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FOX Business Stuart Varney weighs in on Seattles autonomous zone.

FOX BusinessStuart Varney, in his latest My Take, argues the autonomous zone in Seattle, Washington, poses a problemfor Democrat leaders.

An insurrection in Seattle. Inelite, polite society, the occupied downtown is called an autonomous zone, Varney said. Its really a no-go area for police. The rule of law, overthrown. Yes, an insurrection. The mayor, Jenny Durkan, says its ok for the people to challenge authority. Its patriotism she says. Patriotic to reject and throw out the rule of law? Thats a stretch!

VARNEY: IT'S TIME FOR SOME SERIOUS QUESTIONING OF LIBERAL POLITICS

Pedestrians walk past a mural painted on plywood covering a window Monday, June 8, 2020, in Seattle, near the site of a demonstration the night before at a Seattle police precinct where protests continued over the death of George Floyd, a black man w

Varney said the center of an American city has been turned over to anarchists and liberals dont know how to handle it.

They are embarrassed. This insurrection is their creation, but they've lost control, Varney said. In Seattle, the police left their precinct, removed files and equipment and turned the building over to the mob. Who is going to take it back and how?

He said one reason behind this is mayors turning a blind eye to violence and looting.

VARNEY: AMERICAN UNITY REPLACED BY A NATION ON EDGE

The police get the blame. Looters go free. Nobody cares about burned out small businesses, Varney said. America's big cities have become victims of their own liberal leadership.

President Trump has said he wont let Seattle be occupied by anarchists.

If they don't straighten that situation out, we're going to straighten it out, Trump told Fox News' Harris Faulkner during an interview on Thursday.

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Two people embrace Monday, June 8, 2020, in Seattle, near the site of a demonstration the night before at a Seattle police precinct where protests continued over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was in police custody in Minneapolis. (AP Pho

Imagine, a president threatens to take back control from anarchists and its considered inflammatory! Varney said.

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Varney believes the revoltin Seattle is an issue for Democrats.

America does not look kindly on burning, looted cities and has very little time for anarchist takeovers. And this is happening in Democrat-run areas, he said. They really should learn the lesson of 1968. Back then, cities were burning. The media hated the Republican candidate in that year's presidential election. Richard Nixon stood for law and order and won!

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Varney: There's an insurrection in Seattle - Fox Business

January 2020 dawned with the news of the Australian bushfire crisis, and it would appear that the world has been in free fall ever since, as nationwide protests, riots, natural calamities and an unprecedented global pandemic assumed headlines. With the future suspended in limbo, there is no denying the importance of staying informed about whats coming next. However, experts believe that the constant parade of gloom-and-doom news pieces can be detrimental to mental health. Holding your breath while reading the headlines, difficulty in eating or sleeping after reading the news, increased signs of fatigue while doing lesser than normal, feeling desensitised to the headlines or experiencing a sense of numbness in response to the ever-escalating calamitiesif any of this sounds familiar to you, it might be time to step away from the news.

The sentiment is echoed by psychologist and published researcher, Tanya Percy Vasunia. She says, At this particular moment in history, it is unsurprising that the news is making people anxious. COVID-19, cyclones, economic recession, the plight of the migrant workersand these are just a few of the headlines. Buzzwords like new normal and we are in this together continue to circulate, without giving us much clarity on what this new normal looks like and how we are in this together when clearly some people are more at risk health-wise and others are facing financial ruin. The truth is that we have all faced anxiety at some point of time in our lives, but never before has this collective feeling of uncertainty plagued millennials and generation Z. Ironically, we look to the news for answers, only to find that there are no answers. Anxiety works on the principle of possibility, and from where we stand currently, anything seems possible and that is terrifying.

She believes that continued exposure to negative information can shift anxious feelings into a full-blown anxiety disorder. While a mental health professional should be consulted at this point, stigma can often prevent this. She elaborates, A few days ago, a client of mine during a session spoke about how the world seems to be drowning. When we explored this further, he spoke about how every time he saw the news, there was one new problem, one new obstacle and he felt that he, and the world, just couldnt catch a break. We discussed how its hard to separate yourself from all the uncertainty and explored a few ways of holding onto the things that were certain, like his ability to donate money to help those in need, his ability to care for his family and so on.

