act

Prosecutor threatens legal action against Wickenburg restaurants reopening during stay-at-home order

The letter by the prosecutor marked the second time businesses in town were contacted by authorities for being in violation of Gov. Ducey's order.

       




act

Ikea not to pass on duty hike impact on imported furniture to customers

In the Union Budget 2020 announced on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced to increase customs duty on imported furniture from the present 20 per cent to 25 per cent. The move was aimed to protect the interest of the MSME segment. Ikea opened its first store in the country in Hyderabad in August 2018.




act

Take Note: Peter Forster On Cybersecurity And Practicing "Cyber Hygiene"

Peter Forster is an associate professor who teaches security and risk analysis at Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology. His research focuses on cybersecurity, counter-terrorism and social networks. Forster has worked on improving law enforcement’s situational awareness of issues such as drug and human trafficking. He also oversees a research project on better understanding of how extremist organizations recruit Americans in cyberspace. He talks with WPSU about why cybersecurity shouldn’t be an afterthought in today’s world and how the cyber world and the physical world are inseparable. Plus, how to practice “cyber hygiene.” Transcript: Min Xian: Welcome to Take Note on WPSU. I’m Min Xian. Peter Forster is an associate teaching professor who teaches security and risk analysis at Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology. His research focuses on cybersecurity, counterterrorism and social networks. Forster has worked on improving law enforcement’s




act

Take Note: Author Explores Impact Of Climate Change Through Rising Waters, Vanishing Neighborhoods

In her book, “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore,” Elizabeth Rush takes readers around the country to see rising tides . Rush talks with people around the country who have lost their homes and communities; with scientists who study what’s happening; and with conservationists trying to find ways to restore wetlands. Rush’s book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. WPSU's Anne Danahy spoke with Rush, who will be in State College March 23 to give a talk at 7 p.m. at Schlow Library to celebrate Earth Day.




act

Rockford Leaders Talk 'Campaign Zero,' Police Interactions

Activists in the Black Lives Matter movement recently published a 10-point plan to reduce police violence. Rockford leaders are responding to the proposal. It’s called "Campaign Zero." National activists want stronger guidelines limiting the use of force. They also want to ban police quotas for tickets and arrests , and end the sale of military weapons to police forces. Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey: “I don’t know that it’s intended to be a one-size solution. It lays out a series of agenda items. We are already moving forward on a vast majority of what I think those items are.” Morrissey says new measures at the state level are also intended to address interactions during field interviews, or a so-called “stop-and-frisk.” “The next step will be, starting next year, we will have to give a receipt to the individual so they know who is the officer-- and their badge number. If they have a complaint to file, they will have more information to do that.” Matthew Simpson co-leads My Brother’s




act

Payments platform Simpl records about 35% upsurge in daily essentials transactions through online orders

Green Visor Capital backed-Simpl, that allows users to buy now and checkout with pay-later function, said the surge in the number of transactions done for daily essentials increased despite supply and workforce issues by merchant partners.




act

UP govt warns of stern action against liquor vendors overcharging customers

Following instructions from Excise Minister Ram Naresh Agnihotri, principal secretary (excise) Sanjay R Bhoosreddy said that a rate higher than the fixed MRP cannot be charged by liquor vendors under any circumstances.




act

Nike says virus to have 'material impact' on China operations

"Similar to others in the marketplace, approximately half of Nike-owned stores have been temporarily closed," while it is "experiencing lower than planned retail traffic in stores that do remain open."




act

Rising fitness a boost for women’s activewear sales

Women’s share in the activewear category has gone up for sports brands such as Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Puma because of an increase in their participation in sports and other activities such as running, yoga, pilates and Zumba.




act

Adidas shifts German, US smart factories to Asia

The production of high-tech running shoes at its so-called speedfactories in Germany's Ansbach and in the US city of Atlanta "will be discontinued by April 2020 at the latest", Adidas said in a statement.




act

Decathlon's 'contact-details' demand sparks row

French retailer Decathlon’s refusal to do business with customers who refuse to share their contact details has sparked a wave of protests on social media.




act

Puma ropes in actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as brand ambassador

Khan will be the face for Puma’s soon-to-be launched collection of low-intensity training apparel collection targeted at workouts such as yoga, barre, and pilates. The new line will be launched in April and retailed both online and offline.




