donors and lose support, they are not ruined. Smaller donations are the future of fundraising. Nearly 50% of all GoFundMe donors are millenials and Gen X, as social media becomes an increasingly valuable tool to build coalitions of small donors for a cause. In fact, 82% of millennials report theyve donated to a nonprofit in the last year.

I understand that nonprofits are in a tough spot. I truly do. Im sure many want to speak out but have to make the choice between advocating and funding. I dont blame them for prioritizing funding, when the alternative is the collapse of a life-saving program or the firing of an essential employee.

In a perfect world, however, nonprofits wouldnt rely on wealth gained from the exploitation of others to operate. Actually, in a perfect world, nonprofit services wouldnt be necessary to begin with. Until then, nonprofits should not be afraid to ruffle the feathers of big philanthropy in order to carry out their missions effectively, honestly and purposefully.

Sophie Roppe is a junior writing about nonprofit organizations and social justice. Her column, Progress Without Profit, runs every other Monday.

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Progress Without Profit: Nonprofits may have to bite the hands that feed them - Daily Trojan Online

DuringBlack History Month, wereflect onthe historical struggles and present-day issues faced byBlackAmericans andotherpeople of color in our nation. We alsocelebratethose whofoughtforsocial and racial justice, as well asthe many Black men and women who made lasting contributions to the field of mental healthcare.Theirdeeds and dreams live on.

Theseadmirablehealth-care pioneersincludeDr. Solomon Carter Fuller, one of thefirst Black psychiatrists, who studied for a time with Dr. Alois Alzheimer and continued his work on Alzheimersduring his career at theWestborough State Mental Hospital inMassachusetts; Dr. James P. Comer,Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicineanda co-founder and past president of theBlack Psychiatrists of America; and Dr. Freda C. Lewis-Hall,a trained psychiatrist, who has held leadership roles inthe academic world, medical researchand private industry.

At the same time, wededicate ourselves anewtoremedy thesocialinjustices,violence,poverty, drugsand homelessnessthat still existin our societyand work to better understand theexperiences ofBlack Americansandotherpeople of colorinnavigating our health-care systemand their full range of needs.

Weknowthatall health issues, includingmental illness,must beaddressedbyfirst looking atones personal,family and socialhistory.ForBlackAmericans, both historicalexperiences and present-day realitiesinfluencemental-health issues, as well as stigma attached to asking for help,access to careand theiracceptance andconfidence intreatment.

Overall,Black Americanadults are 20 percentmore likely to experience mental-health issues than the rest of the population. Serious mental illnessroseamong all ages ofBlackAmericans between 2008 and 2018.In particular, suicidal thoughtsand attempts arerising among young BlackAmerican adults.

However, only25 percentofBlackAmericans seek treatment for mental health issues, compared to40 percent of White individuals. And, understandably,BlackAmericans living below the poverty level are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress than those living over twice the poverty level.

In a recent article forVerywellMind,ShanonLee, anationally recognizedwriterandcontributoron health, wellness and race issues,concludedthat manyBlack Americans do not seek mental health services due to cultural stigma about mental illness. Further, sheindicates that wealthand income inequality affects whois able toaccess quality mental health services and the best treatment options.

And while these challenges must be addressed to ensure equity inmental healthcare, we also mustmake improvements to theracial and ethnic disparitiesamong mental health workers,including psychiatrists, psychologists,psychiatric nurses and social workers.

What do we make of these realities?The solution lies in greater understanding ofpeople and communities in our society,comprehensive programs of mental health education and prevention,and removing barriers to mental health care. This alsomeansofferingmore coverage for mental health services in private and public health programs. We also encourage moreBlackAmericans to pursue careers in mental health at all care levels.

In addition to having improved racial and ethnic disparities among mental health workers, we need professional mentors. Mentorship is vital for professionaladvancement. Having a mentor whohasnavigated the unique challenges that often face young Black professionals can be essential to their success.It also is important to givean individual guidance and support as they make choices for advancement.

As Victor Armstrong, MSW,of the National Council of Behavioral Health expressed:

Black History Month is a time to be more inclusive; to seek to understand what is not recorded in history that highlights the greatness of our country and richness of our collective heritage. It is also a time to ask, What if? What if we didnt have to review and define black history through the prisms of stigma and historical adversity, which includes race-based exclusion from health, educational,social and economic resources?What if history were inclusive of the contributions of all people every month?

Let us work together to make that vision a reality.