Vasunia believes that the constant stream of negative information is unhelpful for the upkeep of mental health. She elaborates, This year has been difficult on many levels and unfortunately, the sensationalisation of negative news by the media increases the sense of doom that people are experiencing. It triggers anxiety, reinforces anxious thoughts and further impacts ones mood.

The Mumbai-based psychologist cautions about the telltale signs that the consumption of daily news is contributing to anxiety. Some common symptoms include the inability to switch off news apps and television, followed by unhelpful rumination about whats coming next. You may find yourself nervous every time you get a news alert on a device. After watching the news, you might find yourself feeling helpless and have trouble sleeping or relaxing. It is also common to find yourself feeling agitated and unhappy with loved ones after watching the news, she says.

While the benefits of giving yourself a breather are manifold, theres no denying the common stigma of being judged for not knowing whats happening with the world. Vasunia explains, We are under the misguided notion that knowledge equates to power. However, in the current socio-economic climate, new information is unlikely to provide any earth-shattering revelation. And if there is an earth-shattering turn of events, there are enough people who will call, text, FaceTime, drop a message on WhatsApp or call you on Zoom to let you know. The most powerful knowledge comes from having a better understanding of your mental headspace. If the news is getting to you and you take a step back, whats the worst that can happen? The time off will give the chance for more learning, the understanding of how to relax, the ability to channel unhelpful thoughts into positive actions and most importantly, you will have a renewed capacity to tackle whatever the year has left to send our way.

If you find yourself experiencing disillusionment or anxiety in the face of everyday news, Vasunia details certain measures for monitoring your exposure to news. If this year has brought anything to light, it is that physical and mental health are crucial factors when dealing with any kind of a crisis, she says. In times like these, self-care is of paramount importance, whether it is indulging your senses with music and meditation apps or reaching out to your support network. If you know of someone experiencing escalating levels of news-related anxiety, enable them to reach out and ask for help from mental health professionals.

Set aside a limited time every day to look over the news, preferably before a time-consuming activity, such as a workout. This will allow you to focus on something else after reading or watching the news. Furthermore, exercise has proven instrumental in improving mood and mental health.

Dont be afraid to look for the good and actively focus on it. While there are many things going wrong, there are things going well too. By balancing the kind of information you receive, you can maintain a healthy balance which will prevent you from feeling triggered or going into a downward spiral.

Notifications take away your ability to choose when you want to look at the news. When the world feels like it is spinning out of control, why allow another element that you cannot control to be present? Taking back control will assist in the overall reduction of news-related anxiety and low moods. This includes secondary sources of news, such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook status updates and Instagram Stories, among others.

For instance, Mondays can be devoid of Facebook and Instagram, Tuesdays can have no WhatsApp, Wednesdays can be no news apps and Thursdays can be without televised news. Creating a similar schedule for yourself makes for a simple yet effective way to avoid being bombarded by information from multiple platforms at the same time.

It is also essential to ensure that you arent just talking about the news to your family and friends. During the pandemic, there hasnt been much to do and it is natural to discuss the goings-on of the world. However, try to ensure that this isnt the only conversation you are having. Make it a point to talk about other things, such as books you are reading, television shows you are watching, new recipes youre trying out and so on. This is a good way of moving away from news-related anxiety while still learning new pieces of information.

5 truths you need to know about social media, and how to counter digital anxiety

One writers guide to digital detox (and possibly Nirvana)

Feeling anxious? Heres how to manage it

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How to know when its time to step away from the news cycle - VOGUE India

LONDON The Premier League will take an estimated 1 billion (S$1.76 billion) hit because of the coronavirus pandemic, with empty stadiums and lingering safety fears awaiting its clubs as they prepare to restart the season.

The English top flight has been suspended since March 13 and while it will resume next Wednesday, three months of no live football is expected to weigh heavily on its revenue for the 2019-2020 financial year.

According to an annual review of the game by Deloitte Sports Business Group that was published yesterday, around 500 million of the lost revenue will be the result of rebates to broadcasters, a reduction in ticket sales due to games being played behind closed doors and reduced commercial contracts.

Another 500 million will be deferred to the following financial year.

With a reported total revenue of 5.2 billion in the 2018-19 term, the Premier League is the world's richest football competition by far and it continues to attract interest from overseas buyers.