act

Virus impact: Offline retailers running out of handsets as distributors hoard

Industry watchers say wholesalers are holding back stocks of popular phone models in anticipation of a price rise by the month-end as production in China slows; brands as yet unaware of complaints.




act

Now mobile games based on ACK and Tinkle characters

ACK has roped in game developer Nazara Games to develop mobile games based on ACK and Tinkle characters, and the games would be launched in the next six months, said Mohan.




act

Lockdown to have huge impact on heavy appliances sector: Godrej

"The heavy appliances industry will be impacted by a significant loss of up to 60 per cent in March and almost 100 per cent in April. These two months put together contribute close to 25 per cent of the annual revenue," Godrej Appliances Business Head and EVP Kamal Nandi told.




act

Ossify invests Rs 225 crore to acquire manufacturing facility for producing Compaq TVs

The company plans to make investments of around Rs 210 crore on infrastructure development of the facility over the next four years.




act

Toy maker Funskool inaugurates new factory in Ranipet

"The company will invest another Rs 15 crore in another three months. The factory is close to Chennai port, thereby facilitating easy exports to our buyers abroad. We are happy to inaugurate our third manufacturing facility in India and production has already begun ,” said John Baby, chief executive officer (CEO), Funskool.




act

World's top toymaker joins companies leaving China's factories

The world’s largest publicly traded toymaker, which has licenses for popular franchises such as “Frozen” and the “Avengers,” said US goods produced in China could drop to about 50% by the end of 2020, from just under two-thirds currently.




act

Safilo sees negligible impact from coronavirus outbreak for now

China accounts for just around 1% of the group's total revenue and Italy for 5%, the CEO said. Safilo's factory in China reopened on Feb. 10 and it is now running at 85% of its capacity, and no big problems occurred at plants in Italy.




act

LVMH to make sanitising gel instead of perfumes, make-up at 3 factories in France, distribute it for free to hospitals

Twelve tons of the gel will be produced as soon as this week.




act

Armani to make single use medical overalls at all its Italian factories

Giorgio Armani has donated 2 million euros in recent weeks to hospitals around Italy.




act

Covid-19 Impact: Titan reworks omnichannel directive for its jewellery wing to gain recovery in third quarter

We foresee a deferred demand. Most of the weddings in Q1 got pushed to Q3 or Q4 due to the lockdown. People may spend less money on destination weddings, clothes and other events around it. But we expect investment in jewellery for weddings, said Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan’s jewellery division.




act

Welspun India resumes partial ops at manufacturing facilities in Gujarat

On March 24, the company had decided to temporarily close its manufacturing operations at the two units with immediate effect till further notice following announcement of nationwide lockdown to curb spread of coronavirus pandemic.




act

Pepe Jeans, Tom Ford & Max Mara are least transparent fashion brands, likely to have poor working conditions in factories

The annual index by advocacy group Fashion Revolution - now in its fifth year - ranked 250 of the world's biggest brands according to how much information they disclose about their social and environmental policies, practices and outcomes.




act

Bangladesh garment factories reopen, defying virus lockdown

"We have to accept coronavirus as part of life. If we don't open factories, there will be economic crisis," said Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association vice president Mohammad Hatem.




act

Covid-19 Impact: Stylish face mask is the new focal accessory of India’s top fashion brands

Several apparel makers and fast-moving consumer goods companies had earlier stepped up to produce medical-grade masks as a philanthropic act when Covid-19 struck but now it is apparent that the pandemic is set to alter lifestyles for at least some time to come.




act

Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council inks pact with CIDESCO

Zurich-based Committee International d'Esthtique et de Cosmtologie (CIDESCO) is considered world standard for Beauty and Spa Therapy.




act

Coronavirus: Nivea India starts manufacturing hand sanitisers; to be distributed 'free of cost'

The company said its plant at Sanand in Gujarat which originally manufactures skincare products for the India market has begun production of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, and it will be shifting part of its production towards the making of sanitisers at the plant.




act

Prices of alcohols used in making hand sanitizers capped under Essential Commodities Act

The decision would empower the central government and states/union territories to regulate prices, production, sale, distribution, transport, movement, storage, information of alcohols used in manufacturing hand sanitizers, used as preventive measure to avoid infection from COVID-19, Ministry of Consumer Affairs said in a statement.