Shawn Bryson is Clinical Director at Rose Hill Center,a Holly, Mich.-based residential psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation facility offering a comprehensive range of services for adults with serious mental illness. For more info, visitrosehillcenter.org.

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It's time for progress on mental illness in the Black Community - The Oakland Press

Insurance and reinsurance marketplace Lloyds of London says that it has made notable progress towards building a more inclusive working environment over 2020.

In particular, the results of its 2020 annual culture survey highlight improvements in the experience of women working in the Lloyds market over the past 18 months.

However, the survey also pointed to areas for ongoing and concentrated focus, including continued focus on wellbeing across the market and improving the experience of Black and Minority Ethnic talent as a top priority.

Lloyds push for more inclusivity in its marketplace was triggered by reports of sexual harassment back in 2019. The culture survey shows that 8% of people witnessed sexual harassment in the Lloyds market in 2019, but that number fell to 4% in 2020.

Overall, womens perceptions were found to have improved by 7 points on average across all characteristics, with mens scores up 3 points.

While womens perceptions still lag mens in several areas, Lloyds say the gap has closed substantially in nearly all of the criteria measured.

Lloyds also reported a 5 point improvement in the percentage of respondents who would feel comfortable raising concerns about behaviour in the Lloyds market, at 50% in 2020, versus 45% previously.

In addition, fewer respondents said that working in their organisation had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing, down from 23% to 15%, but there was no change in respondents who felt under excessive pressure to perform at work, at 40%.

The number of respondents who do not believe senior leaders in their organisation take responsibility, especially when things go wrong notably decreased from 22% to 15%, and the proportion who said that people in their organisation turned a blind eye to inappropriate behaviour fell to 15%.

But Lloyds also found that Black and Minority Ethnic respondents were less likely to raise concerns relating to discrimination, had a higher level of disagreement about whether their colleagues act in an honest and ethical way, and a higher level of distrust in senior leaders.

The results of our second annual culture survey show good progress in our efforts to sponsor gender parity and to our commitment as leaders to make needed and valued change, said Lloyds CEO John Neal.

Though we are encouraged by the results of the survey, the feedback from our Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues has reinforced our commitment to address the inequalities and lived experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues across the market, Neal added.

We can feel confident in our ability to make change quickly and are more determined than ever to create an inclusive and inspiring culture for all.

Looking ahead, Lloyds is planning additional measures for 2021 to help change its working culture, which include tracking progess against the gender target and the setting a market target for ethnicity in Q2, supported by the launch of a long-term ethnicity action plan.

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Lloyd's reports on inclusivity progress - Reinsurance News

PERTH, Australia and NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --PYC Therapeutics (ASX: PYC), a biotechnology company developing a new generation of precision RNA therapeutics to change the lives of patients with inherited diseases, today announced updates to its programs and outlined its 2021-2022 corporate objectives. PYC is initially targeting inherited ocular diseases, for which it has three preclinical candidates in development.

"This year we are focused on transforming PYC Therapeutics into a U.S.-based, clinical-stage biotechnology company, including making significant advances in moving our three preclinical inherited ocular disease programs toward the clinic and leveraging our RNA platform to create new development candidates in both ocular and neurodegenerative diseases," said Sahm Nasseri, U.S. Chief Executive Officer of PYC Therapeutics. "We have previously highlighted the importance of building out PYC in the U.S. and I am pleased with our progress and external engagements we have been able to have over the last few months. These engagements with banks, potential future investors as well as potential partners have validated the importance and relevance of PYC's technology as well as our choice in initial drug development programs. RNA therapeutics and ophthalmology remain top areas of interest in the very active US biotech capital markets. On this foundation, I believe we are very well positioned to deliver on the promise of our science to advance RNA medicines that have the potential to change the lives of patients with inherited diseases."

2021 Objectives and Program Updates

Corporate Initiatives: In late 2020, PYC began its transformation from an Australia-based, discovery-focused organization into a U.S.-based, clinical-stage biotechnology company that is well positioned to deliver on several key milestones during 2021.

Inherited Ocular Diseases:These programs aim to employ PYC's proprietary cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) to deliver rationally designed RNA therapeutics into retinal cells to treat diseases caused by a specific gene mutation or a missing or defective protein.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Diseases:These programs aim to employ PYC's proprietary CPPs to deliver rationally designed RNA therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Mr. Nasseri continued: "This is a truly exciting and transformational time for PYC, as we build upon the extensive foundation laid in 2020. Our pioneering research team led by Prof. Fletcher is rapidly validating our unique approach to correcting inherited retinal diseases, while also exploring the area of neurodegenerative diseases. With the capital to support our pipeline goals and recruit top talent in the U.S., along with the strong U.S. market potential of our candidate therapies, we believe we are well positioned to enable significant value inflections in 2021 and 2022."

