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Globe and Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Nunavut declares years-long tuberculosis outbreaks over
Nunavut's health department declared an end to years-long tuberculosis outbreaks in two Baffin Island communities on Thursday. Pangnirtung, a hamlet 45 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, had the largest outbreak of TB in the territory in at least seven years. The outbreak was declared in November, 2021, and resulted in 47 active TB cases and 225 latent or 'sleeping' infections, which are asymptomatic and non-contagious. The outbreak in Pond Inlet, located on the northern tip of Baffin Island, was declared in March, 2023. A total of 13 active and 117 sleeping cases, which can turn into potentially fatal active TB disease, were confirmed over the two-year period. Ekua Agyemang, Nunavut's chief public health officer, said an outbreak, according to Canadian standards, can be declared over when there have been no new, active cases identified over two incubation periods, which is roughly two years. She said it is 'exciting news' to finally announce an end to the two outbreaks. 'It shows the resilience of the community and their willingness to come together to work with us, as well as our partners, NTI (the territorial Inuit organization), and everyone else who has been supportive during this journey,' Dr. Agyemang said. TB is a contagious bacterial disease that can be fatal if left untreated. While TB is rare in most of Canada, it disproportionately affects Inuit communities. In 2023, the rate of TB among Inuit peoples was over 37 times that of the overall Canadian population. The majority of Nunavut's population is Inuit. From the archives | How a Nunavut hamlet's tuberculosis outbreak unfolded without adequate government support Dr. Agyemang said early identification and treatment was key to slowing spread and eventually ending the outbreaks. She said part of this effort required training for health care workers so they could recognize, test and treat TB. A community-wide screening program also took place in the fall of 2023. Community engagement played an important role as well, part of which focused on breaking down stigma and fear of TB due to Canada's history of TB sanatoriums and colonial violence, Dr. Agyemang said. 'Getting people to talk about it, getting survivors to talk about it, getting people who have had the treatment to talk about it, went a long way to break down the stigma, the fear, and encourage people to be to be screened,' she said. The federal government vowed in 2018, during the major territorial outbreak in Qikiqtarjuaq, to eliminate TB in Inuit communities by 2030. The outbreak in Pangnirtung, south of Qikiqtarjuaq and home to roughly 1,500 people, was the largest publicly reported outbreak since. A Globe and Mail investigation published in June, 2022, found that front-line nurses in Pangnirtung were begging for help the previous summer as TB cases multiplied, and as senior health officials dragged their feet on publicly declaring an outbreak. There are still active outbreaks in Nunavut – in Naujaat, located at the northern end of Hudson Bay, and Arviat, on its western shore. Dr. Agyemang said the strategies used in Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet are being replicated in those areas. She said while the outbreak is considered over in both of the Baffin Island communities, meaning there is little risk of TB transmission, surveillance will continue. This includes through preschool, Grade 6 and employment screening programs. 'We only know what we know,' Dr. Agyemang said. 'There are people in the community that over the course of the two years, four years, never came into contact with the health care centre and might have TB. We don't know about them but we know that we've done our due diligence.'
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prepare for a hot, tight July 4th freight market
Trucking carriers operating in the spot market should see a nice payday if they choose loads carefully in the lead-up to the July 4th holiday, based on SONAR freight market data, while freight brokers need to stay in touch with their customers to protect their margins against potentially surging spot rates. The U.S. truckload market is currently navigating a complex landscape marked by economic uncertainty and fluctuating demand, as indicated by recent trends in tender rejections and spot rates. These indexes, crucial in assessing the health of the freight sector, reveal a nuanced picture of both opportunity and potential peril for various stakeholders within the industry. Over the past two years, the truckload market has seen a gradual but significant exit of capacity. This contraction can be largely attributed to adverse business conditions that have persisted since the post-pandemic peak. According to FMCSA data, from June 2020 to October 2022, the number of active truckload operating authorities surged by approximately 48%, but they have since declined by about 12%. This downsizing reflects a correction mode in response to overinflated capacity during the pandemic boom, which is still being unwound. The Outbound Tender Rejection INdex, a measure of the percentage of loads rejected by carriers, has become increasingly volatile, indicating sensitivity to changes in market balance and economic signals. Recent data shows that tender rejection rates have risen above 6% since mid-May, a period coinciding with broader underwhelming demand conditions. This increase suggests tightening capacity and stressed networks, as carriers find themselves more empowered to decline freight in the face of proliferating and lucrative options. Los Angeles tender rejections currently stand at 2.85%, a small bump following a relative drought of containerized imports amid