act

Govt asks liquor makers to manufacture hand sanitisers

“Now we want distilleries that have their own bottling plants to add a new product line - sanitisers - to their line up of alcoholic beverages. This will put off pressure from hand sanitiser industry which is facing huge challenge to meet the demand,” said a senior food ministry official.




act

Coronavirus Impact: VLCC starts manufacturing of hand sanitisers

Sanitisers, available in two sizes 50 ml and 500 ml, are marked at a price of Rs. 25 and Rs. 250 respectively, the company said. In addition to pharmacies, general stores, and VLCC wellness centers, customers can also buy VLCC hand sanitisers from e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and Nykaa.




act

Covid-19 Impact: Cycle Pure Agarbathies holds back prayer product launches to shift focus on hand sanitisers

The Mysuru-headquartered brand is using its fragrance stock to make ayurvedic hand sanitisers ever since its product portfolio comprising incense sticks, prayer and wellness products came under the non-essential category.




act

Anti-Vaccination Activists Join Stay-At-Home Order Protesters

Protests over stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19 have become more common around the country. In California, a surprising group is behind some of them: those who oppose mandatory vaccinations. On Thursday, a mash-up of people mingled on the sidewalk in front of California's state Capitol in Sacramento. There were Trump supporters wearing MAGA hats and waving American flags. There were Christians, singing along to religious rock songs and raising their hands in prayer. The event's MC. urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to tune into their event. "Everybody up at the Capitol, tell Gavin Newsom [to tune in to] 107.9 FM, if he wants to hear what we have to say," the MC told the crowd over loudspeakers. "It could be kind of good for him!" There were also mothers with their children at the rally. Many people were not wearing face masks or observing social distancing protocols. They'd all come out to protest California's stay-at-home order, put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. This week's




act

U.K. Airlines, Airports Fear 'Devastating Impact' Of Possible Quarantine Rules

Airlines and airport operators in the United Kingdom are not waiting for the British government to publicly confirm their fears. Already, the groups representing major players in the U.K.'s air travel industry are pushing back on a proposal that would require travelers to quarantine after arriving from outside the country. A spokesperson for Airlines UK — a trade body with British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair as members — says the group understands from government officials that plans for a quarantine are in the works, but that details remain scarce at the moment. "We need to see the detail of what they are proposing. Public health must of course be the priority and we will continue to be guided by Sage advice," the group said in a statement emailed to NPR, noting that support measures will be necessary to ensure "that we still have a UK aviation sector once the quarantine period is lifted." "We will be asking for assurances that this decision has been led by the science and that




act

Illinois Manufacturer To Lay Off 150 Workers, Move To Mexico

A storage safe manufacturer is closing two Chicago-area factories and moving operations to Mexico to counteract the effects of metal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. The Chicago Tribune reports Stack-On Products will lay off about 150 people at its Wauconda and McHenry plants when they close Oct. 12. Human resources director Al Fletcher said Tuesday the decision to relocate operations to Juarez, Mexico, was made about two months ago. That's when Trump announced tariffs on numerous goods and materials from China as well as other countries. Stack-On makes products ranging from tool boxes to gun vaults. Fletcher says the company has a plant in China and another in Mexico, and its only U.S. factories were the two in the Chicago area.




act

Rep. Bustos Stresses Importance Of Contact Tracing And Health Insurance After House Hearing

Illinois U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos is pushing for expansion of health insurance enrollment during the Covid-19 pandemic. She made the comment after leaving a House hearing Wednesday regarding the successor to the CARES Act. “I believe it’s shortsighted of the Trump administration not to reopen the enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act when we’re in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.” Bustos cosponsored a bill in April that would create this very enrollment period. It is currently in committee. Also after the hearing, she said a key area that needs to be included in future legislation is contact tracing of people who have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19. “If we don’t get a plan figured out for that, not just the money, but a plan, it is going to be very difficult for our country to get back into some state of normalcy," she said. "And that was clear in the hearing that we held today that that will be absolutely critical for our nation’s future.” Bustos also




act

Former X Factor star Nicholas McDonald covers Hero with other singers in NHS charity single

FORMER X Factor star Nicholas McDonald has announced he is covering Mariah Carey's hit hero with other singers to raise money for the NHS Covid-19 appeal.