About PYC TherapeuticsPYC Therapeutics (ASX: PYC) is a development-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new generation of RNA therapeutics that utilize Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs), a revolutionary delivery technology designed to overcome the major challenges of current gene-based therapies. PYC believes its CPP technology provides safer, more effective access for a wide range of potent and precise drug cargoes to the highest value drug targets that exist inside cells. The Company is leveraging its leading-edge science to develop a pipeline of novel therapies with an initial focus on inherited eye diseases for which it has unveiled three preclinical stage assets. PYC's discovery and laboratory operations are located in Australia and the Company recently launched and expansion into the U.S. for its preclinical, clinical, regulatory and business development operations. For more information, visit pyctx.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward looking statementsAny forward-looking statements in this ASX announcement have been prepared on the basis of a number of assumptions which may prove incorrect and the current intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs about future events are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from assumptions or expectations expressed or implied in this ASX announcement include known and unknown risks. Because actual results could differ materially to assumptions made and the Company's current intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements contained in this ASX announcement with caution. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This ASX announcement should not be relied on as a recommendation or forecast by the Company. Nothing in this ASX announcement should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell shares in any jurisdiction.

1Zheng Y, He M, Congdon N. The worldwide epidemic of diabetic retinopathy. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2012;60(5):428-431.

CONTACTS:INVESTORSDeborah Elson/Matthew DeYoungArgot Partnersdeborah@argotpartners.com matthew@argotpartners.com

MEDIALeo VartorellaArgot Partnersleo@argotpartners.com

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SOURCE PYC Therapeutics

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PYC Therapeutics Highlights Progress in Its Transformation to a US Clinical-Stage Company and 2021 Corporate Objectives - BioSpace

Cody Simpson Makes Noise in 100 Butterfly as Progress Continues

The impressive and continued progress of Australias Cody Simpson was on display this weekend, when the former age-group standout, during a time trial, posted a time of 53.85 for the 100-meter butterfly. The effort by Simpson, a pop star in the music world, marks a one-second improvement in a span of only two months. Simpson took to Instagram to announce the successful time trial, and savor the improvements he has made while working with coach Brett Hawke.

Before embarking a highly successful career as a pop star, one which took him to international stardom and points all around the world, Simpson shined in Australia in the age-group ranks. The urge to return to the water called Simpson, and he opted to go to work with Hawke, a two-time Olympian for Australia and sprint guru. Clearly, the work Simpson has logged is paying off. Simpson is targeting the Australian Olympic Trials in June, and in addition to qualifying for Trials in the 100 fly, Simpson has added a qualifying mark in the 100 freestyle.

While considerable work remains for Simpson to become a challenger at the Australian Trials, he is obviously on the right track and showing significant progress in short periods of time. Simpson is currently doing his training in Florida, where Hawke relocated his group in order to get better access to pools than what was available in Southern California.

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Cody Simpson Makes Noise in 100 Butterfly as Progress Continues - Swimming World Magazine

A Russian space vessel carrying an algae experiment, long-duration medical examinations and thousands of pounds of other cargo and supplies docked safely at the International Space Station Wednesday (Feb. 17) after a cosmonaut took manual control of the craft during its approach.

The uncrewed cargo ship Russian Progress MS-16 cargo ship (also known as Progress 77) met up with the orbiting complex at 1:27 a.m. EST (0627 GMT), when it latched onto the station's Pirs docking component, according to an update from NASA. It launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sunday (Feb. 14).

While designed to dock itself at the space station, the Progress spacecraft was controlled manually during the docking by Russian cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov, the station's commander, due to an issue with the cargo ship's Kurs automated rendezvous system, NASA officials said.

"Control switched over to the TORU system for manual flying of the ISS Progress 77 resupply ship due to signal strength from Kurs automated system," NASA wrote in an update on Twitter. "Station commander Sergey Ryzhikov is in control of the Progress 77 from a control panel inside Zvezda."