stiff competition from intermodal rail. At this point, any significant tightening in LA will have implications for the national freight market. Meanwhile, Dallas has seen its OTRI rise more significantly, now standing at 6.8%, up from lower figures earlier in the month. The increase in Dallas is particularly illustrative of regional pressures, which are likely tied to specific industry sectors experiencing localized freight demand rises. These changes highlight the broader trend of rising rejection rates in major freight hubs, suggesting a growing equilibrium between supply and demand that could lead to varying conditions for carriers and brokers alike. (The national average Outbound Tender Rejection Index [in white] has risen to 6%, and the National Truckload Index, a fuel-inclusive spot rate, has risen to $2.27 per mile). At the same time, the National Truckload Index (NTI), a national average spot rate, has spiked and receded over the past month and is now at $2.27 per mile. These swings are driven by not only seasonal factors but also wider economic challenges, including inflation and rising costs. This fluctuation in spot rates presents a two-sided challenge: while carriers profit from increased rates, brokers must deftly manage these changes to ensure profitability and maintain a competitive edge. As the industry approaches the July 4th holiday, historically a peak period for the trucking sector, the increase in tender rejections and spot rates signals a potential boon for trucking carriers. The ability to capture higher rates could bolster their balance sheets after months of challenging conditions. However, this uptick also signals a potential risk for freight brokers, who must work swiftly with their customers to renegotiate contract rates to preserve their margins. The market's current state indicates that while there is promise for carriers, the same conditions pose challenges for brokers. The increased rates, if not faced with corresponding contract rate adjustments, will compress broker margins, highlighting the importance of proactive communication and strategic contract management with shippers. The post Prepare for a hot, tight July 4th freight market appeared first on FreightWaves. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
News18
22-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Inside Iran's Nuclear Network: All About Natanz, Fordow And Isfahan Facilities Hit By US Strikes
Last Updated: These sites represent the core of Iran's nuclear program, each playing a distinct role in advancing capabilities that the international community views with increasing concern. Following the recent US airstrikes that targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure, attention has turned to the three key facilities at the heart of Iran's uranium enrichment and nuclear research efforts — Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. These sites represent the core of Iran's nuclear program, each playing a distinct role in advancing capabilities that the international community views with increasing concern. Tucked beneath the mountains near the holy city of Qom, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is one of the most fortified and secretive nuclear facilities in Iran. Much of its infrastructure lies deep underground, offering a high degree of protection from conventional airstrikes. CNN, citing Israeli intelligence documents, reports that the plant's main halls are estimated to be 80 to 90 meters (262 to 295 feet) underground. Due to its depth and fortification, only the US military is believed to possess the capability to strike the site effectively, likely with its Massive Ordnance Penetrators delivered by B-2 bombers. Recent IAEA reports indicate that Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment at Fordow to 60%, and the facility now houses approximately 2,700 centrifuges, intensifying global concerns about the site's purpose and activity. Located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Tehran, Natanz is considered Iran's most significant uranium enrichment site. Analysts quoted by CNN say the facility is primarily used to develop and assemble centrifuges, which are essential for enriching uranium—a process that can be used for both civilian nuclear energy and, at higher purities, weapons development. The Natanz complex comprises multiple overground and underground structures, including six surface buildings and three underground halls. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), two of these underground structures are capable of housing up to 50,000 centrifuges. This vast capacity makes it a central hub in Iran's enrichment operations. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% purity at the site's above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant—just shy of the 90% required for weapons-grade material. Isfahan: The Heart of Iran's Nuclear Research Operations Located in central Iran, the Isfahan nuclear facility is widely considered the largest and most advanced research center within the country's nuclear program. Established in 1984 with assistance from China, the complex is reported to employ around 3,000 scientists and plays a central role in supporting both the technical and scientific foundation of Iran's nuclear ambitions. The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) describes Isfahan as a multifunctional hub that houses three Chinese-supplied research reactors, a uranium conversion facility, a fuel production plant, a zirconium cladding plant, and a wide array of laboratories and auxiliary infrastructure. Its comprehensive capabilities make it not only a vital component of Iran's nuclear development but also a site of strategic concern for the international community, given its potential for both civilian and military nuclear applications.