Despite a projected rapid recovery in finances, the pandemic could force Premier League clubs to reassess cost controls and focus on long-term stability, according to Dan Jones, partner and head of the sports business group at Deloitte.

"The decisions taken now will determine if the 2019-20 season is seen in future as the end of a golden age or the start of a better, stronger new era," he said.

Separately, all the Premier League clubs yesterday approved a range of match-day protocols for the resumption, starting with the Manchester City v Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United games.

The latest shareholders' meeting discussed the details of medical and operational rules, including how many backroom staff will be allowed to attend away games.

Clubs will also have a minute's silence for those who have died in the pandemic while kits will also sport a heart-shaped badge in honour of the work done by the National Health Service and front-line staff.

English Premier League 5.2 billion (S$9.1 billion)

Spanish La Liga 3.4 billion (S$5.4 billion)

German Bundesliga 3.3 billion (S$5.2 billion)

Italian Serie A 2.5 billion (S$4 billion)

French Ligue 1 1.9 billion (S$3 billion)

All the remaining 92 games will be played behind closed doors and a strict limit of 300 people - including broadcast staff, media personnel, commentators, doping officials and scouts - will be allowed in stadiums on match days.

Stadiums will be split into red, amber and green zones with the red zone to include 20 players, 12 coaching and medical staff and a further five "essential staff" per team.

Other measures involve the deep cleaning of corner flags, goal posts, substitution boards and match balls, while safe distancing must be observed when appropriate.

These are among the requirements imposed by the British government so that professional sports, including top-tier football, can safely resume.

BLOOMBERG, REUTERS

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Premier League revenue will suffer $1.8b virus shock - The Straits Times

Facebook has begun labeling media outlets that are wholly or partially under the editorial control of their government, following an announcement of the policy in 2019. It will start labeling ads from these outlets later this year, as well as banning state-controlled media from advertising inside the US.

The company is labeling these pages because they combine the influence of a media organization with the strategic backing of a state, and we believe people should know if the news they read is coming from a publication that may be under the influence of a government.

Facebook labels state-controlled media outlets based on a variety of factors, including information about their ownership and funding, the level of transparency around their sources, and the existence of accountability systems like a corrections policy. Outlets can appeal with evidence that they operate independently, including laws that protect editorial freedom and a credible assessment from an outside source. Otherwise, Facebook will add a notice to the outlets pages worldwide, and labels will appear on News Feed posts in the US.

You can already see labels on the pages and posts of some outlets that have been blamed for spreading propaganda in the US, including Sputnik and RT. Theyre both now defined as state-controlled media, along with other outlets like China Daily. Facebook isnt the first to do something like this; YouTube experimented with labeling state-funded news channels in 2018, although enforcement has been inconsistent.

Facebook says state-controlled outlets rarely advertise in the US. But its blocking those ads out of an abundance of caution to provide an extra layer of protection against various types of foreign influence in the public debate ahead of the November 2020 election in the US. This supplements Facebooks existing removal of inauthentic pages that spread propaganda or disinformation.

This labeling feature is part of a larger effort to protect the 2020 elections integrity. However, Facebook has still faced criticism for choosing not to fact-check politicians including President Donald Trump on its platform.

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Facebook starts labeling state-controlled media pages - The Verge

Fully managed solution that enables touchless interaction with in-store large-screen displays using a viewers personal smartphone, reducing potential contact exposure to COVID-19

Alpharetta, GA, June 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Convergent Media Systems Corporation, a Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE American: BTN) company and award-winning leader in delivering digital signage experiences (Convergent), has teamed up with BrightSign LLC, the global market leader in digital signage media players, to offer an integrated solution that delivers interactive digital signage experiences using the viewers phone to control content on a digital sign. This solution allows retailers, banks and other businesses to enable viewers to navigate and access information on a large digital display without touching it thereby reducing potential exposure to COVID-19.

SafeStore Screen Control is a turnkey solution, complete with all the hardware, software and services necessary, including installation, support and maintenance for quick deployment and reliable operation at scale.

Retailers, banks and other enterprises had been investing in large-screen touch interactive experiences long before COVID-19, said John Campbell, President of Convergent. SafeStore Screen Control now delivers touchless engagement without the need for contact with frequently touched surfaces or touchscreens.