Video: Watch Russia's Progress 77 cargo ship blast off Related: How Russia's Progress cargo ships work (infographic)

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NASA was unable to carry a live video of the docking on NASA Television which it typically tries to do because of ongoing power outages in Texas affecting agency personnel and associated broadcast capabilities, NASA said in an update prior to the event. A severe winter storm Sunday (Feb. 14) knocked out electricity to millions of Texans, with 3.6 million homes and businesses still in the dark in subfreezing temperatures as of Tuesday (Feb. 16), CNN said.

Progress 77 brought 5,424 lbs. (2,460 kg) of supplies and cargo to the Expedition 64 crew. The delivery included new research experiments, crew supplies (such as clothing and food), fresh water, nitrogen gas and propellant for the station's Zvezda service module propulsion system.

The spacecraft will also play a historic role when leaving the space station later this year. NASA said that when it is time, Progress will not undock as previous missions have; instead, it will remain connected to Pirs and pull the entire docking compartment away from the ISS for a planned destruction in Earth's atmosphere. Pirs has been in service for almost 20 years and a replacement is coming soon, NASA said.

"Pirs' departure from the space station is scheduled to take place just days after the launch of the 'Nauka' multipurpose laboratory module on a Proton rocket from Baikonur," NASA said in a statement. "The multifunctional docking port and research facility will dock automatically to the port vacated by Pirs."

A few experiments were bundled into the Progress delivery, including the following ones listed on the Energia website (Energia is the prime developer and contractor of the Russian crewed spaceflight program):

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include details of the manual docking of the Progress 77 cargo ship.

Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

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Russia's Progress 77 cargo ship docks with the International Space Station - Space.com

President BidenJoe BidenREAD: House Democrats' mammoth COVID-19 relief bill House panel unveils .9T relief package Nunes lawsuit against CNN thrown out MORE on Friday warned that democratic progress is under assault in the United States and Europe as he pledged support for the transatlantic alliance and called on countries to work together to address shared challenges.

Were at an inflection point between those who argue that, given all of the challenges we face, from the fourth industrial revolution to a global pandemic, that autocracy is the best way forward, they argue, and those who understand that democracy is essential, essential to meeting those challenges, Biden said in remarks from the East Room of the White House that were televised at a virtual session of the Munich Security Conference.

Historians are going to examine and write about this moment as an inflection point, as I said. And I believe with every ounce of my being that democracy will and must prevail, Biden continued.

Biden, a regular fixture at the Munich Security Conference over the years, affirmed his commitment to European partners and alliances, drawing contrast with his predecessor, former President TrumpDonald TrumpUN report says Erik Prince violated arms embargo against Libya: report Lee after Romney's impeachment vote: There's enough room in GOP 'for both of us' Nunes lawsuit against CNN thrown out MORE, who often spurned multilateral organizations and criticized alliances and whose America first approach to foreign policy at times caused friction with Europe.

I am sending a clear message to the world, America is back. The transatlantic alliance is back and we are not looking backward. We are looking forward together, Biden said.

Biden delivered the speech after meeting privately with the leaders of the Group of Seven nations in a virtual conference hosted byUnited Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson. His remarks were aimed at reassuring European allies after four years of tumult under Trump, whose name he did not mention during the address.

Biden's remarks came almost two months after the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters.

Biden issued a firm rebuke of Russia for its aggressive behavior in Europe and cyberspace. He pledged support for Ukraine sovereignty and the NATO alliance, accusing Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinBiden calls for creating 'rules' on cyber, tech to combat China and Russia threats Biden warns European allies that 'democratic progress is under assault' Jan. 6 and America's support for democracy abroad MORE of trying to divide and weaken the partnership between the U.S. and Europe.

Putin seeks to weaken the European project and our NATO alliance. He wants to undermine the transatlantic unity and its resolve because its so much easier for the Kremlin to bully and threaten individual states than it is to negotiate with a strong and closely-aligned transatlantic community, Biden said.

The president called on the U.S. and its European allies to work together to confront Russias aggressive behavior and economic abuses and anti-democratic practicesby China.

Bidens rhetoric on Russia diverged notably from Trump, who often spoke warmly of Putin and shied from publicly calling Moscow out for its malign behavior.

While Biden acknowledged the challenges posed by China and Russia, he also implored the global community to work together on shared challenges like the coronavirus pandemic and climate change. Biden announced plans to send $2 billion immediately to support Covax, the global initiative to vaccinate populations of lower-income countries.

We cannot and must not return to the reflective opposition and rigid blocks of the Cold War.Competition must not lock out cooperation on issues that affect us all, Biden said.

Biden delivered the remarks immediately following his meeting with the leaders of the other G7 countries the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan.

