Bethann Hardison on Observing Ramadan in the Age of Social Distancing

Although I grew up in an muslim household from the age of 12, I don’t consider myself to be a practicing muslim. That said, Ramadan is the one thing I do observe now. Many people think of it only as a time of fasting, but it’s much more than that. As the most sacred month on the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is supposed to be about kindness and giving back, a moment to share with others. Our own sense of conscious enlightenment comes into play as well. It’s not just about generosity towards others, it’s about being generous with oneself. In these uncertain times, that’s something we can all relate to.

Typically, muslim families come together to celebrate during Ramadan, which began on Thursday, though sadly many will be celebrating at a distance this year. It’s something that I’ve personally tended to observe in a solitary way, at least as an adult. I will likely spend the duration of the holy month here in my home in upstate New York where I’ve been since March 13. I made the journey to Saugerties with my friend Iman, who has a house close by.

The first day is always a big adjustment. Most people get up and eat before sunrise, but I’d rather sleep anytime than eat, though sometimes I do get up to have a glass of water.

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Missouri is suing China over coronavirus

Missouri is suing the Chinese government and other top institutions for the role they played in the coronavirus pandemic and the effects it has had on the state, accusing the country of covering up information, silencing whistleblowers and doing little to stop the spread of the disease, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced Tuesday.

At least 6,105 people have been confirmed to have the virus in Missouri and at least 229 have died, according to numbers from Johns Hopkins University.

Schmitt, in his official role as attorney general of Missouri, filed the civil lawsuit in federal court in the eastern district of Missouri.

The lawsuit, the first of its kind, claims "Chinese authorities deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistleblowers, denied human-to-human transmission in the face of mounting evidence, destroyed critical medical research, permitted millions of people to be exposed to the virus, and even hoarded personal protective equipment—thus causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable."

Legal experts have said the lawsuit faces an uphill battle because China is protected by sovereign immunity. CNN is reaching out to the Chinese government for comment.

Missouri's lawsuit alleges that while the Chinese medical community had indications of human-to-human transmission of the virus, they did not inform the World Health Organization when they first reported the outbreak.

It also alleges Chinese leaders did little to curb spread of the virus, still allowing thousands of people to travel to and out of Wuhan.

"In mid-January, on or around January 16, despite knowing the risks of doing so, Wuhan leaders hosted a potluck dinner for 40,000 residents, increasing the potential spread of the virus," it says. "Defendants allowed these massive public gatherings and massive exodus from Wuhan despite knowing the risks of COVID-19, including the risk of human-to-human transmission."

The filing also outlines how officials initially cracked down on medical professionals who posted information about the virus, including Dr. Li Wenliang, who was accused of rumor-mongering by the Wuhan police after sharing information about a new illness with his medical school alumni group. Wenliang later died of the virus.

The state also alleges China hoarded PPE while concealing the outbreak and that the small amounts they have released have been "faulty."

Those, among other actions taken by Chinese officials had a massive toll on human life and health and has led to "enormous" economic disruptions across the world, according to the lawsuit.

"Before the pandemic, Missouri had one of its lowest unemployment rates of the past decade, but on information and belief, Missouri's unemployment rate is now the highest it has been since the Great Depression," the suit claims. "Responding to the pandemic has required shutting down businesses, disrupting ordinary production and trade, and dislocating workers.

Source: CNN

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2Baba, Davido, Others Shut Down Anambra Concert

In an effort to bring fans closer to their favourite celebrities, popular event and club manager, Cubana Chief Priest brought together Flavour, Davido, Peruzzi, 2Baba and other top artistes to deliver electric performances recently in Anambra State.

The South-eastern state regularly enjoys the visit of A Listers who come to perform their hit songs to the admiration of the fans.

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NFC Boss, Maduekwe Receives Outstanding Performance Award

Dr Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), has   been honoured with “Ohafia Outstanding Performance Award” by the National Association of Ohafia Students (NAOS) in Abia State.

Maduekwe was honoured at Ebem, Ohafia, on Monday at the annual NAOS prestigious award for sons and daughters of Ohafia that have made outstanding impacts in their respective points of service to fatherland.

According to the organisers, the NFC boss is recognised for his commitment towards youths empowerment through the nationwide entrepreneurial training in film production for youths across the country.

The group noted that the NFC under Maduekwe watch, has steered the Nigerian motion picture industry as a veritable tool in driving   nationalism, values of love, peace and tolerance among Nigerians irrespective of tribal and religious divide.

Presenting the award to Maduekwe, the president of the association, Comrade Idika Michael, said: “we thanked Dr Chidia Maduekwe for making us proud by  his dedication towards youth empowerment, skills acquisition and eradication of poverty in line with the vision of the President of Nigeria, General Mohammadu Buhari.

“The entrepreneurial training of the Nigerian Film Corporation under his watch has been very helpful to Nigerian youths in general and to Ohafia youths in particular.

The event attracted captain of industries, top government functionaries, including Chief Kalu Umeh, SAN, former Attorney General of Abia State,among others.

President Buhari appointed Maduekwe in 2017 as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, a Federal Government Agency with the mandate to grow and develop a viable film industry for Nigeria.

It spearheads the acquisition and maintenance of facilities for film production and provides training and advancement of skills and talents of persons employed in the Nigerian film industry generally.

The National Film Institute, an arm of the Nigerian Film Corporation, which is located in Jos, offers short courses and degree programmes in film production and archival studies.

Source: Leadership

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Liverpool vs Barcelona: Will We Suffer? Yes - Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has predicted that Liverpool will 'suffer' in the hands of Spanish giants, Barcelona, but they will create and get the most chances in the Champions League crunch tie on Wednesday.

“Will we be perfect? That’s not possible. Will we make mistakes? Oh, yes. Will we suffer? Oh, yes, 100%,” said the German.

“Will there be moments when we have a chance? Yes, 100%. I hope we will use them – that is what we will try to do.”

“We were in contention last year, but they have been in contention for nearly 20 years. It will be so difficult, but I couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity.

“I hope my players feel the same.”

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