This solution exemplifies how AV integrators can leverage our technology to create innovative digital signage solutions, said Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign. This capability gives businesses a quick, cost-effective way to provide interactive experiences without the need to replace expensive touchscreen displays and lets partners like Convergent deliver greater value by providing sophisticated integration and content development services.

SafeStore Screen Control also lets businesses leverage the viewers phones for advanced functionality, like registering for events, downloading and saving product information, and calling, texting and sharing via social media, explained Greg Davis, SVP Sales & Marketing at Convergent. This opens up a wide range of marketing opportunities for businesses to engage with their customers in new ways that enhance the omnichannel experience.

SafeStore Screen Control offers the following benefits:

Widely AccessibleWorks with IOS or Android phones utilizing phones web browser, so no need to download an app.

Easy to UseUser simply joins WiFi and launches web browser, and user interface appears on the viewers phone.

InnovativeWide range of programming options to handle almost any controller/display content scenario, including use of the phones calling, texting, sharing and file downloading capabilities.

FlexibleUse new or existing displays of almost any size, make or model.

Choose displays that best suit your budget and store environment Various display mounting options (wall, pole, ceiling) The user interface on the phone and the content on the display can be updated remotely

Convergent brings over 35 years of AV engineering and creative expertise to the development of innovative solutions like our SafeStore suite of products said Campbell. Our commitment is to deliver engaging digital experiences that combine function, scale and reliability.

For more information on this and other SafeStore products, visit http://www.convergent.com/safestore or call (770) 369-9000.

About ConvergentConvergent Media Systems Corporation, a Ballantyne Strong, Inc. company, is changing expectations about how to create and manage digital signage experiences. With over 35 years of innovation, we challenge clients to think differently about how they engage with their customers and employees and the technology they use to do it. Clients rely on us to eliminate complexity by integrating and managing best of breed technologies into single source solutions. And our award-winning creative captivates, engages and motivates buyers. Today our digital experiences reach thousands of locations around the world and are seen by millions of people each day. More information is available at http://www.convergent.com.

About BrightSignBrightSign LLC, the global market leader in digital signage media players, is headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with offices in Europe and Asia. BrightSignmanufactures media players and provides free software and networking solutions for the commercial digital signage market worldwide, serving all vertical segments of the digital signage marketplace.From entry-level BrightSign LS players to BrightSign XT players offering state-of-the-art technology and unsurpassed performance, BrightSigns products areknownfor their signature reliability, affordability, ease-of-use, and market-leading technology. For more information, visit http://www.brightsign.biz. Follow BrightSign at http://twitter.com/brightsign and http://www.facebook.com/BrightSignLLC.

About Ballantyne Strong, Inc.Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (www.ballantynestrong.com) and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including the design, integration and installation of technology solutions for a broad range of applications; development and delivery of out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufacturing of projection screens; and providing managed services including monitoring of networked equipment. The Company focuses on serving the entertainment, retail and advertising markets.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include forward-looking statements, such as our expectations regarding future sales, the impact, length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the adequacy of the actions taken in response to the pandemic, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the Risk Factors section contained in Item 1A in Ballantyne Strong, Inc.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Companys subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the following risks and uncertainties: the Companys ability to maintain and expand its revenue streams, potential interruptions of supplier relationships or higher prices charged by suppliers, the Companys ability to successfully compete and introduce enhancements and new features that achieve market acceptance and that keep pace with technological developments, the Companys access to capital, the Companys ability to successfully execute its capital allocation strategy, the Companys ability to maintain its brand and reputation and retain or replace its significant customers, the impact of a challenging global economic environment or a downturn in the markets (such as the current economic disruption and market volatility generated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), economic and political risks of selling products in foreign countries (including tariffs), risks of non-compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, potential sales tax collections and claims for uncollected amounts, cybersecurity risks and risks of damage and interruptions of information technology systems, the Companys ability to retain key members of management and successfully integrate new executives, the Companys ability to complete acquisitions, strategic investments, entry into new lines of business, divestitures, mergers or other transactions on acceptable terms or at all, the Companys ability to utilize or assert its intellectual property rights, the impact of natural disasters and other catastrophic events (such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), the adequacy of insurance and the impact of having a controlling stockholder. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. Many of the risks listed above have been, and may be further be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the cinema and entertainment industry, and the worsening economic environment. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as others not now anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

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Convergent and BrightSign Introduce SafeStore Screen Control - GlobeNewswire