act

October Democratic Debate: Live Analysis And Fact Checking

Twelve candidates take the stage for October's Democratic primary debate, which begins at 8 p.m. ET. NPR reporters are posting context and analysis in real time. Loading...




act

Illinois Governor Urges Action On Climate Change

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in his State of the State address Wednesday that “urgent action” is needed this session to deal with climate change. “Adopting new clean energy legislation," Pritzker said, "that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, and accelerates electrification of our transportation sector.” The governor said Illinois is already suffering from the effects of climate change. He cited last year’s polar vortex and devastating floods as examples. Pritzker stressed any legislation must put consumers and climate first -- not utility companies. His comments drew praise from advocates of new renewable energy legislation, both inside and outside the Capitol. State Representative Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest), the Illinois House sponsor of the Path to 100 Act that seeks to increase the State's renewable energy portfolio, lauded the governor in a media interview following the address: " Governor Pritzker understands the need to pass legislation this spring




act

Rockford Alderman, Activist John Beck Has Died

Rockford alderman and community activist John Beck has died. The 57-year-old Republican represented the city’s 12 th ward since 2001. He worked for the Rockford Park District as its Arts, Events, and Recreation Project Manager for the past 13 years. Beck also was known as a champion of accessibility and defender of the Americans With Disabilities Act. He served for 22 years as Development Director for RAMP, a Rockford-based organization offering services and advocacy for people with disabilities. He was a founding member of the Rockford Chariots wheelchair basketball association. And according to a news release from the Rockford Park District, Beck conducted assessments throughout the district “to insure the inclusion of people with disabilities in parks and recreation.” Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine said the “park district family” is heartbroken. “We will miss his quality service and we will miss his smile,” he wrote. “One thing we will not miss is his spirit




act

Five Facts About: Our first Scotswoman of the Year Bessie Johnston

Five facts about...Bessie Johnston




act

Letters of the day: Tory council leader told of Thatcher's impact on Glasgow

Tory impact on country




act

Big Yin Billy Connolly could return to acting

SIR Billy Connolly has said he may consider a return to acting if a “nice thing” came up.




act

Glasgow Science centre separates fact from science fiction

Glasgow Science Centre's Chris Banks looks at the science of Interstellar, Black Panther and Back to the Future




act

Rangers vice-chairman John Bennett criticises 'cynical tactics' of SPFL and insists issue not just Gers vs governing body

Rangers vice-chairman John Bennett has criticised the SPFL for their 'cynical tactics' over their labelling of the club's dossier as a "smoking gun" - and insists the issue is not merely Gers vs the governing body.




act

'Carmageddon': Stockpilers hit new B&M Robroyston - and Glaswegians react

Shelves were emptied in Robroyston's new B&M at the weekend as the public stockpile essentials amid coronavirus fears.




act

Media Roundtable: The COVID-19 Outbreak In Ciudad Juárez Factories & The Paycheck Protection Program

On this edition of Your Call’s Media Roundtable, factory workers in Ciudad Juarez are protesting to demand the closure of assembly plants along the US-Mexico border. Many are still open despite the growing coronavirus death toll among the workers.




act

Former Hearts chairman Leslie Deans urges club to take legal action against SPFL and clubs who 'voted for Hearts ejection from league'

Former Hearts chairman Leslie Deans has urged the club to take legal action against the SPFL as well as those who voted to end the season early, effectively relegating the Jambos.




act

Music Venue Trust says lockdown impact could be 'catastrophic' to Glasgow music venues

Small music venues across the city could be among some of the hardest hit businesses due to the coronavirus crisis, a charity has said.




act

Anti-Vaccination Activists Join Stay-At-Home Order Protesters

Protests over stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19 have become more common around the country. In California, a surprising group is behind some of them: those who oppose mandatory vaccinations. On Thursday, a mash-up of people mingled on the sidewalk in front of California's state Capitol in Sacramento. There were Trump supporters wearing MAGA hats and waving American flags. There were Christians, singing along to religious rock songs and raising their hands in prayer. The event's MC. urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to tune into their event. "Everybody up at the Capitol, tell Gavin Newsom [to tune in to] 107.9 FM, if he wants to hear what we have to say," the MC told the crowd over loudspeakers. "It could be kind of good for him!" There were also mothers with their children at the rally. Many people were not wearing face masks or observing social distancing protocols. They'd all come out to protest California's stay-at-home order, put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. This week's