Following their meeting, the G7 leaders issued a joint statement pledging to work together to fight the coronavirus and help countries across the globe recover. The statement noted that G7 financial support to Covax totals $7.5 billion.

Drawing on our strengths and values as democratic, open economies and societies, we will work together and with others to make 2021 a turning point for multilateralism and to shape a recovery that promotes the health and prosperity of our people and planet, the statement read.

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Biden warns European allies that 'democratic progress is under assault' | TheHill - The Hill

Responding to the G7s limited progress on ensuring poor countries have access to Covid-19 vaccines, Max Lawson, Oxfam Head of Inequality Policy, said:

While some of those attending the G7 have made welcome steps to increase the supply of vaccines to poor countries, these remain insufficient when compared to the scale of the Covid-19 threat.

Making huge parts of Africa and Asia wait for unwanted, leftover vaccines from rich countries stocks is not just immoral, it is irresponsible. And the lack of coordinated action from the G7 is inexcusable. The longer huge swathes of the worlds population are denied protection, the greater the threat that virus mutations will threaten us all.

Poor countries should not be forced to wait for vaccines to trickle down to them. Between them, G7 nations have secured enough vaccines for every one of their citizens to be vaccinated three times over, while many poor countries are yet to receive a single dose.

Instead of patting themselves on the back for limited progress, the best thing the G7 could do would be to stop supporting their pharmaceutical corporations monopolies on Covid-19 vaccines. Breaking up the monopolies of the big pharmaceutical companies is the quickest, fairest and most effective way of boosting vaccine production so that countries are not forced to compete to secure doses. The G7 and other rich nations should stop blocking the temporary suspension of intellectual property rights for all COVID-19 vaccines being proposed at the World Trade Organisation by South Africa, India and over 100 developing nations.

The G7 urgently needs to get its priorities straight during this unprecedented pandemic and stop putting the profits of big pharma ahead of a peoples vaccine.

Notes:

The figure that G7 countries have secured enough doses to vaccinate their citizens 3 times over is based on Airfinity data from 10 February on the number of doses they have secured of vaccines which have currently been approved for use and those in later stage trials (AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Curevac, Moderna, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson). For EU countries this figure is calculated by dividing the total EU supply based on country population, plus bilateral deals Germany has done with Pfizer and Curevac). Figures are based on people being fully vaccinated, for the vaccines where 2 doses are required.

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Oxfam reaction to limited G7 vaccine progress - World - ReliefWeb

ESTERO

Officer Reidy died in a crash yesterday along Corkscrew Rd. And, many have reached out to WINK News saying that area is dangerous because of the rapid growth. Luckily, there are plans in place to make it safer.

Tony Davis has lived in a neighborhood along Corkscrew Road for 25 years.

Twenty-five years ago there was almost nothing here, Davis said.

But now, there are more developments, more homes sprouting up at every turn and more traffic on Corkscrew.

Its getting quite busy. People start taking risks, Davis said.

Joey Quinter agrees that its busy. Traffic is very heavy, very heavy, Quinter said. Its a dangerous road.

A dangerous road where neighbors say theyve seen several crashes.

To be honest, Im not surprised that we get accidents but it is horrible when something like that happens, Davis said.

Since weve been here I think there have been four deaths on that road, Quinter said.

Reidy, a Naples police officer, is one of the people who has died on this road. He was driving on Corkscrew Road Thursday when the car in front of him slowed down because of construction. Reidy tried to swerve but hit that car, crossed the center line and crashed into a truck. Reidy was a husband, father, and friend.

Quinter says Reidy lived in his neighborhood so he wants to see more safety measures on Corkscrew to prevent crashes like this in the future.

Its a big issue and now weve lost a neighbor, Quinter said. The kids have lost their father. A mother has lost their husband and its just horrible.

Within the next few months, the county plans to start construction phase one to widen Corkscrew Road. Then, phase two, which will happen farther east, is still in the permitting and designing stage.

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Improvements in progress on Corkscrew Road where officer died in crash - Wink News

1. United States

The U.S. Senate confirmed the first openly gay Cabinet secretary. Former mayor and presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg is officially leading the Transportation Department following an 86-13 vote. He is tasked with managing the countrys aviation, highways, pipelines, and railroads. Mr. Buttigieg will play a key role in allocating government assistance to struggling transit systems and overseeing new technologies such as self-driving cars.

Pete Buttigieg is sworn in as transportation secretary by Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, Feb. 3, 2021.