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First Post
22-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Three nuclear sites bombed by US in Iran: Here's what we know about them
Trump announced the strikes on three Iranian enrichment facilities — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — and said that a 'full payload of BOMBS was dropped' on Fordo read more US President Donald Trump addresses the nation regarding the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites as seen on a television screen in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC. Source: AFP The US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday (June 22), in a major blow to the Shi'ite nation's nuclear programme. Trump announced the strikes on three Iranian enrichment facilities — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — and said that a 'full payload of BOMBS was dropped' on Fordo. 'All planes are safely on their way home,' Trump added in his post. 'Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's what we know about the three targeted nuclear sites. Natanz This nuclear complex is located 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of the capital Tehran and is considered Iran's largest uranium enrichment facility. Experts state that the Natanz facility is used for developing and assembling centrifuges for uranium enrichment, a critical process for producing nuclear fuel. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), Natanz comprises six above-ground buildings and three underground structures, two of which can accommodate 50,000 centrifuges. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran was enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity at its above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant. Weapons-grade uranium requires 90 per cent enrichment. Fordow The site still remains mysterious as much information is not available in public domain. It's known to be located close to the holy city of Qom and buried deep in a group of mountains. The main halls at Fordow are estimated to be 80 to 90 meters (approximately 262 to 295 feet) underground. Israeli officials and independent reports have previously stated that only the US possesses bombs capable of penetrating such depths. Recent IAEA reports indicate that Iran has increased production of 60 per cent-enriched uranium at Fordow. Experts and the IAEA confirm the facility now houses 2,700 centrifuges. Isfahan This is Iran's largest nuclear research complex. The Isfahan facility, constructed with Chinese assistance and operational since 1984, employs 3,000 scientists, per the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). NTI notes it is 'suspected of being the center' of Iran's nuclear program. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It 'operates three small Chinese-supplied research reactors,' as well as a 'conversion facility, a fuel production plant, a zirconium cladding plant, and other facilities and laboratories,' the NTI says.
Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
US joins Israeli offensive against Iran as Trump announces strikes on 3 nuclear sites in Tehran
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that America has struck three nuclear sites in Iran, directly joining the Israeli offensive against the Islamic country to decapitate its nuclear programme and threatening a possible Iranian retaliation that could spark a wider regional conflict. Iran's state run news agency IRNA reported early on Sunday that the attacks targeted the country's Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites without elaborating. In a major escalation of conflict, Trump joined the Israeli offensive against Iran after days of deliberation and more than a week after Israel launched its strikes on Iran that aimed to systematically destroy the country's air defences and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. Trump said: 'We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan…Iran must agree to end this war.' The US President added that he would address the country on Saturday night at the White House and give out details about the US military's operation in Iran. The strikes by US on three nuclear sites in Iran is a perilous decision as Tehran had pledged to retaliate if Washington joined the Israeli offensive. The US strikes also goes against Trump's electoral promise where he had said to keep America out of costly foreign conflicts. 'We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.… — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 21, 2025 The United States struck three key nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz — hubs of Iran's nuclear ambitions. The International Atomic Energy Agency had confirmed that Iran was producing highly enriched uranium at Fordow, which raised the possibility of the nuclear material to be released in the area. Earlier strikes by Israel on Natanz nuclear site's centrifuge had only caused contamination at the site itself, not the surrounding area, the IAEA had said. The Fordow nuclear site is located near the city of Qom and is surrounded by mountains. Not much was known about this nuclear site until the Israeli intelligence was able to steal a trove of Iranian documents related to the site years ago. The main hall of the nuclear site is located about 80 to 90 metres beneath the ground. A recent IAEA report had stated that Iran had ramped up production of enriched uranium to a level of 60% at Fordow and the facility contains about 2,700 centrifuges. The Isfahan nuclear site is the largest nuclear research complex in the country and is located in central Iran. It was opened in 1984 and was built with the help of China, non-profit organisation NTI stated. According to NTI, about 3,000 scientists work at the facility which is 'suspected of being the center' of Iran's nuclear programme. President Donald Trump's direct military intervention in Iran, by joining the Israeli offensive, comes after his administration pushed for a nuclear deal with the Islamic country and held several high-level talks, direct negotiations in the past couple of months. However, the Trump administration's attempts to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear programme failed and no agreement was reached. It was then that Israel launched its strike against Tehran last Friday. Trump, while issuing a warning to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had said: 'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.' The US's military conflict with Iran comes after seven years when Trump withdrew from a deal signed between Tehran and then US President Barack Obama's administration, calling it the 'worst deal ever'.