As acting director of National Intelligence for three months last year, Richard Grenell was the first openly gay Cabinet member. Pete shattered a centuries-old political barrier with overwhelming bipartisan support and that paves the way for more LGBTQ Americans to pursue high-profile appointments, said Annise Parker, head of the LGBTQ Victory Institute and a former Houston mayor. (Reuters)

A local judge has ruled that Furukawa Plantaciones C.A. violated the rights of 123 ex-laborers who went before the court in January, marking the first time the government has recognized modern-day slavery in agriculture. In an oral ruling, the judge declared the workers had suffered racial discrimination and were victims of servitude a form of modern-day slavery at the Japanese-owned abac tree plantation. Ecuador is one of the worlds top exporters of abac fiber, a durable material used in rope, currency, and other products, but the workers who harvest it have little to show for their work in the $17 million industry. For years, inspections of the plantation have noted child labor, work accidents, low wages, and poor living conditions.Many are hailing the decision as a legal milestone for the hundreds of Afro-Ecuadorian families who have lived in slavelike conditions since Furukawa was established in 1963. The decision is not definitive, as the case will likely move up to higher courts, but the plaintiffs lawyers say the historic ruling opens the way to compensation.(Thomson Reuters Foundation)

The Muslim Council of Britain the largest umbrella body serving the United Kingdoms Muslim population has elected its first female leader. Zara Mohammed has taken the reins as the organizations secretary-general for a two-year term. More than 3.3 million Muslims live in the U.K., and the councils member organizations include more than 500 mosques, charities, schools, and professional networks. Ms. Mohammed, who holds a masters degree in human rights law and hails from Glasgow, Scotland, is also the youngest person to ever lead the organization.My vision is to continue to build a truly inclusive, diverse, and representative body; one which is driven by the needs of British Muslims for the common good, she said after the vote, adding that she hopes her victory helps inspire more women and young people to come forward to take on leadership roles.(Al Jazeera, Muslim Council of Britain)

South Africa saw a 33% drop in rhino poaching in 2020 compared with the previous year, marking the sixth year that poaching has declined. Last year, 394 rhinos were reportedly killed for their horn in South Africa, down from 594 in 2019. While the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the battle to beat the COVID-19 pandemic contributed in part to the decrease in rhino poaching in 2020, the role of rangers and security personnel who remained at their posts, and the additional steps taken by government to effectively deal with these and related offenses, also played a significant role, said Barbara Creecy, the countrys environment, forestry and fisheries minister.

Three rhinos line up at the Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa in 2017. Poaching continues to decline in national parks.

A total of 156 people were arrested for rhino poaching or horn trafficking across the country, and authorities engaged in more than 25 major investigations. The continued improvement comes after the government implemented new wildlife protection strategies, including public awareness campaigns and regional information sharing. Experts say remaining vigilant as lockdowns ease will be critical to maintaining the downward trend. (Political Analysis South Africa, South Africa News Agency)

New Zealand has made Matariki, the Mori new year celebration, the first public holiday that honors Mori culture. Matariki is the Mori name for the Pleiades star cluster, which rises in the Southern Hemisphere around midwinter. This historically marks the start of the new year for mainland New Zealands Indigenous people. Local councils have been organizing Matariki celebrations and raising awareness about the tradition since the early 2000s, but past efforts to recognize the constellations reappearance as an official holiday have failed.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the first official Matariki will be celebrated June 24, 2022, and future dates will be determined by the newly formed Matariki advisory group in compliance with the Mori lunar calendar.It will also advise on how to celebrate the event, considering regional differences in tribes traditions, and develop resources to educate the public about Matarikis meaning, said chair Ranginehu Matamua, a professor who specializes in Mori astronomy. (The Guardian, Stuff)

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is set to become the first African and the first woman to hold the top position at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and many see her appointment as a historic validation of African womens competency and leadership. The Nigerian economist has a reputation as a strong international negotiator with a commitment to reducing poverty and improving transparency. She became an American citizen in 2019.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stands outside a Nigerian diplomatic residence in Chambesy, Switzerland, Sept. 29, 2020.

Selecting a new director-general requires approval by all WTO members, and Dr. Okonjo-Iwealas path was cleared after President Joe Biden reversed the previous administrations objection to her candidacy. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is taking over the WTO during turbulent times marked by member infighting and the ongoing coronavirus crisis. (Deutsche Welle, CNN, Al Jazeera)

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Points of Progress: New Zealand recognizes Mori new year, and more - The Christian Science Monitor